by Sydney Logan
Jesse fakes a cough to cover his laugh. Just then, I get a text, and the words on the screen nearly cause my heart to stop beating.
I’m naked and drunk. Come home to me.
“I may take you up on that, Nick.” With a smile, I reach into my wallet and toss some cash onto the bar. “The burger’s on me. Nice to meet you.”
“Thanks, man. Appreciate that.”
Jesse’s still laughing as I make my way out the door.
My imagination conjures many visual fantasies on the drive to Skye’s apartment, but nothing prepares me for what greets me at the door.
“You and I need to have a serious conversation,” Lynsey says.
I glance around as she pulls me toward the couch. “Where’s Skye?”
“She’s changing, but that’s not important.”
I disagree. A naked Skye is very important. My gaze lingers longingly down the hallway.
Lynsey’s impatient fingers snap in front of my face. “Focus! Why are you still going through with this wedding?”
“You think this is my idea?”
“I don’t know what to think! Skye’s drunk, which never, ever happens. Or, at least, not before she met you. I think she’s having panic attacks, and it’s all because of your stupid wedding! I like you, Caleb, I really do, but this is killing her. It has to stop.”
“Wait. She’s having panic attacks?”
“I think so. She won’t talk about it, of course, but she’s had to excuse herself from several meetings lately. You haven’t noticed anything? Trembling hands? Shortness of breath?”
“No, she’s fine when we’re together.”
“Well, she’s not fine when you’re apart! She’s okay if we’re dealing with scheduling, but if I ask her anything about dresses or flowers or vows, she starts to shake and has to leave the room. When she comes back, she blames it on low blood sugar, but I know better. My best friend is seriously stressed out, and it’s all your fault.”
I collapse against the couch and bury my head in my hands.
“Lynsey, I’ve begged her. I don’t want this, but ever since Luisa fainted, Skye is determined to see this through.”
“That’s another thing I want to talk to you about.” She sits down next to me on the couch. “I don’t know how to say this without sounding like a bitch, but . . . don’t you find it strange that Mrs. Martinez could remember the name of the caterer we picked months ago but she couldn’t remember a conversation she had that same afternoon?”
I shrug. “Not really. The doctor said that wasn’t uncommon when dealing with memory lapses. She might not recall what she had for dinner the night before but she could remember the exact time Juliana was born. He said there’s no rhyme or reason to it.”
“I think she’s faking.”
“Who’s faking?”
“Mrs. Martinez.”
“You think she’s faking a brain tumor? Seriously?”
“Of course not, but I think she remembers more than we realize.”
I shake my head. That doesn’t make any sense.
“Why would she do that?”
“How much does she want this wedding, Caleb?”
“Not so much that she’d lie. She wouldn’t do that.”
“Why not? You did.”
I consider that. She’s right. We lied for months. We’re still lying. But would Luisa seriously stoop this low? I can’t imagine it.
“Lynsey, I don’t think Luisa would lie about this. I really don’t. That would be unbelievably cruel.”
“Skye doesn’t believe me, either.”
“Is that why the two of you’ve been arguing?”
“Yeah. Tonight was fun, though. At least, it was until we watched some sappy chick flick. Next thing I know she’s drunk. Like I said, that never happens. Skye’s strong, but even she has a breaking point. And I think she’s reached it.” Lynsey glances down at her phone. “I need to get home. We have a wedding tomorrow at the Presbyterian church on Sixth Street. Will you please take care of her?”
“I will.”
We say goodnight, and I head straight to Skye’s bedroom. I slowly push open the door, and my eyes settle on the beautiful woman lying across the bed with her back to me. The sight of her, even in the dim bedroom, stops me in my tracks.
True to her word, she’s naked. Gloriously naked, with her long red hair flowing down her bare back. My breath hitches as I memorize every curve visible to me, thankful that the most important curves are hidden by the satin sheet that’s wrapped around her like ivy.
A man can only handle so much temptation, after all.
