One Week to the Wedding--An unforgettable story of love, betrayal, and sisterhood

by Olivia Miles

  So she didn’t know then. Not about Jake. Presumably not about Charlotte, either.

  For some reason Kate felt strangely disappointed by this.

  “I guess it was inevitable,” she said.

  “Did you talk to him?” Bree asked carefully.

  Kate walked over to the next table and began unfolding another tablecloth. “No. I don’t even know if he saw me. He was alone,” she added, glancing back at Bree.

  Her cousin nodded, and then turned to fetch her arrangements from the boxes on the deck.

  Kate sighed. So much for getting any more information. She was still no closer to knowing for certain if Charlotte was in town. Or why she’d been calling.

  Or, come to think of it, why she’d stopped…

  * * *

  Kate was placing the last jelly jar votive on a picnic table when she saw Alec stroll into William and Elizabeth’s backyard, his hands casually placed in the pockets of his khakis. With a shaking hand, she managed to light the candle before stealing another glance, wondering if he’d spotted her just yet. Wondering what she would say to him. How she would explain her behavior. That kiss!

  See, this was why she liked planning. When you planned things, you didn’t have to worry about unpredictable—and awkward—outcomes like this.

  From the corner of her eye she caught Alec taking a glass of wine from a tray at the buffet table. He glanced her way, holding up an arm in hello, and Kate spared him a watery smile before he thankfully fell into conversation with William.

  She glanced quickly at Elizabeth, who was standing near the patio, chatting with one of her cousins, but her back was to the lawn. She hadn’t seen anything pass between them, and Kate was relieved for it. She didn’t want to explain what was going on between herself and Alec. Not when she couldn’t wrap her head around it just yet.

  Kate busied herself with centering the flower arrangement, happy for the diversion of her maid of honor and wedding planning duties, even if Bree had made sure the flowers were perfectly in place.

  One eye still on Alec’s whereabouts, Kate walked over to the buffet table—a long, rustic table she’d had delivered from the Bride by Design prop “room,” which was more of a warehouse—and checked that each of the labels she’d made were in front of the proper food tray, before turning her attention to the slices of crusty baguette and wheel of imported cheese at the far end of the station, where she rearranged the dried fruits and clusters of grapes.

  “You’ve outdone yourself,” Elizabeth announced, crossing the lawn with a big smile. Her pale yellow sundress swung at her knees.

  “I enjoy this type of thing,” Kate said, brushing aside the compliment. She skimmed her eyes over the buffet once more, loving how the colorful flower arrangements her cousin had made added a burst of color to each end of the table. Even though Bree claimed she’d just inherited Rose in Bloom, her grandmother had certainly taught her the ways of the business.

  “Well, don’t spend all night working. It’s all set up and the party has started. Let’s get a drink.” Elizabeth looped her arm through Kate’s and they walked over to the second food station of three, where tucked under draping eaves of a river birch tree were glass dispensers of fresh lemonade, in three flavors.

  Kate took a sip of her strawberry lemonade and looked out onto the party. Elizabeth was right; it was in full swing, and it did look pretty, stepping back and admiring it from a distance. At the back patio, Kate had draped fairy lights from posts, and the tables they’d sprinkled randomly over the yard were illuminated by the candles in the low afternoon sun. Kate looked up. The only thing that could make this night complete was a perfect sunset.

  “Great.” Elizabeth stepped close behind her, her tone laced with dread as she touched her elbow. “He’s here.”

  Kate didn’t need to ask to know that Elizabeth was referring to Alec. She refilled her glass of lemonade, hoping it would cool the heat that had sprung in her face, and looked back over at the party.

  “Looks like he’s in a good mood,” Kate said, shooting a cursory glance in his direction where he was talking with William. She detected the hopeful lilt in her voice. It was the wedding planner in her, she supposed. One less potential crisis. The best man had a strained enough relationship with the bride—any chance of reconciliation was one less issue to worry about.

  Or so she told herself. Deep down she knew that if Alec could be on better terms with Elizabeth, it would open the door for her to pursue her feelings for him. Feelings. Did it extend that far? No, she told herself firmly. This wasn’t about feelings. This was about attraction. He was a good-looking man. Many men were.

