One second they’re making their promises, the next they’re kissing and everyone is clapping. My throat is tight and my eyes are watery, but they aren’t happy tears like everyone else is pretending to have. It’s anger. Fury like I’ve never felt before.
We go back with our pairings and make our way down the aisle. Everyone in the wedding party forms a large circle to be excited together. Everyone is laughing and smiling, and being happy.
I’m walking away.
“Cameron!”
It’s him who’s calling me, but it’s too late. I hear the excitement in his voice. Like maybe he wants me to celebrate too. He wants me to be part of this. Or maybe he wants to apologize. Whatever it is, I don’t care. I’m done. I can’t handle this anymore. If this is the life he chooses to have, fine. I won’t be a part of it. In any way.
I was supposed to stay for pictures and for the reception. That was the promise I’d made to him all those months ago when he asked me to take on the responsibility of his best man. Some responsibility, since I didn’t get to do anything. Didn’t get to plan the bachelor party or pick out a suit or any of the fun shit.
There is no way I’m staying here. You couldn’t pay me enough to spend even another minute with those people. Austen and Savannah can shove their wedding photos up their asses, right beside their silver spoons.
I tear my tie off as I push out of the wedding doors and toss it into the bushes as I storm toward my car.
I should not have fucking come here.
Chapter Nineteen
Austen
The limo ride to our house is quiet as Savannah browses her phone. Tomorrow we’ll leave for Italy, for our honeymoon, and won’t see the house again for ten days.
I stare out the window at the town passing me by, all places I’ve grown up around.
Nothing in this town has changed since I was a kid. I used to think that was great. What’s wrong with consistency and familiarity? Stability?
But now, as I ride home with my wife, I can’t help but feel like the monotony is strangely suffocating.
I slide my hand into my pocket, my fingers wrapping around the solid metal key to our front door. I don’t really need aphysical key, since Savannah’s dad had a top of the line security system and digital lock installed. But I’d insisted on having a physical key because isn’t that what every kid dreams of? Turning that key in your front door and opening it on endless possibilities?
I turn for a moment, stealing a look at Savannah. Even hours later, her hair is still perfect, the curls still bouncy, her makeup flawless.
She doesn’t notice me looking at her, then again, she never does. She’s always engrossed in something else. Her phone. Her friends. Small town drama. The newest trends on the runway.
“Hey,” I say, pulling her attention. She looks up at me, her bright blue eyes rimmed in dark liner, long lashes standing out against her near porcelain skin.
She’s so pretty, and I know she’ll look phenomenal in our wedding photos. But I can’t help but feel as beautiful as they will be, they will never be perfect.
Because the most important person in my life is missing from them. I always imagined him being by my side during my entire wedding, especially the photos.
Savannah is now the most important person in my life.
The thought is sobering, despite the fact I haven’t had much to drink. After what happened with Cam, I think it’s best I avoid alcohol for a while.
“What?” she asks with a sigh.
“You look beautiful,” I say with a smirk. It’s the truth. She’s the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.
She rolls her eyes at me. “Well, that’s kind of the point, Austen.”
I reach my hand out across the seat. She’s on the other side of the limo.
She should be with me, right?
Snuggled close, unable to stop touching me and giggling with excitement because we’re married.
My fingers graze hers, jutting up against her canary diamond engagement ring and her diamond band.