Her soft snores fill the air, and I slowly undress before slipping into bed quietly behind her. Skye sighs softly as I pull her close, holding her flush against my chest.
“Caleb,” she whispers.
“I’m right here. Sleep, sweetheart.”
I bury my nose in her hair, letting my favorite scent in the world wash over me as I hold her tight.
Suddenly, she turns around in my arms, and I force myself to look at her beautiful eyes instead of the sheet that’s fallen dangerously low. Her green eyes are clouded with exhaustion and alcohol, but she’s still undeniably gorgeous.
“I’m drunk, Caleb.”
“I know. Why did you drink so much tonight?”
She closes her eyes and shrugs. “I just wanted to forget, I guess.”
“Forget what?”
“I have no one to blame but myself. I chose this. The decision was mine. I just . . . didn’t think it’d be this hard. So I got drunk, hoping I’d forget.”
“Forget what, sweetheart?”
She lays her head against my chest.
“I wanted to forget that you’re not marrying me.”
Her gentle snores fill the room once again, leaving me alone with my guilt and shame. My eyes don’t close all night long, and by the time the early light of dawn flickers through the bedroom window, I’ve made my decision.
“Sorry I’m late,” Juliana says as she sits down at the table. “Had a rough night.”
“Me, too.”
I sit patiently as the waiter arrives to take her order. I’d waited until Skye left for the wedding before sending Juliana a text, asking her to meet me at her favorite coffee shop. Slightly hungover and running late, Skye had been too busy popping aspirin and guzzling coffee to mention her drunken confession. Chances are she doesn’t even remember it, but I do. It played like a record in my head all night long.
“Why a rough night?” she asks as he walks away.
“Just a lot on my mind.”
She nods.
“How’s the boyfriend?”
“Deacon? He’s amazing.”
“That’s great, Jules. I’m so happy you’re actually able to date the guy and enjoy your new relationship while my girlfriend has panic attacks and plans our wedding.”
Juliana blinks slowly as the waiter arrives with her coffee and blueberry muffin. She thanks him quietly and he heads back to the register.
“Skye’s having panic attacks?”
“Lynsey thinks so.”
She nods thoughtfully. “That would explain our last appointment. I was there to pick out black bridesmaids’ dresses. She was so fidgety. Her hands were shaking. She actually had to step out for a few minutes. I can’t believe I didn’t connect the dots.”
“I haven’t noticed anything. She seems fine when we’re together.”
“That’s probably because you’re together.”
“Probably. But I’m done, Jules. Skye will probably fight me, and that’s okay. This is one fight she’s not going to win. I’m sorry about Luisa, I truly am, but I can’t do this anymore. We’ve met people we really want to have a relationship with. I don’t know if you love Deacon, but I love Skye. If I walk down the aisle, I want it to be her standing at the altar.”
“Agreed.” Jules smiles softly and sighs.
“Yeah?”
“I was ready to stop this charade weeks ago, reme
mber?”
“Yeah, I just thought . . . for your Mom’s sake . . .”
“That’s . . . not really an issue anymore.”
“What do you mean?”
“I was going to call you today. Last night, Dr. Pryce told us that Mom’s condition is deteriorating faster than we expected. He doesn’t expect her to live long enough to see the wedding. Quite honestly, he said he’d be surprised if she lasts more than a week.”
“A week? What happened to six to eight months?”
She shrugs and reaches for a napkin to wipe her eyes. “The doctor has been very open and honest with us, so we were prepared. We just didn’t expect it this fast. She didn’t even recognize me yesterday morning. She was more alert last night and even called me by name, so the memory loss comes and goes, but Dr. Pryce says we need to prepare ourselves. It’s just a matter of time.”
My heart breaks for my best friend. Luisa Martinez is like a second mother to me. If the end is near, I want to say goodbye to her while she still recognizes me.
I reach for her hand. “Jules, I’m so sorry.”
“Thanks.”
“I’d like to see her.”
Jules nods. “She wants to talk to us. At least, that’s what she said last night. Who knows if she’ll remember that today.”