  “I suppose,” Elizabeth admitted with a sigh. “I keep hoping maybe he’ll surprise us and show some genuine happiness over our wedding.” She shrugged. “I suppose I should just be happy for William that he’s here at all. Alec doesn’t usually miss a day of work for anyone.”

  “Who are we talking about?” Colleen asked, coming over to grab a glass of raspberry lemonade. She had her wavy strawberry-blond hair down today, instead of in its usual bun, and a touch more makeup than she typically wore.

  Kate surveyed the guests, noticing her cousin Matt at the far edge of the lawn near the rose trellis. She smiled to herself. Of course.

  “You look pretty tonight,” she commented, but Colleen just shot her a rueful look.

  “Don’t let my mother hear you say that.” Not that she was there. “You know how she never ceases to remind me that I should never leave the house without a tube of lipstick in case I find the one.” She rolled her eyes. “I told her that I didn’t like to wear heels when I was transporting one of my cakes, but…” She kicked up her foot, revealing a four-inch wedge sandal. “She wore me down.”

  Kate looked over to the dessert table, where a strawberries and cream cake at least five layers high sat front and center.

  “Oh my goodness, give me a spoon and forgo the plate,” she laughed as the girls marveled at it.

  “I was worried it would be too warm outside for the whipped cream, but we’re having surprisingly nice weather all week!”

  “Well, aside from Monday’s rain shower,” Elizabeth said, shooting Kate a worried look.

  “It’s supposed to be a beautiful weekend,” Kate reminded them all. She looked up, happy at what she saw. “Not a cloud in the sky.”

  “Maybe not in the sky…” Elizabeth frowned over Kate’s shoulder.

  “Okay, I’m lost.” Colleen set her hands on her hips. “Are we talking about the best man?”

  Unfortunately, it seemed they were. Kate looked around for something to do to keep busy, an excuse to leave so she didn’t have to be reminded of that kiss, or the guilt she felt over hiding it from her friend.

  “Is he here? Point him out to me. I want a look.” Colleen’s sharp blue eyes darted with interest over the yard, until Elizabeth discreetly pointed him out. “Well, I’ll be,” Colleen breathed. She winked at Kate. “Maybe it was worth getting a little dolled up tonight, after all. But don’t—”

  “Tell your mother. I know.” Kate smiled, but deep down she felt a flicker of…was it jealousy? Well, that was just ridiculous. Alec was single. Colleen was single. Why should she care? Colleen was just pointing out the obvious. The man was attractive. Tall, well built, and that smile…She grabbed a drink—a proper drink—from a waiter passing a tray and took a long sip of the cool, sweet Champagne.

  “I thought you only had eyes for Matt,” she said.

  Colleen flushed. “What? Oh, no. I mean, you know…that’s an old crush. But this best man…He might give me a reason to get over it once and for all.”

  Kate sipped from her glass, angry at herself for feeling so agitated by Colleen’s reaction. It wasn’t like Alec was special to her or anything. It wasn’t like they had a connection…

  She thought back to the night he’d helped her find the lace. And the way his mouth had felt on hers yesterday.

  Nope, no connection at all, she thought, look
ing over to where Alec stood, laughing casually at something William was saying. He had a nice laugh. He didn’t show it enough.

  “Believe me, you don’t want him,” Elizabeth was saying to Colleen.

  Colleen just laughed. “You sound like Bree. Can’t I choose who I’m interested in?”

  “Fine, but don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Elizabeth said, raising her eyebrows. “As far as I know, he has never dated anyone consistently for even two weeks. If you’re looking for some fancy dinners and a guy who doesn’t make time for you, he’s your man.”

  Kate stared at the drink in her hand, watching as the bubbles popped and fizzed.

  “The man is married to his work. His family’s company. It trumps everything,” Elizabeth finished.

  Everything her friend was saying sounded familiar. If she’d just stumbled upon the conversation, Kate might have just as easily assumed they were all discussing Jake, not Alec.

