The Conflicted Maid of Honor (The Conflicted Love Series Book 2)

by Sharon Sue Thorn

  Chapter 19

  “Make it fancy, but fun. Not too proper.” Jenny smiled at Sammie’s reflection in the mirror. “Kinda like what you’ve been doing with your hair lately.”

  “You got it, girlfriend.” Sammie gave her an open-mouthed wink, making Jenny laugh.

  When she rose this morning, she’d looked in the mirror and given herself a good lecture. This was her best friend’s big day, and she would do nothing to steal any of Jenny’s joy.

  Sammie sprayed Jenny’s hair down to make it hold. “I still think it’s weird that we didn’t do a rehearsal.”

  Jenny giggled. “I’m telling you, there’s nothing to rehearse. Owen will take his place at the front, and they’ll tell us where to stand. You’ll come down the aisle with Jeff, and then I’ll go up to meet Owen. Anyone who’s on board is invited to come. The captain said lots of guests usually come for the cake.”

  “This seems like a wedding I’d have. I always thought you’d have a big church wedding.” Sammie sectioned Jenny’s hair into three parts and used clips to keep each area separated. Then she pulled a row of bobby pins off their cardboard and placed them between her lips as she twisted Jenny’s hair into submission.

  “I always did too,” Jenny said. “But this is really perfect. You’re here, and Owen is here. And you’ll be happy to know that one of the things I did when I was panic-stricken over you was to call my parents.”

  Sammie’s hands froze, and her eyes immediately filled with tears. “You did?” she asked. With the bobby pins in her mouth, it came out more like Hu-hih?

  “Don’t go swallowing those pins,” Jenny said, laughing, even though her eyes were shiny with tears as well. “They got in this morning while we were out.”

  Sammie sighed. She hated that Jenny hadn’t been there to greet them. “You should have been there.”

  “No, it’s good. Owen met them and helped them get settled. I realized that I’ve been goody-two-shoes about being honest, and I’ve been terrible at forgiving.”

  Sammie wrapped her arms around Jenny from behind, rested her cheek next to her bestie’s, and said, “I-uv-u,” pins still dangling from her lips.

  “Love you, too,” Jenny said as she raised her phone and took a selfie.

  Sammie took the pins out of her mouth momentarily. “Where’s your mom now?”

  “Getting dressed. She’ll be here in a bit.”

  Sammie went back to work on Jenny’s hair, shoving bobby pins into the loose twist. After completing all three sections, Sammie crisscrossed thin braids over each other, and then pulled wavy tendrils down to frame Jenny’s delicate bone structure.

  “You’re already gorgeous, and we haven’t even done the glam yet,” Sammie said, placing the floral combs with red and white roses into Jenny’s hair.

  “Let’s go light on the make-up.” Jenny tilted her head back to look up at Sammie. “I like the carefree style of the Caribbean.”

  “Me too,” Sammie agreed. It was true: the islands reeked of leisure, at least as far as tourists were concerned. “I’m surprised Molly isn’t here. I hope she doesn’t feel left out.”

  “No, I’m sure she doesn’t.” Jenny laughed. “This cruise has turned into a second honeymoon of sorts for them. Besides, she and Jeff have been having a blast spending time with Owen.”

  “They’re good people,” Sammie said, and she meant it. She wished she hadn’t been so distant in the beginning, but she wasn’t going to think about that now. “Dress time!”

  “No,” Jenny said. “Do your hair and makeup first. I insist.”

  “It’ll take me five minutes.”

  Sammie sat in front of the mirror and pulled hair from both sides of her head up to meet at the crown. Using a clear clip, she pinched them together and let her curls cascade down her back. For makeup, she applied moisturizer and then dabbed some powder across her nose, cheekbones, and forehead. She added mascara and a bit of glossy lipstick and called it good.

  “Done.”

  “You first on the dress,” Jenny said, clapping her hands. “I can’t wait to see you in it. Did you like it when you first saw it?”

  Sammie winced. “I haven’t looked at it yet.”

  Jenny gaped at her and reached out to feel her friend’s forehead. “Hmm, no fever, but when I get back, you and I are going to have another long talk.”