“It’s okay if she doesn’t. I still want to visit.”
“I was headed over there in about an hour.”
“Great. I’ll come with you. Did you drive here?”
“No, I took a cab.”
“You can ride with me.”
We pay the bill and head to the car.
Joaquin greets us with a sad smile before leading us to Luisa’s bedroom. We find Rafe sitting vigil at his wife’s bedside.
“He refuses to leave,” Juliana whispers.
Taking a deep breath, I study Luisa’s frail face and listen to her labored breaths. This once vibrant, energetic woman is succumbing to this awful disease, and all the money in the world can’t save her. Even the dream of her daughter’s wedding isn’t stronger than the cancer that ravages her body and mind. Guilt floods me. We’ve been lying and scheming when what we should’ve been doing is spending more time with her.
Rafe stands up from his chair. He looks like he’s aged twenty years.
“It’s good to see you, Caleb. She’s quite alert today.”
We hug and then look down at his wife. Suddenly, she shifts, and her eyes slightly open.
“Caleb?”
I take her hand and give it a gentle squeeze. “Hi, Luisa.”
“I’m so glad you’re here, Caleb. Is Juliana with you?”
“I’m right here, Mom.”
“Good,” she says weakly. “I have to talk to you. I have something to say.”
We both sit down next to her. Her hand doesn’t leave mine.
“I owe you both an apology.”
“Oh, Mom, you don’t.”
“I do. I lied to you. That day in the hospital. I lied to you.”
Juliana and I exchange a nervous glance. I look up to find Rafe smiling sadly down at us.
“I pretended not to remember. About the wedding being a charade. I remembered. I just pretended not to, and I’m sorry.”
I close my eyes. Lynsey was right.
Juliana starts to cry. I wrap my arm around her shoulder.
“It’s okay, Luisa. We weren’t honest with you, either.”
“That’s no excuse. I just . . . I knew. No matter what Dr. Pryce said, I knew I didn’t have much time left in this world. I wanted to know you’d be taken care of, Juliana. I’m sorry for being so selfish. I pray you can forgive me.”
What a family we are. Every lie has been told with the best of intentions, but all it’s really done is rob of us precious time we should’ve spent with each other.
“There’s nothing to forgive, Luisa. We’re sorry for lying to you, too. We just wanted to fulfill your dream of watching your daughter walk down the aisle.”
Juliana sniffles quietly. “We wanted to make you smile, Mom, just a little while longer.”
“And you did. It was so kind of you.” Luisa pauses and glances at me with a slight grin. “I guess falling in love with the wedding planner really put a kink in your plans, huh?”
I laugh lightly. “It really did, but I can’t regret it.”
“You shouldn’t. You should never regret falling in love.” Luisa then smiles at her daughter. “Speaking of which, your father tells me there’s a young man I need to meet.”
“His name’s Deacon. I’d love to introduce you to him.”
“I think today would be a good day for that,” Rafe says. “If you’re feeling up to it, dear. Maybe after a nap?”
“Yes,” Luisa says tiredly.
It’s obvious the conversation has exhausted her. But I have to say one more thing. I’m afraid this may be the last chance I have.
“Luisa, I want you to know that I’ll always be here for Juliana. She’s my best friend. No matter what. And I want to thank you. Your family welcomed me with open arms, and with my own family so far away, it’s meant more to me than you could ever know.”
“Oh, Caleb,” she whispers, “you are the son we never had. You’re every mother’s dream, and Skye is a very lucky girl.”
She closes her eyes, and as her soft snores fill the air, Rafe pulls me into his arms and hugs me tightly before returning to his wife’s bedside. Juliana wipes her eyes as she walks me to the door.
“Jules, you should call Deacon.”
“I will.”
She hugs me, a bone crushing, heartbreaking hug that makes my eyes fill with tears. Then, she glances down at her hand. Juliana slips my grandmother’s ring off her finger and places it in my palm.
“Thank you, Caleb. For everything.”
“Always. Call me later?”
