The bench creaked when she stood. It was an old bench, but no one even looked. All eyes were on the bride and groomas they started their procession. Once outside, Annie took a few deep breaths. Free and clear, for now.
Chapter Four
Josh sat in the back seat of the limo across from the bride and groom, or rather their legs, since they were both hanging out the sunroof. He really had no care one way or the other what they did as long as they were happy. There were more important things form him to worry about. He was almost positive when they’d all turned toward the guests after the deed was done, he saw Annie slip out of the back of the church, but with so many people between them, he never would have made it outside in time if it was her.
He was scared to death Annie would have skipped out on the reception by the time they got there. Josh cursed the person who came up with the tradition of driving around town with the whole wedding party before the reception. What was that even about? To show off to all the single people that they were both taken. Not sure who would actually care about that. The people that cared were already at the reception waiting.
If it had been Annie, that little car fiasco could have screwed up his whole plan. She could have slid in and set up the cake and disappeared before anyone even got there. If he ever got married, and his chances were looking slimmer every minute, there would be no in between time, just straight from wedding to reception. Better yet, he would have the wedding and reception in the same place. Then no one would have to drive anywhere. For now, all he could do was sit not so patientlyand pray they wouldn’t take yet another turn in the opposite direction of the party. He might just have to jump ship and walk to the venue.
Less than a half an hour later, instead of being relieved they were approaching the entrance to the park where the reception festivities were being held, Josh was wound tighter than a drum. Similar to the church, the parking lot was too full to take a proper look around for Annie’s car, so he continued to hold out hope he hadn’t screwed up his chances.
As was typical behavior of late, he posted the proverbial smile on his face, for the cameras and to avoid continued threats from the bride and preceded the happy couple out of the car. He needed a drink then he’d wander through the crowd.
There were so many people crowding the entrance to the pavilion they all started to look alike. He had no idea what she’d have on since she wasn’t in the wedding.
***
The park pavilion was absolutely beautiful, and the cake looked
like a masterpiece, not that Annie was bragging. It just gave her an enormous amount of pleasure to see one of her creations turn out so well. Sometimes it still surprised her that she actually knew how to make that kind of stuff. She wasn’t really a creative kid in her younger years. At first she’d only seen it as fun and it relaxed her to bake. She used to make cakes randomly for her friends.
Coincidentally, it was Julie that suggested she should start charging. Made her believe maybe there really could be a career in it. Once thing led to another, a few years of college for a business degree and a culinary school to specialize and she now had her own storefront. Wedding cakes were the most funbecause they were always different and had lots of detail. Hers and the customers ideas came from all over. Her friend Julie had actually seen an intricate filigree heart design in a fashion magazine and knew she wanted them added to the heart-shaped cakes. They were a bit of a challenge to pull off but they turned out really good and looked great.
Annie took another look around the cake table. She’d also been in charge of the cake knife that the bride and groom would use when it was time to cut, along with the engraved flutes for their toast. As far as she could tell, everything else was in order. Julie’s cousins did a great job decorating the pavilion and the caked matched perfectly.
Now she would wait along the sidelines quietly for the guests of honor to make their debut, give them her congratulations and make a subtle exit—all without seeing Josh, she hoped. Annie felt like a loner or maybe a lame bar fly resting against the gazebo railing. However, seconds later her posture sprang to life when she heard a frantic honking coming closer. Her stomach did a flip with every blast. This whole ordeal had been too much on her system, her nerves were shot.
As she watched the limo park, her fight or flight wrestled with her. Annie’s palms were soaked with sweat and her heart stopped at least twice as she watched Josh emerge from the car first. The bride and groom climbed from the limo last and approached the awaiting crowd. At this rate, she’d be there all night, so she slowly made her way closer to the front of the gazebo. A quick hug for both and she could be on her way.
Annie waited for Julie’s family to greet them then she made sure she was next.
“I can’t believe I’m actually married,” Julie whispered in her ear as Annie gave her a long hug. Brian joined the embrace just in time.
“I’m so happy for you both. It was a beautiful ceremony.” With lovesick smiles, the happy couple wandered through their waiting guests. When Annie turned to leave, she caught sight of Josh, standing alone, looking gorgeous as ever and believe it or not, peaceful…and staring right at her.
Shit. So much for being inconspicuous.
She wasn’t sure she could endure another meeting like they’d had yesterday but she also had nothing else to lose. He’d already walked away from her twice. She mustered up a couple deep breaths, then pushed herself forward to approach him.
“Hi Annie. You look beautiful.”
He was being polite. She could do polite. Hopefully.
It wasn’t one of the dressier dresses she’d chosen to wear. A sleeveless, black, and formfitting piece she’d picked up a few months ago, but it was nice to know he liked it. She’d actually thought of him when she grabbed it from her closet.
“Thanks Josh. You’re very handsome in that tux.”
There was nothing she hated more than tense moments, when people said their pleasantries and then stood looking at each other, at a loss for words.
Annie motioned in the direction of the parked cars. “I was just heading out, but since I ran into you, I wanted to apologize one last time.”
She still felt horrible for her selfishness and after everything, his forgiveness was important to her. “More than you’ll ever know, I’m so sorry for everything that’s happened between us and I only hope that one day you will be able toforgive me. I only wish for a happy future for you and I know that I’ll be okay even if that future isn’t with me, but I do love you Josh.”
Enough said. She was blubbering. She turned to make a hasty exit when a hand gripped her harm.
“You should know, I never doubted that you loved me Annie.”
She looked at him in confusion. Unfortunately, he knew the feeling all too well. He spent a lot of time that way over the last few months. She never left his thoughts for a second.
