The Engagement Embargo: A Meet Me at the Altar Novel

by Samantha Chase

  “That is my goal for the weekend,” she murmured around a yawn. “Research some new places to go.” And it was with that last thought that she fell asleep.

  The next morning, Skye got up and was looking forward to the day ahead. She was going to go online and look up some new and fabulous wine bars, and, she decided, she was going to go out for the day and hit the mall. The thought of hitting the bookstore made her giddy, and then she was definitely going to get herself one of those giant pretzels that she rarely treated herself to.

  “Not my most exciting day, but I’m making the most of it,” she told herself as she stepped into the shower. An hour later, dressed in her favorite jeans and hooded sweatshirt, she left for the mall.

  It was loud and crowded, but as she wandered the aisles of Barnes and Noble, Skye found herself smiling. So many wonderful books to choose from and she landed on a rom-com that she’d heard good things about. Glancing at the back cover, she couldn’t help but laugh at the warning label: Warning — This sweet, sexy and laugh-out-loud funny romance is filled with all the most ridiculous road trip stories you can imagine and is sure to drive you crazy with all the feels!

  “That is exactly what I want,” she murmured. “Something fun to read tonight.”

  Book in hand, she continued to shop around and she grabbed a few more books, a new planner, a travel mug, and a journal before venturing out into the mall. The pretzel place was right there, so Skye made that her second stop and moaned with pure delight after her first bite.

  Oh yeah…that’s the stuff…

  She had barely finished chewing when her phone rang. Going over to the nearest bench, she put her stuff down and looked at the screen with a frown.

  “Hey, Jos! What’s up?”

  “We have a situation.”

  “Um…what?”

  “A situation, Skye! A code-red situation!”

  “I have no idea what that means!”

  There was a loud sigh on the other end of the phone before Josie explained. “So, Angie at Enchanted was under the impression that one of us was going to stay for the expo, and she specifically wants Leanna to do it because of the cakes!”

  “I don’t understand. I can totally go and do the expo. I know enough about what Lea does that it shouldn’t be a big deal. And really, how did we not pay more attention to this? Even as a last-minute favor, someone should have remembered them asking for one of us to stay!” She took another bite of her pretzel. “I mean, for crying out loud, it’s not like we had a lot on our plate that this should have slipped by us!”

  “Are you eating something? Where are you?”

  “I’m at the mall and having a pretzel,” she explained before taking another bite.

  “Oh, no…not the mall pretzel. Skye, those things are a carb nightmare! Throw it away! I know you’ve been depressed lately, but you don’t want to spend the day dealing with mall carbs!”

  “I have zero regrets about the mall carbs. If anything, I might grab a second one to go and have it for dinner.”

  “No, you won’t because you’re going to be here eating Patricia’s version of my nana’s ravioli and meatballs and whatever else you want off of the fabulous menu,” Josie told her. “You’ll need to be here by four, okay?”

  “Um, no, it’s not okay. I’m going to go to Enchanted and relieve Leanna and she’ll be to your party at four.”

  “Did you not hear the part about them only wanting Lea there for the cakes?”

  “You did, but it makes no sense! What difference does it make which one of us is there? As long as someone is there representing Meet Me at the Altar, they should be happy!”

  “Look, I completely agree, but they are a good company to work with and we’ve always had a great relationship with the girls there. Why rock the boat?”

  “They’re the ones rocking!” Skye countered around another bite of pretzel. At this rate, she was going to need a second one now rather than later because she was stress eating her way through it.

  “Skye, focus,” Josie said calmly. “We’ve talked about this and you’ve been saying how you would be fine coming here if you needed to. Well…you need to. Please. I want to enjoy the party and visit with my relatives and basically, I’m not expecting any issues, but I won’t be able to relax if you’re not here.”

  She swallowed a ball of carbs and groaned. “Fine. I’ll be there. But I’m not happy about it and we’re going to talk about this on Monday, how no one paid attention to what was needed at the expo.”

