The One Left Behind (The One Series)

by Lena Nicole

  The wait staff comes out and takes everyone’s drink and dinner orders. Pierce and I got gifts for the bridal party and want to give them out before the food comes. Pierce and I stand to make a speech.

  “Can I have everyone’s attention please?” Pierce says. Once the room quiets down he continues, “we would like to thank everyone for coming out tonight. And we would like to thank everyone for being a part of what marks the rest of Addison’s and my life together as husband and wife. It means a lot that everyone could share in our joy with us. We did get gifts for the groomsmen and bridesmaids as a special thank you for being part of our wedding.”

  I grab the bags from under my seat and hand them out to Colby, Morgan, and Lexi. Pierce distributes his bags to Garrick, Damon and Zach. I got the ladies Swarovski crystal earrings and Pierce got the men engraved flasks. Everyone thanks us and the food starts to come out. Dinner goes by quickly, and before I know it, it’s time for dessert.

  My dad walks over to Pierce and asks if he can talk to him for a minute. Pierce pulls out two cigars and they head outside. I watch their retreating backs trying to figure out what my father wants to talk to him about. I hope it’s not the stereotypical “You better not hurt my little girl” speech. I think Pierce has proven to my parents that he is trustworthy and the perfect man for me. I dismiss my initial worries and turn my attention to my mother.

  “Are you having a good time, Mom?”

  “Yes, sweetie. It’s so nice to have the whole family here.” Mom glances around the room taking in all the happy faces of our family and friends.

  “I agree. I hate that we all live in different states. It makes it harder to get everyone together.”

  “That it does, but what’s important is that everyone is healthy and happy. So how about you? Are you happy?”

  “I am. This is the happiest I’ve been in a while. I know I must have been content before the accident, but I don’t really remember that time. I can honestly say that I don’t think I’ve ever been happier.”

  My mom places her hand on top of mine. “Addison, I know you don’t remember and that’s okay. I can tell you that you were happy with Colin. You have faced a lot over the past year and I’m proud of you for the way you handled it. You were lucky enough to fall in love twice and have two great men out of it. I’m glad you and Colin were able to work out a friendship. And as for Pierce, he is a really great person and he is good for you. He really pushes you to try new things and take a step out of your comfort zone. I have had the pleasure of watching you change this past year and see that you have become more outgoing and adventurous. I know I can thank Pierce for that. Your partner should bring out the best in you and he does that. You chose a wonderful man to spend the rest of your life with who cherishes you. Never take each other for granted, and most importantly, never stop loving each other.”

  Tears have formed in my eyes listening to my mother’s words. It took some time, but I let go of all the guilt I felt toward Colin a while ago. Knowing he loved me so much and I couldn’t conjure up one memory was hard. Meeting Pierce made me see that I needed to move on with my life and not wait around for the past. I feel in my heart that this is exactly where I should be at this point in my life. I’m so lucky I have Pierce who crushes all the lingering doubts I might have had. Listening to my mom tell me she’s proud of me means so much to me. But the best part is that her and my father approve of Pierce. I embrace my mom in a hug and say, “Thank you Mom, for everything.”

  “No need to thank me. Why don’t you go see where your father and future husband ran off to before their coffees get cold.”

  I fan my hands in front of my face to choke back the tears that have welled up in my eyes. I really don’t want to cry right now. There will be plenty of time for that tomorrow. I get up and walk towards the exit and see my father and Pierce right outside the doors with their backs to me as they’re talking.

  “I know you will do right by my daughter. That is why when you came over and asked for my permission to marry her I said yes. I just wanted you to know I am proud to have you as a son-in-law and for you to be a part of my family. I can see you make my daughter very happy and that is all that matters to me.” My dad pats Pierce on the shoulder before squeezing it for good measure.

