Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 77120 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77120 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
“How do you feel?”
Should I lie? Tell him I was embraced by the light and am now so relaxed I can skate through anything life throws at me?
Sorry. As much as I’d like to spare his feelings, I’m not a liar.
“I guess I don’t get it,” I say. “The images you conjured were nice, but I don’t feel any different.”
“Reiki isn’t for everyone. It’s okay, Tabitha.” His warm smile is sincere.
I rise and walk back to the others. Ginger is waiting for me with an assortment of tools and colors laid out. I sink into another chair, this one less plush and more practical.
“Close your eyes,” Ginger says as she holds up a fluffy brush.
It tickles against my skin as she applies foundation. The scent of the makeup is comforting.
As she works, I lose myself in the conversation flowing around. The shared laughter is infectious, much more relaxing than Stephen’s Reiki.
Ten minutes later, Ginger steps back. “Done!”
I open my eyes and look into the mirror she hands me. She made me look natural yet sophisticated—a far cry from the red lipstick she joked about earlier.
“Okay, ladies,” Angie calls, radiant in her bridal robe, “it’s time to get dressed.” She leads us into the adjacent room where delicate dresses are lined up on a rack, each hanger labeled with our names.
The gowns are made of soft, flowing material in a flattering shade of periwinkle blue. Each is in a different style, as chosen by its respective bridesmaid.
I shed my robe and step into my dress.
It’s a spaghetti-strap number with a full skirt. I’m a bit curvier than the other bridesmaids, and shorter as well, but this dress somehow manages to accentuate my curves in just the right way. I turn slowly in front of the full-length mirror, the fabric swishing around my legs. It’s elegant yet simple. I look good, but I won’t upstage the bride.
Perfect.
Willow steps up behind me and helps me with the zipper. The dress hugs my upper body snuggly. “You look stunning,” she says as she steps back to give me a once-over.
I warm a bit. “Thanks, Willow.”
We all help each other get ready, adjusting straps and smoothing out fabrics. Angie is the last to get dressed. Her gown is a masterpiece of lace and silk that makes her look angelic. Our collective gasp when she steps out from behind the dressing screen says it all.
She looks radiant, ethereal almost. Her dark hair has been styled into soft waves that cascade down her back, and her makeup enhances her natural beauty rather than overpowering it. She beams at us, her eyes glistening.
“All right, ladies,” she says, her voice rich with emotion, “let’s get me married.”
Just in time too, as I look at the antique gold watch—it belonged to my grandmother—I’m wearing. We walk with Angie to the foyer where we line up, each holding a bouquet of soft pink peonies, ready to walk out into the decorated front yard where the ceremony will take place.
“Ready?” Angie’s father asks as he offers his arm to his daughter.
She nods and smiles at him.
The string quartet plays an arrangement of Pachelbel’s Canon, and we begin our walk. I go first, slowly walking up the petal-strewn aisle toward a beautifully decorated altar.
As I walk, I can’t help but steal a glance at Henry, who’s standing next to Jason.
God. If only he weren’t so damned handsome in his dark suit and periwinkle tie. Jason stands next to him, same suit with a black tie, and as good-looking as he is, he’s barely noticeable next to Henry.
I reach my spot and glance Henry’s way once more.
He’s looking straight ahead.
I breathe in.
Get a grip.
This is Angie’s day.
I won’t ruin it by ruminating on my… What the hell is it? It’s certainly not a relationship.
I won’t ruin it by ruminating on Henry.
I won’t, damn it.
Thirty-Two
Henry
My cousins, sister, and sister-in-law look stunning, and Angie…
She’s breathtaking.
But Tabitha…
She’s the most exquisite of them all, her blond hair swept up with a few curls hanging over her shoulders. She’s radiant, the periwinkle dress flattering her curves while her eyes sparkle with a blend of joy and something else.
Her lips are painted a luscious pink, and all I can think about is how they felt under my own. How she swept her silky tongue into my mouth and kissed me with raw and untamed passion.
The sight of her stirs up a whirlwind of emotions, and I can’t help but glance at her every few seconds. She’s avoiding my gaze, her attention fixed on Angie as she makes her way up the aisle. The music swells to a crescendo.
I let myself stare for a moment, take in the sight of her on this day—an image to hold on to for the years to come.
A memory…
How she leaned into me, melting into my arms. The feel of her lips, her nipples against my tongue, her pussy tight around me…