“I’m glad you see the light.” I sighed heavily and patted my dress. “But as you know, this is supposed to bemyday. How about we go have a shot of whiskey before this starts. It’ll calm my nerves a little bit.”
He grinned, showing me all of his teeth while he pulled a flask out of the inside of his tuxedo jacket. “I did think of that.” Butch held it out to me, and then pulled it back a smidge when I reached for it. “Just a little bit. I know how much of a lightweight you are.”
I bared my teeth at him, but I only took a shot.
He tucked it back into his suit jacket. “You’ll do just fine, kid. Don’t you worry. Don’t even think about all those famous rich people out there. It’s just you and him.”
I inhaled deeply. Exhaled slowly.
I nodded. “Okay. They’re lining up out there.”
Butch snorted. “I’m glad you talked him into the heaters inside that gazebo. The guests will freeze, but at least you’ll be warm.”
I chuckled as I took the arm he held out to me. “You won’t be too cold. All those chairs out there? Including the one you’ll be sitting in? I also talked him into heated seats. So your ass will be toasty warm.”
“On that note of warm asses, it’s time to go.”
* * *
Ignore the rich and famous. Ignore the rich and famous.
My eyes stayed glued to the man waiting for me in the gazebo. I walked forward a step at a time, careful not to trip on my dress. It was beautiful, but it was long and full-bodied, the sides of it almost brushing the guests’ chairs.
I stopped.
I stared down at my flowers, as if in deep thought.
The music continued to play, but its tune slowed.
I snapped my head back up as my chest pumped.
Not again. Not today!
Whatever it was…it wasn’t me.
I didn’t think I was crazy, not now that magic existed. I still hadn’t told anyone what had happened that first night I’d arrived here. I hadn’t said…
Oh, yes, my body was snatched from me.
I had kept my mouth shut.
Perhaps I shouldn’t have. But I had.
With eyes full of fear, I took a tentative step forward.
I froze in place.
And peered down at my flowers.
I snapped my head back up. I kicked off my shoes and rushed down the aisle before I could be stopped again. I sucked in a large lungful of air, stopping directly in front of my fiancé. I ignored his worried and confused expression, mumbling under my breath, “My shoes were tripping me up. Sorry.”
His features cleared, a grin tipping up the edges of his lips. “You had me worried there for a second.”
I turned like a robot. Away from him.
I bent over at the waist and shook my booty directly in his direction, peering over my shoulder. I winked. “Is it our wedding night yet?”
I lurched up straight, my eyes wide on my face.
