“You are such a beautiful bride,” Lisa said in a choked voice. “Your parents would have been so proud of you.”
Holding back the emotion clogging Blaze’s throat, she nodded and whispered, “Thank you.”
Lisa turned her daughters toward the door. “Go make sure your brothers have the wagon ready. Bring a blanket for Blaze to sit on so that she doesn’t get her dress dirty.”
Blaze’s giggling cousins hurried out of the bedroom, but taking a step toward the door was nearly impossible. She didn’t want to marry Kent. Even though Colt was gone, marrying Kent would only remind her of what she would never have – a man who truly loved her. Yet, she had to go. There would be people at the church waiting for her. Carrie would be there... even though Blaze didn’t think she could look at her friend without crying her eyes out.
“Blaze, honey.” Lisa moved in front of her, frowning. “What is really wrong?”
Shaking her head, she inhaled slowly, trying to gain courage. “Aunt Lisa, please stop worrying. I just have the nervous bride jitters.”
“I think it’s more than that.” She stepped closer and took hold of Blaze’s cold hands. “Is it because Colt left?”
Don’t you dare cry!Blaze blinked quickly, praying she could keep her tears from showing. “He was my best friend.” Her voice cracked, and she licked her dry lips. “Of course, I’m going to be upset that he didn’t even stick around for my wedding.”
“I honestly wish I knew what was wrong with that man.”
“Aunt Lisa, can we please stop talking about him? I want to go to the church and get married.”
Lisa nodded and walked ahead of Blaze. Finally, she convinced her feet to move because standing in her room wouldn’t accomplish anything. The only thing she wanted right now was for this day to be over with – for the ceremony to be finalized and for her and Kent to start their lives together as husband and wife.
She must believe that time would heal all wounds, and hopefully, she would soon come to love her husband as much as she had loved Colt.