  “Yes, we will. Now throw away the pretzel and go home and get ready. What are you going to wear?”

  Unable to help it, she rolled her eyes. “Does it matter? I’ll wear one of my event dresses–something plain and simple. No big deal.”

  “I’m just curious, that’s all. You looked really good in that black dress with the open back. You should wear that. Make my brother regret letting you go.”

  Groaning, she fought the urge to throw something. “Why would you even bring that up right now? Just…why?”

  “What? I thought it would be cool for you to wear a revenge dress–you know, like Princess Diana did. I’m just encouraging you. Plus, a good revenge dress would force you to get rid of the pretzel.”

  She took another bite. “I’m almost done with it because this conversation is stressing me out!”

  “Fine, but don’t come crying to me when you have a carb-filled belly bump later because I’ll just have to say I told you so.”

  “I’ll consider myself warned,” she said wearily.

  “Okay, then. I’ll see you at four.”

  “Yup. Four.” Sliding her phone back into her purse, Skye stood and considered her options. There was half a pretzel left and there was no way she was throwing it out.

  But a revenge dress did sound appealing.

  Pretzel. Dress. Pretzel. Dress. Decisions, decisions…

  Grabbing her bags, she took another bite of her treat and walked over to Macy’s to do a little dress shopping.

  And an hour later walked back out without a dress.

  “Damn mall carbs.”

  “Yikes.”

  Elliott didn’t even bother to react to his sister’s comment because she wasn’t the first one today to make it.

  Or any day for the last month.

  “Seriously, bro, you could have cleaned up a bit for today,” Josie said with a hint of disgust before reaching out and touching his face. “And you definitely should have shaved.”

  “Beards are trendy right now.”

  “Not that beard,” she murmured, frowning. “What is going on with you?”

  I made a huge mistake and miss Skylar more than I thought possible…

  Instead of saying that, he shrugged. “Just putting in a lot of hours at work. I’m heading up a big project and it’s taking more time than I thought it would.”

  It wasn’t a total lie, but he had volunteered to head it up and only took on half the team he really needed because he wanted the extra work. Burying all his free time in coding was the perfect distraction so he wasn’t thinking about his pathetic excuse of a life. It was what he should have done originally after the whole wedding thing instead of getting involved with Skye. Maybe if he had done that, he wouldn’t be such a mess right now.

  He wasn’t sleeping; he was existing on pizza and coffee, and maybe if he stuck to the original time frame of the whole embargo thing, in three months he’d feel like he had his life back.

  Or at least a better one than he was currently living.

  Sliding his hands into his trouser pockets, he let out a long breath and decided to change the subject. “The place looks great. I was watching Nana and Pop walk around a little while ago and she was gushing over all the decorations. You really outdid yourself. And Leanna’s cake is amazing.”

  “She had only one picture to work off of, but I think it looks exactly like their original wedding cake,” Josie said, sounding pleased. “We really tried to recreate as much as we could an
d I think they finally got Nana to go and get changed into her gown.” She looked around him into the room. “We should be ready to start in an hour.” Then she paused. “Which reminds me, why are you here so early?”

  He shrugged again. “I figured I’d come and see if you needed any help. I know your goal was to just be here as a guest, but I thought maybe Lea could use a hand or something.”

  Waving him off, Josie stepped around him. “Leanna’s stuck at a wedding expo so she can talk cakes with potential clients. Skye’s coming to oversee everything.” She glanced down at her phone which was always in her hand. “She should be here any minute.” Then she smiled at him. “I’m going to go and meet up with her and walk her through everything. I’ll see you in a little while!”

  Elliott watched as she walked away and felt like he was going to be sick.

  And seriously regretted not shaving.

  Looking around, he wondered what he was supposed to do with himself until the party started. He really did intend to come and lend a hand, but knowing that Skye was going to be in charge, he had a feeling she wasn’t interested in any help from him.