  “Can’t wait,” Sammie said as she unzipped the bag. She gasped as she took in the most beautiful red dress she’d ever seen. The silk bodice featured wide straps, and the skirt was netted. “Whoa! Not only my favorite color, but downright gorgeous!”

  “Don’t worry. We’ll find more reasons for you to wear it,” Jenny promised. “Okay, here goes mine. I picked it out of a catalog, and the tailor took my measurements. Hopefully, it fits.”

  “You haven’t tried it on?” Sammie laughed. “Who are you, and where did you hide my bestie?”

  “You know, at the end of the day, the things I used to think were important aren’t the big deals I thought they were.”

  Jenny shimmied into the dress, and Sammie zipped her up.

  Sammie whistled. “Hot mama! You look gorgeous.”

  The ivory maxi dress had two wide straps—one that sat on the shoulder and one that hugged Jenny’s side. The bodice dipped low in the center, leaving a bikini-style top. The long skirt flowed softly and featured a stylish slit up to the thigh.

  “Shoes?”

  “Yeah, I’m doing these!” Jenny yanked a pair of white jeweled flip-flops out of a shoe box.

  “Perfect!” Sammie grinned.

  The door opened behind them, and Jenny’s mom entered the room. One look at Jenny, and her hands flew to her mouth.

  “Hi, Mrs. Jamison,” Sammie said. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’m going to leave you two alone for some mother-daughter time.”

  Sammie slipped out of the room, careful not to catch her dress on anything as she closed the door behind her. She tracked Molly down and found her getting ready for the big event.

  “Oh my gosh! You look like a freaking movie star, Sammie!” Molly gushed.

  “Thanks! You’re looking gorgeous yourself,” Sammie said as she admired Molly’s beige dress with a vibrant pink and white floral pattern. Jeff was standing beside her in a tux. “You’re looking mighty spiffy, too, Jeff! Love the blue tux.”

  “Thanks, but I can’t wait to take this thing off,” he said, trying to adjust the bow tie. “And this thing is too tight.” He pulled at the cummerbund. “I thought these things went out of style a long time ago.”

  Molly giggled as Owen walked up from behind her. “It would have fit just fine if you hadn’t eaten donuts for breakfast every single day since you’ve been on board.”

  Jeff scowled.

  “You don’t have to wear it if you don’t want to,” Owen said.

  A smile started to spread across Jeff’s face. “I don’t?”

  “Yes, you do.” Owen laughed. “It looks nice, and you won’t have to wear it very long. You’ll live.”

  Sammie snickered when poor Jeff’s face fell.

  The captain came over next and put his hand on Owen’s shoulder. “Are you ready to seal the deal?”

  “Am I ever!” Owen beamed.

  Sammie watched Owen walk away, hoping that one day she could have what he and Jenny had found in each other. Peace.

  “All right, M.O.H.,” Jeff said, offering Sammie his arm. “We’d better go find our places.”

  “You got it, B.M.” As soon as Sammie said that, she made eye contact with Molly, and they burst into a fit of laughter.

  “Ha. Ha. Ha,” Jeff said dryly. “I know. I know. I opened that door.”

  Minutes later, Sammie held Jeff’s arm as they made their way to the bow of the ship. They turned their backs to the open sea to face Jenny as she walked down the center aisle on her father’s arm. Jenny’s tears sparkled in her eyes, and her father’s expression mirrored her emotions. He hugged her warmly before letting her go.

  T
he vows Jenny and Owen exchanged were classic, but Sammie cried buckets anyway. When it was time for the kiss, she clapped as Owen gave Jenny a soft kiss, causing the crowd to ooh and aah. He followed the sweet traditional kiss by dipping her back dramatically and laying a huge smooch on her. The crowd laughed and applauded.

  Sammie was amazed as she looked around at the complete strangers who dabbed at their eyes and held their spouses’ hands. For a moment, she allowed herself to imagine herself standing there, Dominic by her side. It was too easy to picture.

  The captain winked and fanned his face as he removed the mic from its stand. “Folks, let me present to you Mr. and Mrs. Owen Kaine.”