  “I love your daughter very much, sir. She is the only woman I could ever imagine spending the rest of my life with. She makes me a better man. She’s my perfect half and completes me in ways I didn’t know existed. Until I met her, I didn’t realize there was something missing in my life. She filled that void, but more so she filled my heart. I swear to you I will devote the rest of my life to making her happy. I appreciate all your support you have given me. I may have lost my father but I’m a lucky man to have gained another one as extraordinary as you.”

  A lump starts to form in my throat so I interrupt them before I full on cry. My emotions are all over the place today. I can’t imagine what I’ll be acting like tomorrow.

  “Hey, Dad. Mom wanted me to come get you so you can drink your coffee before it goes cold.”

  “She probably just doesn’t want me out here smoking a cigar,” he says as his shoulders slump in disappointment. The gleam in his eye shows he’s only kidding though. He gives Pierce a hug and goes inside.

  I turn toward Pierce. “So, what was all that about?” Even though I heard the tail end of it, I’m still curious to know what they were talking about in the beginning.

  “Nothing, just having a talk with your dad. You’re lucky to have him. He loves you very much.”

  “I know.” I smile as a sense of contentment consumes me because I have two men in my life who love and care about me deeply.

  Pierce wraps me in his arms and kisses me. “Come on. Let’s go inside. The sooner this night ends the sooner I get to call you my wife.”

  “Well then, Charming. Lead the way.”

  “I’m right behind you, Mrs. Charming.” Pierce looks down at me with a fire in his eyes. I know that look so well and I’m wondering whose bright idea it was to sleep separately tonight. By tomorrow morning, I am going to be married to the love of my life.

  Addison Whitmore.

  It really does have a nice ring to it.

  I CAN’T BELIEVE tomorrow is the day of the wedding. Everyone is at the rehearsal dinner except for Jeremy. He’s sitting here keeping me company. He’s probably trying to keep my mind off of tomorrow.

  “Do you know how to wrap a gift?” I ask Jeremy. I scratch my head as I stare down at the wrapping paper I bought.

  “Do I look like the kind of guy that would know how to wrap gifts? I can barely remember how to tie my shoelaces.”

  I grin at the way he deadpans his response and shake my head at myself. Why would I think he’d know how to wrap a gift? “I guess I can YouTube it.”

  I’m watching this video with a befuddled expression on my face. I really should have just gotten a gift bag. In fact, I think that’s what I’m going to do. This whole wrapping gifts thing is for the birds.

  I sit back down on the couch with Jeremy.

  “So, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something,” I say.

  “Okay…”

  “What’s going on with you and Morgan?” I’m studying his face for any signs of secrets or lies.

  Jeremy chokes on his water as he is drinking from the bottle. “What do you mean?”

  “You know what I mean. You guys bicker and there’s all this sexual tension. Then you guys are dry humping each other at the club in the VIP section. And when you guys get to game night Morgan is talking about you putting your pants back on.”

  “There’s nothing going on. I told you she just drives me crazy.” I’m trying to get him to meet my eyes, but he’s avoiding looking at me.

  “I call bullshit.”

  “Okay, then what’s going on between you and Charlotte? You guys are hanging out a lot lately.”

  “Nice try, buddy, but you’re not diverting this to me. Plus, there’s nothing go
ing on. We’re just friends.” Jeremy gives me a disbelieving look so I don’t break eye contact and challenge him to tell me I’m lying.

  Jeremy runs a hand over his face. “I don’t know man. Part of me feels like I like her, but the other part just wants to choke her out. Most times the second part wins out and we end up bickering more. But I think she has guy issues too. She’s a total man hater. So there’s really no point in trying to pursue anything when she’s not really available.”

  I take in what he’s said, but it’s the look on his face that gives me pause. I never thought I’d see the day Jeremy was tore up over a girl. He really likes her. I should mark this down on my calendar so I can refer back to it as “This day in history…”

  “So, you’re not even going to try?”

  “Uh, no. You see how we fight. Can you imagine if we were together?” He grips the back of his hair, “We’d kill each other.”

  “Maybe she nitpicks at you to push you away. Have you ever thought of that?”

