In fact, in the light of a new day, clutched to her future husband’s chest, Cheryl knew she’d been acting like a weird reverse bridezilla. Why did she think she should have the final say on everything to do with the wedding? Yeah, she’d wanted things to be cheaper, but it wasn’t as though she had any ideas of her own. She hadn’t suggested anything, and if left to her own devices, they’d probably be scrambling to book whatever pub had a venue space.
Patrick had chatted with the caterers, interviewed wedding bands, and discussed the merits of roses versus lilies with the florists. He’d driven them to fifteen different churches when she would have just picked the one closest to their house. He was trying harder, as he always did, and she was acting like he was punching her in the tits. It was his wedding, too. Why shouldn’t he have the day he wanted?
Sure, she wished he hadn’t rallied his mum into taking her dress shopping and paying for everything, but he was right. Shedidn’thave the money for even an off-the-rack wedding dress. Had she and Eden gone shopping, she probably would havetaken out a loan to buy one. Or gotten a knockoff from Etsy and been all self-conscious in front of his mates.
Fuck it,she thought.I can be Cinderella for a day. For him, I can do it.
“I love you,” she said again, lightly kissing the bruise on his collarbone. “I can’t wait to marry you.”
“Good.” Patrick leaned her backward, looking her right in the face. “But there’s something you’re not telling me, isn’t there?”
She winced—a fatal tell for her all-too-perceptive fiancé.
“There it is,” Patrick said, dipping her lower so that her hair trailed the pool surface. “Talk to me, KitKat. What’s on your mind?”
“It’s not on my mind anymore,” she admitted. “But I was getting freaked out about… I dunno… The scope of everything?”
Patrick didn’t seem surprised. “I get that it’s a lot, but I want you to have the wedding of your dreams, KitKat.”
At that, Cheryl felt a spark of her old resentment. Pushing a palm against Patrick’s chest, she released herself from his hold. “There is no wedding of my dreams. I never dreamed about getting married.”
His face was as stony serious as it had been before. “I know. But I did. I dreamed about getting married to you.”
Oof, what could a girl even say to that?
“I don’t mind,” she said. “I don’t even care. I’m getting up my own ass.”
“Hey…” Patrick took her hand from his chest and kissed it. “You’re not getting up your ass. You’re allowed to feel however you want. And I know I’m getting a bit big with the ideas…”
Cheryl couldn’t resist a snort.
“What?You don’t like the big ideas?”
“I mean… a horse and carriage?”
He grinned. “Two horses.”
“Two horses?!”
“Still, I get your point. I guess I’m getting carried away?—”
“You think?”
“But I’m just excited. And I’m starting to get scared you’re not all the way in this with me. I’ve been having runaway bride nightmares.”
Cheryl gasped. “I’d never do that! Seriously, even if I got mega cold feet on the day, I’d do the wedding, and then we’d talk it out afterward. I’m not gonna just not show up!”
“Really?”
Patrick’s obvious relief stung.
“Seriously, you’re my fiancé, but you’re still my best friend. I’d never embarrass you that way. I’d die first.”
“I dunno. I am actually scared you’re gonna run off on me...”
“How can you feel like that? You’re the love of my life. If it weren’t for you, I’d be single and sleeping with dads.”
Patrick grinned. “I dunno. Toward the end, you were getting into grandad territory...”