  Sammie applauded wildly for her best friend, who glowed as she faced the crowd. Owen pulled Jenny up to him, and they smiled at the captain.

  “Now, this couple will be leaving on a helicopter shortly, and frankly, y’all are covering the helipad.” The crowd laughed. “So, this is what we’re going to do.”

  Jenny hadn’t let her in on any post-ceremony plans, so Sammie listened to the captain as intently as the rest of the guests did.

  “The bride is asking all single women to gather together right up front here.” The captain pointed to a spot, but nobody moved. “Seriously, are you all married already?”

  Slowly, a few women made their way to the circle, including one who looked to be well into her seventies.

  Jenny reached over to Sammie and grabbed her hand.

  “Oh, Jenny! No!”

  “Get your butt over there now,” Jenny ordered.

  Reluctantly, Sammie stood with the tiny group of strangers as the captain announced the tossing of the bouquet. When the elderly lady caught it, everyone clapped.

  After celebrating the newly married couple with a champagne toast, the guests received wine bottle openers engraved with the date of the wedding. To help clear the helipad, Owen and Jenny led a conga line off to one side. Sammie held on to Jenny, and Molly held on to Sammie, with Jeff just behind. A slew of strangers followed as the crew made quick work of clearing the deck.

  The five friends, along with Jenny’s parents, met in a private conference room for hugs and goodbyes. Jeff and Owen talked quietly near the door before embracing in what Molly called a bro hug. Jenny gave Molly a hug, and Molly’s eyes filled with tears. Jenny reminded her that she and Owen would see her and Jeff in Houston the following month.

  Jenny’s parents cornered Owen with questions about the honeymoon destination. They hoped he would bring Jenny home often for visits, they told him. He just laughed and said he didn’t think that would be a problem.

  After Jeff and Molly had headed back to their cabin to change, Jenny turned to Sammie, wrapped her arms around her, and the two best friends rocked back and forth. “I love you, Sammie,” she whispered.

  “Oh, I love you too, girl,” Sammie said into Jenny’s ear. “Make the most of everything.”

  “I will. But I want you to take your own advice. It’s better to find out whether or not something is meant to be than to never know and forever wonder.”

  “It’s too late for all that,” Sammie said. “But that’s the last thing your mind should be on now!” She cupped Jenny’s face in her hands. “I love you, and I’ll see you in Dover. Just don’t forget about me.”

  “Never,” Jenny promised. “Just be ready to come see me too. You know the travel expenses won’t be a problem.”

  “I will. I promise.”

  Chapter 20

  “Do you have everything?” Dominic asked Charles.

  “I do,” Charles said, beaming. His hands rested on the straps of his backpack.

  “Okay! Well, go. Have a good day and don’t wreck your new car, eh?” Dominic waved him off.

  “I won’t,” Charles called back as he rushed out the door.

  “Your little brother?” asked a British man seated at the bar.

  Dominic grinned at his patron. “His first day of class.”

  He didn’t bother to address the man’s familial assumptions. It was more correct than not these days. He’d come to care a great deal for Charles and wanted to see him succeed. He was thrilled that the young man would attend prep classes until the next semester started, and then he would be an official college student.

  “I have a son in college, but fortunately, my dad left him money for school. If I had to try to pay for it, it would be a sad situation. He wouldn’t be attending Manchester, that’s for sure. Do classes always start in October around here?”

  “The classes he’s taking are on an eight-week rotation. So they’re accelerated. He’s a smart one. He’ll be fine, and then he’ll get a normal semester in January. What’s your name, man?” Dominic asked.

  “It’s Edward.” The man extended a hand.

  “Dominic,” he said as he shook the man’s hand.

  “Nice to meet you. Great place you have here.”

  “Thank you. I was actually just t’inking about selling it.”

  “Really?” Edward looked around. “Why?”

  “I love my business, but I need to do other t’ings. This takes all my time and energy.” Admittedly, a business that took all his time was helpful to some degree. Especially when it came to keeping his mind busy.

  “I understand,” Edward said, “but don’t jump the gun. This is a great place. If I could afford to buy it, I’d be happy to take it off your hands.”