  And he couldn’t blame her one bit.

  So now what?

  Spotting his parents walking around, he decided to join them. “Hey, Mom,” he said softly, kissing her cheek. Then he turned and shook his father’s hand. “Hey, Dad.”

  “Elliott,” his mother said gently, taking his hand in hers. “You do realize this is a bit of a formal event, right?”

  “Um…”

  “Son, don’t you think you should have…you know…cleaned up a bit for today?” his father suggested.

  He looked down at himself and frowned before looking at them. “I’m dressed appropriately, I’ve showered and brushed my teeth. What exactly is wrong with how I look?”

  “Sweetheart, when was the last time you got a haircut or…shaved?” His mother made a small disapproving sound as she shook her head. “Are you still upset about your wedding? Is this too much of a reminder? I’m sure Nana would understand if you…”

  “I’m not upset about my wedding, Mom,” he said wearily. “I grew a beard; it’s not a big deal.”

  “Are you depressed?” his father asked. “You seem a little depressed. Is that why you grew the beard?”

  “I’m not depressed,” he responded through clenched teeth. “I’ve been very busy with work and for your information, beards are trendy right now. Ask anyone.”

  “Skylar!” his mother called out cheerily as she waved her over. “Look how beautiful you look!”

  “Thanks, Mrs. Sullivan,” Skye said as she hugged his mother, then his father, and completely ignored him.

  “Skylar, settle an argument for us, please. Look at Elliott and tell him that beard isn’t trendy. He looks depressed and a little like a…a…hobo.”

  It wasn’t hard to miss the smirk on her face when she finally looked at him. Elliott forced a smile. “Hey, Skye.”

  “Elliott,” she said softly before returning her attention to his mother. “Beards can be trendy but…not this time.”

  “And the hobo thing?”

  This time she laughed a little before looking at him again. “I wouldn’t exactly say hobo, but it’s certainly not his best look. Sorry.”

  “See?” his mother said firmly to him. “No one likes it! You need to go shave right now!”

  “Mom, I don’t carry a razor around with me. I think for today everyone can handle this without it ruining the whole party.”

  “You’ll ruin the pictures…”

  “It’s a beard! Why is everyone giving me so much grief about this?” he demanded.

  “Elliott, maybe you need to see a counselor or something. You seem to have a lot of anger issues,” his father chimed in.

  “I’m angry because everyone is ganging up on me over something trivial,” he reasoned. “And I certainly don’t need you grabbing people to pile on!”

  “It’s not like we grabbed someone off the street, dear. Skylar’s practically family. And I’m sure if we flagged your sister down, she’d agree with all of us.”

  This was getting him nowhere, and he opted to simply give up. “I’ve already had this conversation with Josie and…I’m just going to go for a walk. Excuse me,” he huffed before walking away.

  Luckily, he made it out to the gardens without anyone else stopping him. There was a small sitting area set up for the party and he opted to go and sit out there to get some peace and quiet.

  Running a hand over his jaw, he had to admit that it wasn’t his best look, but…it hadn’t really mattered. The only one he was spending time with was himself. He hadn’t been to basketball or gone out with the guys since he ended things with Skye. Tyler had shown up at his house after a week and tried to find out what was wrong, but…Elliott kept it all to himself. Maybe if he had talked about it, he wouldn’t feel so crappy right now.

  The weather was beautiful and people were walking around setting up and he wished the damn party would just start so he could get it over with and go home.

  “Mrs. Sullivan wants a few additional tables and chairs set up out here with an assortment of snacks,” he heard Skylar saying as she walked his way. “Can we maybe station a server out here to oversee the area?”

  “That shouldn’t be a problem,” whoever was with her was saying. When he looked up, he saw a man in a suit walking beside her and figured he worked with the arboretum events team. “We can even set up a small bar that offers water and non-alcoholic drinks if you’d like.”

