Page 31 of Tempted By the Bosshole

“Of course. I’ll help you into your dress when you’re ready.”

Before I can answer, I hear the snick of the key in the lock. Nathan?

Instead, a soft knock proceeds an unfamiliar woman entering. She’s older, maybe in her midforties. She wears her wispy blond hair in a face-framing style and a beige beaded dress that accentuates her lanky figure.

“Am I interrupting”—she glances around the room until she lays eyes on me and smiles—“Isabella? It’s nice to meet you. I’m Laurel, your new sister-in-law. I’m married to Nate’s brother, Steve.”

As she takes my hand, she radiates kindness. I like her right away. “Nice to meet you.”

“Likewise.” She searches the room, spots Jen, and introduces herself.

“Hi.” My bestie is usually a tough cookie to win over, but she seems almost instantly comfortable with Laurel, too.

“Ready for your big day?” the woman asks me.

“I’m trying.”

“Preparing for a wedding is a lot of work. It’s been more than a few years, but I remember being a bride.” She squeezes my hand. “Nate tells me your mom passed away?”

The mere mention of Mom today has my eyes stinging with tears. “Five years ago.”

“I’m so sorry. I would never presume to replace her, but I have four adult children, so I have a lot of experience being a mom. If you need anything, even a hug…”

“Thank you.” I try not to let my tears fall, but it’s hopeless.

“Oh, sweetheart.” Laurel grabs a tissue and gently dabs my face. “Of course you miss her. But she’s always with you, so just know she’s bringing you a bit of heaven as you get married.”

That’s a lovely sentiment. Even if it’s wishful thinking, it makes me feel better. “Thank you.”

“Of course. Do you have something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue?”

“No.” I didn’t think of any of that.

“That’s okay. Just like Nate thought you might need your best friend and some motherly guidance, he also thought you might not have had time for these traditions.” She reaches into her bag and withdraws a baggie. “Something old. It’s a pressed flower I wore in my shoe at my wedding. My grandmother swore it would bring me good luck. She was right.”

“That’s incredibly thoughtful. I’ll give it back as soon as the ceremony is over. I’m sure I can figure out the rest?—”

“No need. I came prepared. Something new.” She hands me a little velvet box. “These are from Nate. A wedding gift.”

A gift? I take the box with numb fingers. “I didn’t get him anything.”

I was rushed. I was angry. I was confused about my feelings.

I still am.

Laurel shakes her head. “He doesn’t want anything except you.”

The gracious woman clearly thinks a lot of her brother-in-law, so I don’t point out that he’s only marrying me for revenge.

“Open it,” she prompts.

This wedding shouldn’t matter, but the gravity of the day is inescapable. My fingers shake as I lift the lid of the little blue box. When I see the diamond and pearl earrings inside, arranged like a branch with glittering leaves and gleaming blooms, I gasp. “They’re beautiful.”

“He wanted you to have something that made you feel like a bride.”

Why? If all he wants is a jab at my father, why does he care how I feel?

Beside me, Jen leans in and whispers in my ear. “See? A keeper. Would Eric have ever given you something like that?”

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