  “Not really. Most times when she starts in on me the only vision going through my head is putting a muzzle on her.” His lips quirk up in a small smile.

  “This is my opinion: if you like her, you should tell her and see what happens.”

  “Yeah, okay,” he says sarcastically. I let it go since he probably won’t do anything about it anyway.

  “Are you bringing a date to the wedding?” Jeremy asks me, changing the subject.

  “No, I was just going to go stag. You?”

  “Nah, I’m going stag too.”

  “Which means you’re hoping Morgan’s dateless too and you guys can go together without declaring you’re going together?” I raise an eyebrow at him before taking a drink of my own water.

  He narrows his eyes at me so I drop it. “What about Charlotte? Why haven’t you asked her?”

  “I don’t know. I guess I didn’t want to give her the wrong impression like it is a date.”

  “I don’t think Charlotte is the type to read into things like that. She seems pretty chill. Why don’t you text her now and find out?” he nudges my phone over to me.

  “I guess I could. But at this point do you think it looks like I couldn’t get another date so I asked her as a last resort?”

  He lowers his head and his eyebrows draw forward. “Did you grow a vagina recently? Seriously, dude. Stop overanalyzing everything to death. Shit.” He takes another drink of water while shaking his head at me in frustration. I guess he’s right. I do kind of sound like a woman. Jesus, I need to get a grip.

  Me: Hey, do you have any plans tomorrow. And don’t tell me you were going to clean.

  Charlotte: Nope, I was going to paint my toes actually. Why? What’s up?

  Me: I was wondering if you’d be my plus one and go with me to Addison’s wedding as a friend.

  I stare at my message and wonder if the whole ‘as a friend’ thing sounds lame. Before I can give it anymore thought I hit send.

  Charlotte: I’m flattered to be your last option. I don’t have any plans so I guess I can go with you.

  Shit, I shouldn’t have listened to Jeremy. I might have grown a vagina, but it has given me better insight in to the mind of a woman and I was dead on in what her assumption would be.

  Me: Actually, I haven’t asked anyone else. I was going to go by myself but thought I’d have more fun if I brought a friend with me. You seem to cheer me up so you were the first person I thought of.

  Charlotte: What can I say? I’m pretty awesome. Yeah, I’ll go with you. Just send me the details so I know when to be ready.

  I text her all the information and tell her I’ll see her tomorrow.

  “I’m guessing by the goofy grin on your face she said yes,” Jeremy says, breaking my thoughts.

  I attempt to wipe the smirk off of my face. “I do not have a goofy grin on my face. But to answer your question, yes she’s going with me.”

  “That’s good. Speaking of the wedding, how are you holding up? You seem like you’re doing okay, but are you?”

  I sigh, “Yeah, I’m fine. I’ve realized a while ago that I’m never getting her back so it was just a matter of accepting it and moving on. This kind of feels like closure. And, honestly, I think it might be a good thing that she doesn’t remember at this point.”

  Jeremy gives me a blank look. “Are you serious? That’s all you’ve wanted since the accident happened. Now you’re glad she can’t remember you?”

  “No, I’m not glad, but at this point I think it’s worked out for the best. She met Pierce right after she called off the engagement. Granted they were friends initially, but what if she remembered right after she started having feelings for him. Then she was forced to choose between us. I don’t know what I would have done if she remembered, had to pick, and then still didn’t choose me. That would be devastating and I think it would have killed me. I don’t think I could have recovered from that.” I look down at the carpet. I don’t want to look at Jeremy after that little confession.

  I can feel Jeremy looking at me for a few moments. “Yeah, I guess I can see your point on that. I hate that this all happened to you, but maybe this all happened for a reason. Maybe she was supposed to be with Pierce all along and you’re supposed to be with someone else. You just haven’t met her yet.”

  It is really difficult to imagine myself with anyone else. Whenever I picture my future I still see Addison. I suppose that will take some time to get over.

