"There is something I need your help with tomorrow, though," I whisper as I usher her into my office, closing the door behind her.
"Whatever you need."
Janelle and I have been friends and colleagues for the last few years, so I know I can trust her with the last minute…task.
"I need you to be on Austin watch. This stupid engagement ring is burning a hole in my vanity, and tomorrow is my last chance to give it back to him."
"Do you want me to be the one to give it to him? I can be stealthy." She wiggles her eyebrows, my grin genuine.
I know Janelle. She’s never shied away from confrontation, and I know she’s been itching to confront Austin and ask him what the fuck he was thinking—her exact words—so I know better than to let her at him.
"No, I got it," I say, running through the rest of my fool proof plan with her.
Turning everything off in my office, I head home for the night to emotionally prepare to see Austin in less than twenty-four hours.
I’m a nervous wreck, but he won’t get the best of me.
Once I showered and brushed my teeth, I curled up into bed and allowed my mind to play through every potential scenario.
Will he want to get back together?No.
Will he get on his hands and knees and beg for forgiveness, telling me he made a mistake?He’s never been one to admit that he’s wrong, so also no.
Will I end the night inconsolable?Probably.
Will I let him see my tears?Hell no.
***
"The only thing left to do is make sure the men are dressed and the rings are secure. Did you want me to do that?" Janelle asks, knowing that the last place I want to be is with the Groom and his men, so I nod, and she takes off to do what I’m not brave enough to.
Megan asked me this morning if I still felt comfortable running the show, or if Janelle was going to take over. She assured me she didn’t mind. She almost pushed for it. But I’ve always kept my personal life and professional life separate, and that’s what I intended to do today.
Plus, I had an ulterior motive to being here, too.
Taking the black, velvet box out of my purse, I admire the ring just one more time.
"Austin, what are you doing?" Shaking hands, I force a smile on my face, feeling the weight of every pair of eyes on us.
The Christmas lights are shining; presents galore under the tree. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and I suddenly don’t feel so wonderful. I feel sick.
Of course, I knew I wanted to marry him, but I had always hinted that if he were to propose, it should just be the two of us. It would mean more to me that way. I’ve never been one to enjoy attention from crowds.
"What do you say, Cassandra Herring? Will you marry me?" His royal blue eyes were sparkling as he looked up at me. I couldn’t tell if he had tears in them or if it was just the reflection of the lights.
"I-yes! Of course, I will marry you." Planting a soft kiss on his lips, I kneel at his level before he takes the beautiful, silver bandwith the teardrop diamond out from the box and slides it down my ring finger.
"I love you, Cassandra," he whispers, turning our kiss slightly deeper, before the eruption of cheers rips us back to reality.
Snapping the lid shut, I blink hard to force any leftover tears to fall and shove the box back in my purse.
"It’s go time," Janelle says before we head toward the Bride and her bridesmaids as they step out of their limo.
The sight of Megan sends a rush through me, and I can’t tell if it’s jealousy or excitement. Either way, I push it to the side and focus on my job.
"How are you feeling?" I ask as she fiddles with the ribbon around her bouquet of all white roses.
"Excited." She smiles so bright, it takes over her entire face.
