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“Come on! You’re marrying a total hottie. He’s going to be blown away when he sees you walking down the aisle.” She swoons. “I’m so excited for you.”

I attempt a genuine smile, since she doesn’t know that Madden and I aren’t really in love. “You’re right. This is the only fun thing I’ve gotten to do all week. Let’s get in there and pick out a wedding dress!”

We give each other a high five the Olsen twins would envy.

“That’s my girl!” Kate exclaims.

I spend the next two hours trying on wedding dress after wedding dress. Each time I’m zipped into another dress, my entourage “oohs” and “ahhs” as I come to stand on the little stage. Most of the dresses are fine, but the last one I tried on was horrendous: I looked like a cupcake covered in rhinestones and taffeta. At least we had a good laugh about it. Everyone except Mrs. Windell, at least. I’m pretty sure that one was her favorite.

None of them feel right until I slip on the very last dress. I’m fairly certain that Madden’s mom put it at the bottom of the pile because it’s too understated for her taste, but once I put it on, the sleek chiffon floats over my body like it was made for me. I’m instantly in love.

I glide out in front of my little audience. Despite the simplicity of the gown, their jaws drop and my mom’s eyes fill with tears.

I take in my reflection as I stand in front of the large mirror. The slightly off-white color of the dress compliments my pale skin beautifully. The top is sleek and has a deep, square neckline, and the fabric cinches in at my waist, accentuating the slenderest part of me. Opaque sleeves gracefully flutter away from my arms and then come into lace cuffs at my wrists, making me feel like a medieval princess. There’s a very slight train in the back completing the dress perfectly.

Part of me hates to choose such a perfect dress for a fake marriage. Tears sting my eyes at the bittersweetness of the moment. I’m finally a bride, but it isn’t real. When I used to picture my wedding, I didn’t think much about the dress or the flowers; all I pictured was the man at the opposite end of the aisle looking at me like I was the only person in the entire universe. I seriously doubt that Madden will look at me that way.

Regardless, I need a dress, and we all wholeheartedly agree that this is the one. We spend a bit more time browsing accessories, and I decide on a simple headpiece that looks like gold vines weaving throughout my hair. For my shoes, I’ll wear the white satin slippers my mother wore when she married my father. At least that part of my wedding will be real.

Kate walks my mom to the car as Mrs. Windell and I stay back to pay. Suddenly, a thought hits me: I have no idea what Madden expects me to wear. What if the dress isn’t formal enough for him? Will it convey the right message to the public?

Mrs. Windell notices my facial expression. “What is it, dear? You look upset.”

I hesitate, biting my bottom lip. “It’s just... What if Madden doesn’t like the dress?”

She seems surprised by my question. She cocks her head to the side and puts her hands on her hips. “Let me tell you something about my son: He couldn’t care less about fancy wedding gowns. His father set him up with all the wealthiest and most eligible young ladies these past six months and he didn’t feel a connection with any of them.” She rolls her eyes and continues, “He could’ve chosen a glamorous girl who would’ve worn a magnificent designer gown down the aisle, but he didn’t. He obviously thinks there is something special about you, even if he hasn’t admitted that to himself yet. Men can be a little clueless sometimes.” She pats my shoulder.

By her words, I have a feeling she might have preferred it if Madden chose one of those more glamorous women, but her strange pep talk did manage to make me feel a little better.

Chapter 12

Madden

Only a week and a half after announcing our engagement, it’s the night before my wedding. We’re at my makeshift bachelor party, just my dad, my brothers, and Paul. The last few weeks have been exhausting–what with wedding plans, moving Odette’s parents, and Christmas–so I'm more than happy that tonight is a low-key affair. All I needed was a good steak, some expensive bourbon, and a relaxing soak in a hot tub. Nothing crazy, but you never know what to expect when Brooks is involved.

The closer we get to my wedding day, the more nervous I am. Marriage is a big deal. Part of me always thought that if I ended up getting married, it would be for life. But I suppose it’s better to end things amicably after a few years than to be in a miserable marriage forever. I’ve seen first-hand what that might be like.

“Well, it's your last night as a single man!” Brooks claps me on the back. “Sorry, you have to spend it with a bunch of ugly men. Excluding myself, of course.”

I dunk him under the water in David’s hot tub because he’s annoying. And I felt like it.

“Are you ready for tomorrow?” Dad glances at me before taking a sip of bourbon.

“Who wouldn’t be ready to marry a fox like Odette?” Brooks winks at me and tries to get a high five from David, but my middle brother just ignores him.

He turns to Dad and asks, “Do you think you could give me that list of trust-fund babes you gave Madden? I’ll need a wife, eventually.”

This time Dad dunks him under the water. When he comes spluttering back up Dad drawls, “I plan to keep you from getting married for as long as possible.”

We all nod in agreement.

“I think I’m as ready for tomorrow as I possibly can be. I’m definitely nervous, though.” I run my hands through my wet hair.

Brooks drops his head down dramatically in mock frustration. “Aw, Dad, don’t tell me that you haven’t had the talk with him yet. About the birds and the bees? It’s okay to be a little nervous, bro.”

This time, David dunks him under the water. Three out of three.

“Every man is nervous the night before his wedding. Even if they’re actually in love with the person they’re marrying,” Paul says with a smile.