  “Yeah, maybe.”

  The rest of the afternoon passes and Jeremy leaves. I’m climbing into bed thinking about the next day that lays ahead of me. I can do this. I’ve mentally prepared myself for this the best I can. Tomorrow will be closure and I’ll finally get to finish moving on.

  TODAY IS THE day that starts the rest of my life. When I woke up this morning, I did so with a calming peace. I thought I would be a little bit nervous, but I feel amazing. Knowing that I will be meeting my prince charming at the end of that aisle to spend forever with me has a calming effect. Forever isn’t long enough in my opinion and I know I will always be happy as long as I have Pierce by my side.

  Looking back on this past year of my life, I know I have grown as a person. Since meeting Pierce I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I am no longer carrying the burdens of the aftermath of the accident. I haven’t been for some time actually. Pierce has a way of helping me cope with simple kind words. He lets me figure everything out for myself, but a few sentences from him makes me see the whole picture clearly. I’m so glad I gave him a chance and didn’t put my life on hold waiting for my brain to recover. If I had waited, I would have missed out on this amazing love from an incredible man who has been nothing but supportive. In the end, I know I’ve made the right decision to leave my unknown past with Colin in the past and move toward my future with Pierce.

  The bridesmaids come in and they all look beautiful in their dresses. I chose a very pale lavender, strapless dress that has a full long skirt with pockets. The pockets are hidden by being tucked away in the natural folds of the full skirt. The top is a sweetheart neckline whose fabric crosses around the waist which gives it a sleek silhouette look. The groomsmen are dressing in black suits with white shirts, silver vests, and ties that match the purple of the bridesmaids’ dresses.

  The photographer comes in and calls us all together to get some pictures. He already took pictures of me getting ready this morning with my mother and Catherine. Of course, my mom broke out in tears when she saw me in my dress and my dad told me I looked beautiful. Staring at myself in the mirror makes this all seem finally real. A small smile spreads across my face as I picture myself walking toward Pierce soon. Before the ceremony starts, the photographer gets a variety of picture of me and the girls. Lastly, he gets some of my dad and me. I can tell he is fighting back the tears which warms my heart. I love my dad so much and I wouldn’t be standing here if he didn’t push me to follow my heart.

  I made Colby’s little sister, Phoe
be, my flower girl. I don’t have any cousins that are young enough to fill this position, and since Colby’s family was a second family to me, it made sense to have her in the wedding too. The wedding coordinator comes in as we’re finishing and says we have fifteen minutes until go time and that the bridal party needs to get lined up. With this announcement my stomach drops and fills with butterflies. But it’s not out of nerves, it’s more out of excitement. I’ve been counting down the minutes and it’s finally time. I hug everyone goodbye and all that is left is my dad and me.

  There is a sudden knock at the door and the event planner peeks her head in.

  “Hey, Addison, Pierce is outside and wants to have a few words with you before you walk down the aisle. I told him he is not allowed to see you before the wedding so I’m going to leave the door cracked and let you speak to each other.” She looks at my dad and says,”Mr. Ramsey, I assume I can trust you to make sure they don’t see each other yet?” My dad nods his head and she leaves. I walk over to the crack of the door but make sure I’m completely behind it so that Pierce doesn’t get a glimpse of me yet.

  “Pierce?” I say a little hesitantly. I have no idea what this is all about or what he could possibly need to say.

  “Hey, beautiful.”

  “Not getting cold feet are you?” I joke.

  “Not at all,” he says immediately with such confidence I know he’s as ready to do this as I am. “I just wanted to have a moment with you before we share our day with everyone else.”

  I close my eyes and smile. I feel like I am dreaming in this perfect moment.

  “I just wanted to thank you for giving me the chance to spend the rest of my life making you happy. You are the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me and I will never be the same again. I will make sure you never regret walking down that aisle and I will never take you for granted.” He reaches his hand through the crack of the door, and I take it making sure I’m still concealed from his view.