“So, what do you think about Carrie’s dreamy new husband? I always wanted a ginger man!” Louisa pivoted.
They both glanced out at the bride and groom swaying on the dance floor. “I am so happy for them. They make a beautiful couple and seem so in love.”
“Ha, of course you’re happy her materialistic hooks are firmly dug into someone other than William’s billions.”
“It’s not like that. I’ve only ever wanted his happiness, and if Carrie had been the one he thought he could spend forever with, then so be it. Personally, I never cared about William’s money, but I can see how others may be a little fixated on it.”
“You don’t mean that, do you?”
“Of course. I owe your sister a great deal for helping to secure the happiness we all sought. I hope she will become a good friend of mine because selfless people are rare. You know, I’m overjoyed that William has such dear friends as those in the Bingley family.”
“And now you do, too! It does my heart good to hear Carrie took the high road. At her core she’s a good person.”
Exiting the dance floor, William’s lovely sister smiled and waved as she gracefully approached them, as though on pointe shoes.
“Look at this skinny thing!” Lousia complimented. “This young woman is my inspiration.”
“Thank you, Louisa. You look fab as always.” They hugged. “Can I steal Lizzy from you?” Gigi asked.
“Absolutely, I need to go find Hurst and distract him from any temptation to alleviate himself in public. Don’t forget to give me that number, Elizabeth.”
She laughed.
Their marriage would not be lasting, but it seemed Louisa was already making plans.
“I’m so glad you were able to make the wedding, after all, Gigi,” she said.
“Me, too. I usually stay away from all this schmaltzy stuff, but I’ve been wrong about Carrie, and I wanted to make it up to Will. Besides, I love my cousin. Coming was the solid thing to do.”
“I think we’ve all had misconceptions and misgivings.”
“Facts. I didn’t think you were all that dank, even if Will did. I’m sorry if I treated you like crap when you got back from Paris.”
“No worries. It’s completely understandable. My actions years ago were reprehensible. I broke his heart, and you love your big brother.”
“But you mended his heart, and he learned a few things about himself in the process. Man, he was so uptight. I owe you big time because I’ve never seen him so happy and chill.”
“He did that all on his own. I only pointed the way, and we both allowed our hearts to dictate the future.” Taking Gigi’s hand, she vowed. “I promise you I will never misplace his heart again. I love him so much.”
“You can trust him to feel the same way, like, forever.”
“He is the best of men, the only one I trust.”
“And ... this may be awkward, but I have to spill. I’m sorry about George. I didn’t know he had a girlfriend.”
“Oh, Gigi. That’s not your fault at all. That’s totally on him. He scammed and used us all for his grand schemes. He was a player.” Although it would be thoughtful to comfort Gigi about what George did to her as a teenager, she could not break William’s confidence. “I’m truly sorry for all the heartache he’s caused you. I know how difficult it is to put yourself out there. You deserve better.”
“Thanks. Our backstory is complicated.” Gigi smiled brightly, a smile she knew well: putting on a good face to move forward despite the pain. “I never thought I’d say this, but I’m glad we’ll be sisters.”
Lizzy’s heart squeezed, and she hugged Gigi. “Me, too. I know I can never take Anne’s place, but I hope I can be the big sister you,”or I,“never had. I will always be here for you, and always love you, for you, Gigi.”
William approached with a naughty expression on his face, then took her hand. “Hey, kid, glad you came,” he said to Gigi.
“Yeah. Yeah. I’m still thankful this isn’t your bougie wedding to the vapid queen.”
“So, then, you’re okay with me marrying the cowgirl?”
“Meh. She’s not so bad after all,” Gigi said, bumping a shoulder with hers.