She promises she will and heads back to her mother’s bedroom while I see myself out. Today may be the last decent day Luisa has, and Juliana should be with her family.
And I should be with mine.
The church buzzes with excitement as I make my way into the sanctuary. I tell the usher I’m with the wedding planner—which isn’t a lie—and he points me to a hallway that leads to the back of the church. I find a crowd of bridesmaids and flower girls, and everyone’s running around, trying to find their place in line. After a few minutes, the chaos begins to calm, and that’s when I see her. Skye’s wearing a black sleeveless dress with her red hair pulled back in a ponytail. A headset is attached to her ear. I step back into a darkened corner and watch as she straightens the flower girl’s headband and ruffles the hair of the little ring bearer. He can’t be more than five years old, and he’s smiling at my girl like she’s the sun in his sky.
A flash of white catches my eye, and that’s when I notice the bride, sobbing uncontrollably into a tissue. Behind her is a wide-eyed Lynsey, who shoots a pointed look at Skye.
Canon in D starts to play, and Skye tells everyone to start walking. She then straightens her shoulders and takes a deep breath before making her way over to the bawling bride.
“What’s wrong, Melissa?”
“I . . . can’t . . . do this. My parents divorced when I was eight. Rick’s parents split when he was in high school. We’re doomed, Skye.”
Thankfully, no one else seems to notice the bride’s nervous breakdown.
“Melissa,” Skye says calmly, “you are not your parents.”
“I know, but—”
“There are no guarantees in this life. You are in love with a man who is standing at the altar, waiting just for you. I know for a fact he can’t wait to see you because he sent me a text, begging me to send him a picture.”
The bride gasps. “You didn’t, did you?”
“Of course not. But that’s how excited he is. The two of you love each other so much. You’re going to have many wonderful years together.”
Her tears turn to sniffles. “I do love him.”
“And he loves you
.” Skye offers her a fresh tissue. Lynsey suddenly reappears and quickly reapplies the bride’s makeup. Once she’s finished, Skye takes the veil and places it over the woman’s face.
“Are you ready?” Skye asks gently.
“I’m ready. Thank you, Skye.”
A tall, dark-haired man appears, and I can only assume it’s the bride’s father. With a bright smile on her face, she links her arm through his just as the music changes to Here Comes the Bride. Skye and Lynsey exchange relieved looks before heading to the back of the sanctuary. I follow behind and watch from the shadows as the ceremony begins. I don’t really pay attention to the actual wedding. I’m too fixated on Skye’s every move. She watches intently as the bride and groom promise to love each other forever, and when the minister pronounces them husband and wife, I see Skye wipe a tear from her eye.
“Stalker.”
I jump and glance over my shoulder. Lynsey’s smiling at me.
“Shouldn’t you be working?”
“The ceremony is Skye’s area of expertise. I’m only needed if the bride needs some hairspray or a bridesmaid chips a fingernail.”
“Or if the bride has a crying fit.”
“Saw that, did ya? It never fails. They always get nervous. It’s overwhelming . . . that big poufy dress and all these eyes on you. Plus, you’re promising this guy that you’re going to love him until the day you die. It’s a lot of pressure.”
We watch as the wedding party heads out of the sanctuary.
“Lynsey, I have to tell you something. You were right about Luisa. She was faking the memory loss.”
“I knew it!”
A few heads turn our way.
“A little louder. I don’t think the pastor heard you.”
“I told Skye she was faking! I knew it.”
“She wasn’t faking the whole time. Her condition has actually worsened over the past few days, but yeah . . . she remembers us telling her that the wedding was a sham. It’s over, Lynsey. For good.”
“I’ve heard that before.”
“Yeah, well, trust me. The only ceremony you’re going to be planning is my wedding to Skye.”
Lynsey searches my face. Then her blue eyes widen with excitement.
“Seriously?”
“I’m very serious. I was reminded today that life is too short. I love Skye. She loves me. She’s already picked out everything, anyway. I want to marry her, and I want that dress.”