  “That sounds wonderful. Thanks, Mark. I appreciate you being so flexible,” she was telling him. They both stopped short when they spotted Elliott sitting on one of the benches. He thought she was going to turn and walk away, but Mark started directing his staff on what he needed them to do.

  Unable to stop himself, he gave her a small wave. He noticed the slight flush of her cheeks when she waved back.

  Then she slowly walked toward him. “Hey.”

  “Hey,” he said, hating how awkward it all felt. She looked beautiful–her long hair pulled back in her standard sleek ponytail and the little black dress that hugged her curves perfectly. She was the epitome of the elegant professional. “How’ve you been?”

  He caught her hesitation before she said, “Good. And you?”

  He shrugged. “Other than being mistaken for a hobo? Good.”

  With a husky laugh, Skye clasped her hands in front of her. “Yeah, um…sorry about that.”

  “No worries. It’s the unanimous opinion of the day, so…”

  “Skye?” Mark called out. “Will these tables work?”

  With an apologetic smile and another wave, she turned and walked away and Elliott’s eyes went wide.

  The backless dress left little to the imagination and he wanted to get up and cover her up. That was not what he was expecting from the damn front of the dress at all! He was about to go after her when he realized it wasn’t his place.

  Plus, she was working, not socializing. It wasn’t like anyone was going to get up close and personal with her in the middle of his grandparents’ anniversary party.

  And what would you do if they did?

  Nothing. He’d lost the right to.

  Actually, he never had the right to. The entire time they were together, no one knew about it, so even if they happened to be at the same place at the same time with their friends, he had no claim on her.

  God, I’m an idiot.

  It wasn’t the first time he’d thought that about himself, and he was fairly certain it wasn’t going to be the last.

  Letting his head fall back, he let out a long breath as he closed his eyes.

  A few minutes later, someone sat down beside him and he was almost afraid to open his eyes and see who it was.

  “Your grandmother never let me have a beard.”

  Straightening, Elliott couldn’t help but smile. “Hey, Pop. Shouldn’t you be inside getting ready?”

  With a small shrug, h
is grandfather grinned. “Already done. Your grandmother picked out this suit, this tie, my shoes, and socks.” He chuckled. “I was ready in five minutes. Meanwhile, she’s in there with a team of professionals and I don’t understand why.”

  “I’m guessing she wants to look her best for you,” he reasoned. “And this is a big day.”

  Waving him off, his grandfather shook his head. “She could have worn a housecoat and she’d be beautiful. I know she enjoys having a fuss made over her, but she doesn’t need it. She’s beautiful no matter what she wears.”

  “It’s a female thing, Pop. They like the fuss.”

  “Maybe.” He paused. “She’s so excited about this party. The fact that she still fits in her gown has been a source of non-stop conversation. Personally, I’ll be happy when we can talk about something else.” He let out a soft chuckle and Elliott couldn’t help but join him.

  “So how does it feel, Pop? I mean, sixty-five years is a long time. How do the two of you make it work?”

  His grandfather gave him a knowing grin. "You may have everyone else fooled, Elliott, but not me. We're too alike."

  "What do you mean?"

  "I mean, you can tell your parents and your sister that you're okay with being a bachelor, but I hear the longing in your voice. I can see it in your face."

  Damn. He hated being that transparent.

  Still.

  Then he looked at Elliott. “What about you? What’s going on with you?”

  “Not much. Working hard. I’m in the middle of a big project at work, and…”

  “I wasn’t talking about work, Elliott. What’s going on with your personal life? Dating anyone?”

  “I’m still dealing with the big embargo, remember?”

  “Bah,” he huffed. “Dumbest thing I ever heard of. I should have spoken up against it when your father brought it up, but I didn’t want to add to the craziness of the day.”

  “Yeah, well…I haven’t been a fan of it, but I understand why everyone thought it was a good idea.”

  “Nonsense!” his grandfather stated firmly. “You know what you and I have in common, Elliott? We follow our hearts. And there is nothing wrong with that.”