  Dominic laughed. “You’d have to move a long way to tend the bar.”

  “No, mate. I live here on the island. Moved here last week.”

  “Interesting. Why St. Lucia?”

  Edward shrugged. “Why not? It’s beautiful here.”

  Dominic knew he shouldn’t have mentioned selling the bar to this foreigner. He had a bad habit of oversharing, assuming they’d be here one minute and gone the next. But, truth be told, the place had begun to feel like a weight around his ankles, holding him in one spot. It was a source of pride to him, but he was held captive by the needs of the business. He’d worked hard and saved all his money. The economy in St. Lucia wasn’t the best, and working for someone else didn’t make for a comfortable life. Buying the property with upstairs living quarters had been the smartest thing he’d ever done. While he wasn’t rich, he made enough to pay the bills, and he owed nothing to anyone else.

  But running the business had started to feel empty. If he sold it, he could use the money to start a new venture and still help Charles with his schooling.

  He couldn’t expect Lery to cover him half the week every week, and Charles wasn’t ready to work behind the counter. He might never be ready. But the boy surely wouldn’t drink up the liquor. He’d told Dominic that he’d never had a drop of alcohol in his entire life, and Dominic didn’t have any reason to doubt him. Charles was a smart boy. He could do better than running a bar after he completed his education.

  “If you’re serious, I may know someone who’d be interested,” Edward said.

  “It’s just a thought right now.”

  Dominic would rather sell to a local unless the foreigner could convince him that he wouldn’t tear it down and build something for the tourists. St. Lucia depended on the tourists for its economy, and Dominic loved meeting people from all over. But so much of St. Lucia was already geared toward the incessant visitors. All were welcome in his bar, but he wanted to keep the St. Lucian feel even if that meant he wouldn’t make as much.

  Dominic picked up the polishing rag. He wouldn’t admit openly that his conflicted thoughts were likely the result of his agitation surrounding a dark-haired bél.

  The mailman came through the door, setting off the chime. Dominic looked at his watch. “Nearly five. You’re late today.”

  “Ya, I know,” the mailman said. He quickly became animated. “The first stop of the day, do you know what happened?”

  Dominic shook his head.

  “A wreck. Some sleepy lady hit my car. It took so long for the police to arrive.” He handed Dominic an envelope. “I need you
to sign for this one. It’s certified from the States.”

  Dominic signed the receipt and thanked him. “I’m glad you’re okay.”

  “Me too, man. Have a good one. I must go.”

  Dominic nodded and looked at the envelope curiously.

  Chapter 21

  Sammie had been home a week and still hadn’t unpacked. Work had been hell. She’d been doing CNA work for the last couple of years and had thought about going back to school to become a registered nurse, but she had to face the facts: she wasn’t cut out for this work. After the long break, she felt like she’d walked into a circus.

  Sometimes, the aggravation she felt when she tried to care for the elderly made her question her own moral fortitude. Though she did her very best, it was hard on the days when she was hit or spat on. Worse yet, the residents weren’t her only challenge. The other CNAs varied from both ends of the spectrum. Some loved their work and excelled at it, bless their hearts, some were mediocre, and one or two were only there for a paycheck. Sammie had wanted to become one of the best, but it would never happen. She just didn’t love the work enough.

  Lack of options was the only reason she’d ever given this type of work a shot, anyway. It wasn’t fair to the residents or to herself to stay in a role that would never be fulfilling. She’d decided to put in her two weeks’ notice and pray she’d find another job soon. She might even check to see if Betsy had any openings at the B&B. If she couldn’t find something else in Dover, she’d have to find work in Topeka.

  Tomorrow was her day off, but she had a To Do list that she wanted to get a head start on. To begin with, she needed to unpack from the trip. She also needed to update her resume and check out the help wanted ads.

  The thought of going back to school passed through her mind, and she groaned. How had she gotten to be twenty-seven years old and still not know what she wanted to be when she grew up?

  She regretted having spent her life with a frivolous attitude, but there was nothing she could do about the past. It was time to grow up. She couldn’t spend every weekend partying and expect things to change. In fact, she had no desire to go out and party this weekend.