  “Oh no,” Elizabeth sighed, following Kate’s gaze. “He’s coming over here.”

  Before Kate could speak, Alec was already making his way across the lawn, his proximity growing at an alarming rate, leaving her breathless with possibilities. She brought her glass to her lips. The drink went down quickly.

  She was happy to see that William had quickly caught up with his brother. With a nervous smile, she said, “Hi, guys!” and leaned in to give William a casual hug hello. The heat of Alec’s stare bored through her as she pulled away from William, and she hesitated, wondering if she should greet him the same way, but that seemed too friendly, even for someone who had kissed her like that last night. Softly, she added to Alec, “Hi.”

  “Hi.” He spared her a lopsided grin, but the knowing look in his eyes wasn’t lost on her.

  “Well, I wouldn’t miss it,” Alec said, but Kate noticed the way his jaw pulsed at the statement. She narrowed her eyes, studying his body language. He seemed nervous and slightly anxious, raking his hands through his hair before thrusting them into his pockets.

  She looked over at Elizabeth to see if she noticed anything pass between them, but her friend just smiled politely and thanked Alec for coming to the party. Kate felt her stiffen beside her.

  Kate felt a wash of shame creep over her.

  What kind of friend was she to be warming up to Alec? To think that she’d had him into her home, given him a beer, let him hold Henry.

  Henry.

  She hadn’t even thought about it. She hadn’t even considered…She glanced down at her feet to her sweet little dog, who was now lying on his back, rolling in the grass, waving his paws in the air, all in a hopeful attempt to gain his new friend Alec’s attention.

  * * *

  Two hours later, Kate watched in silent dismay as Henry hopped around Alec’s feet, his tail wagging happily, making it obvious to anyone around that he was no stranger to the man. But her heart warmed as she watched Alec casually bend down and lift the little dog up, not even breaking his stride in conversation as Henry licked at his face and squirmed in his arms. They said children and animals were a good judge of character, didn’t they?

  “Look at that traitorous little dog,” Elizabeth clucked.

  “You know Henry,” Kate said mildly. “He’s friendly with anyone who’s willing to pay him attention.” And Alec was certainly happy to do just that, she thought, smiling.

  “Just like Charlotte,” Elizabeth said, and then immediately flushed. “Oh, Kate. I don’t know why I said that. It’s the Champagne, and the stress.”

  Kate set a hand on her friend’s shoulder. “Don’t apologize. Besides, you’re right.” Charlotte would light up around anyone who gave her attention. It was part of her charm. And her downfall.

  “This wedding.” Elizabeth shook her head. “Is it awful to say that I’m almost looking forward to it being over?”

  Kate laughed. “It’s something pretty much every one of my clients says at some point in time.”

  “I’m just tired. And well…there’s still William’s father to think about.”

  Of course. Kate made a mental note to worry about that tomorrow, when he was scheduled to arrive. Tonight she still had to get through the evening on good footing with the best man.

  “Just two more nights to go as Elizabeth Jones,” Kate chided.

  Elizabeth gave a wistful smile. “So much can change in a year.”

  Kate couldn’t agree more. She pushed aside the dark thoughts that threatened to ruin her evening and grabbed two glasses of Champagne from a tray, even though she wouldn’t finish hers. She needed to keep a clear head, especially since she was still somewhat on duty. “A toast,” she said. “To a perfect wedding day.”

  Elizabeth clinked her glass with Kate’s. She shook her head in disbelief, but her eyes shone with joy, even in the moonlight.

  It was a look Kate knew all too well. One she had seen in her own eyes once.

  “Well, I suppose I should go make the rounds with William.” Elizabeth leaned in and gave her a hug before wandering off to find her fiancé.

  The party was dwindling, and Kate noticed that only a few friends lingered, all sleepily chatting, swatting at the mosquitoes that persisted despite the citronella candles Kate had scattered along the lawn. She watched as Elizabeth said good night to a group of people and disappeared into her house with William.

  Kate knew she couldn’t stand here forever—whether conscious or not, Alec had a firm grip on Henry, and there was no sneaking out without speaking to him. With a gulp of cool, fresh air for courage, Kate set her glass down on the nearest table and walked over to Alec. As he turned to her, the groomsman he had been chatting with nodded his goodbye, leaving the two of them alone.

