“Thank you, Momma,” I said, my voice trembling with emotion. “I’m so happy you’re here with me.”
We shared a moment, just the two of us, before Daisy barged back in, scanning her clipboard, with Duke attached to theleash in her free hand. “Okay, everyone, it’s time to head to the church,” she announced. “The cars are waiting outside.”
The convoy of black cars made its way through the narrow streets, lined by men in dark suits with stern expressions. I crossed my fingers under the bunch of my dress in the hope nothing would go wrong. The last thing I needed was for someone to die on my wedding day. That wouldn’t be bad luck—it would be something far worse.
When we arrived at the tall church, I looked up at its aged, weathered stone walls. The large wooden doors opened before we’d stepped out of the car. Inside, the space looked just as magical as I’d imagined it. The ceiling art matched the flowers Daisy had chosen, and the stained-glass windows matched the colorful patterns on the stone floor.
The Romanos sat on one side of the church, impeccably dressed in their designer gowns and suits. They were right on time. I supposed that was where Max got his punctuality from. There were only a few of my family members here—late, like I usually was.
My momma took my arm, her firm grip reassuring. Together, we walked up the steps into the church, where we waited in a room far away from everyone. Tradition dictated Max couldn’t see me before the ceremony. She gave me pep talks while we waited for everyone to arrive. Daisy was still walking around like a crazy person with her walkie-talkie and clipboard. She was the definition of organized chaos.
“You’re a beautiful bride,” Momma said. “I’m sorry this isn’t what you wanted.”
“The wedding is exactly what I want,” I admitted. Ever since I was a little girl, I’d dreamed of wearing one of my grandma’s dresses. I’d dreamed of having peonies in light blue vases and a three-tiered cake with both chocolate and vanilla sponge. And now I had it. Daisy had made it all possible.
“I’m sorry it isn’t withwhoyou wanted.”
Her words hit me like a stab to the stomach. My family was under the impression I didn’t want to marry Max. I remembered how I’d stormed into my father’s office demanding for him to find a way out for me. The memory was vivid: the rage that had bubbled up inside of me; the way my voice shook with desperation as I’d pleaded with him to put me first, to choose me over the Outfit.
Things had changed since then. I wasn’t sure what to make of the changes, but marrying Max didn’t seem like the end of the world in the way it once had. Oh gosh, what did that say about me? Was I easy? Was I weak for succumbing to the charms of a man who represented everything I thought I despised?
The truth was, I’d grown to see Max differently; to see beyond the rumors, the stereotypes and judgments.
“For the sake of our family, right?” I said with a bright smile.
The time had finally come. Daisy’s voice echoed through the doorway, telling us everyone had arrived and it was go time. I could already hear the music starting.
Momma gave my hand one last squeeze.
“Wait,” Daisy interjected. “Where is Max? He should be here by now!”
My head snapped toward her. “He’s not here yet?” My heart sank. Max was never late. Never. He’d always been impeccably punctual, down to the very second.
Panic began to set in as the minutes ticked by with no sign of him.
“Daisy, check again,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
She nodded and hurried off, her walkie-talkie crackling as she barked orders. I stood there, my heart pounding in my chest, my mother’s grip tightening on my arm.
“Maybe he got caught up in traffic,” Momma suggested, though she didn’t sound convinced.
Deep down, I knew Max. He wouldn’t stand me up. Not like this. He wasn’t perfect—far from it—but he wasn’t cruel. He knew how much this day meant to me; how much effort had gone into planning every detail. Max wouldn’t throw it all away without a damn good reason.
Would he?
Minutes turned into what felt like hours. The guests were seated, the music was playing, and yet he still hadn’t arrived.
Daisy returned, her face pale. “I’ve checked everywhere. He’s not here.”
The room seemed to spin. This couldn’t be happening.
Momma looked at me, her eyes filled with concern. “Should we call it off?”
I didn’t want to call it off. I wanted him to show up for me like he’d said he would.
The guests were getting restless, whispers filling the church as they waited. I felt like a fool standing there in my wedding dress, waiting for a groom who might never come.
Would Max really do this to me? The man had given me such a hard time about punctuality and was always where he said he’d be, without fail. Was this really happening? Doubt gnawed at me. What if everything he’d promised, everything he’d done to win my trust again, was all a lie?