  “I came to steal him back,” Kate said with an apologetic smile as she gestured to Henry. She reached out and scooped the dog into her arms, unable to ignore the tingle that coursed down her spine as her hand grazed Alec’s bare forearm.

  “I think Henry could have partied all night.”

  Kate grinned. “I should be getting home. It’s late and I need to rest up for tomorrow. The day before the wedding is always the busiest. It’s the final opportunity to take care of those last-minute details.”

  Alec’s lips twitched. “You and those little details.”

  “Well, there are a lot of them.” Good grief. She could have sworn her eyelashes fluttered.

  Okay, this had to stop. She was lingering, flirting even. And she didn’t flirt. Charlotte had tried to give her lessons on it once, when she was sixteen and Charlotte was fourteen. They’d role-played, per Charlotte’s instruction. She’d play the girl; Kate got to be the boy. All Kate had to do was sit there and watch as Charlotte turned on her charm, batted her eyes, set a hand on her wrist as she paid a compliment, and then giggled sweetly at whatever Kate, still playing the guy, said.

  Kate felt a pang in her chest. She didn’t like thinking of those times with her sister. Not anymore.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Mind if I walk you out?” Alec asked, hoping to drag out the night a little longer. It beat going back to that lonely hotel room with only his work and his guilt to keep him company—and the memory of that kiss.

  His eyes roamed her face, coming to rest on her mouth, before Henry barked, breaking the silence—and the underlying tension, he realized—as he and Kate both seemed to laugh in mutual relief.

  Kate glanced around before nodding. “I think my duties for the evening are over, so…sure.” She shrugged and shyly tilted her head toward the gate.

  They fell into stride, cutting across the cool grass and past the wall of hedges that separated Kate’s yard from William and Elizabeth’s. “Where’s your car?” Kate asked as they reached the front of her house.

  “I took a cab,” Alec explained. “I don’t exactly know my way around town, and I figured I’d be having a few drinks.”

  “And we all know how well you hold your alcohol,” Kate joked.

  “I’m perfectly sober and clearheaded right now,” he sa
id, which made it even more troublesome that he couldn’t resist the urge to touch her, to put his arms around her waist and finish what they’d started last night.

  “So you need another cab to bring you back, I assume.”

  “Unless you care to have a nightcap.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and rolled back on his heels, hoping she wouldn’t have an excuse.

  Kate seemed to consider this and then shrugged. “My wedding planning duties are over for the night. What’s one more?”

  He followed her to the front door and waited in the living room while Kate went into the kitchen to get a bottle of wine. Henry was eager to play, bringing over a squeaky toy in the shape of a frog and dropping it at his feet. Alec laughed and tossed it across the room for him, then pulled his phone out of his pocket. The thing had been vibrating all night long, but he hadn’t wanted to deal with it.

  The latest text from his father informed him that he’d rearranged his schedule to arrive earlier than planned tomorrow so he could attend the afternoon meeting with Mason. Of course, he hadn’t shown the same urgency to be in town when it was over something as trivial as the rehearsal dinner.

  Alec tossed the toy for Henry again, his stomach tightening with unease. Had his brother meant it when he’d hinted at them working together again? And could he really do it? Give up his life, everything he’d worked for, and turn his back on his father the way William had done, however unintentionally?

  Only with Alec, it would be intentional, wouldn’t it? About as intentional as missing his own brother’s wedding for a business meeting.

  “Everything okay?” Kate had removed her shoes and now padded barefoot into the living room, a bottle of wine in one hand, two glasses and a corkscrew in the other.

  “Just looking for a number for the cab company.” Alec shoved the phone back in his pocket and motioned for her to pass him the corkscrew.

  “Eager to get away so quickly?” She smiled, but he detected a hint of disappointment in her tone.

  “Didn’t want to overstay my welcome.” He waited until he’d uncorked the bottle and given them each a generous pour before adding, “I wasn’t sure you’d want to see me again. After last night.”