Page 52 of Something Blue

The ceremony started within the next few minutes, and soon she walked down the aisle, her arm threaded through Andy’s. All week, he had been there for her, but especially at that moment. She needed him.

She shivered as he pressed his lips to her ear. “You look more beautiful than the bride.”

Shivers cascaded down her neck as he pressed his lips to her cheek before backing away. The rose-pink satin dress had been hand-picked by him. It scooped low in the back, had cap sleeves, and gathered up to her neck. It was beautiful.

“Thank you.”

To keep from melting into a puddle, she focused on the preacher and Chase, who stood at the front. Andy wasn’t the only one with an eye on her. After standing to the side across from Chase and Andy, and after the preacher nodded to Chase that his future wife should be his focus, Piper started down the aisle.

Once they were in their assigned spots, Sadie turned her attention to Piper. She was beautiful, though her wedding dress was unusual—off-white, and lacking material. It was more of a slip than a dress—with a lace bodice and skirt that brushed the tops of her thighs. Not Sadie’s choice, but it also wasn’t her wedding.

The ceremony was going quickly, probably why Piper hadn’t said anything about a rehearsal. Sadie was glad she hadn’t requested to see them again. The preacher didn’t have a speech, and the two of them didn’t share vows. Thankfully, Chase kept his eyes on his bride. Sadie pictured herself spending the rest of the evening exploring parts of Destin she hadn’t seen before with Andy and putting it all behind her.

“I do,” Piper said loud and eager, making most of the crowd erupt in laughter.

When it came to Chase’s turn, Sadie looked down at her feet. Having known Piper all these years, she couldn’t honestly say she supported the couple. Sure, he’d changed since dating Piper, but Chase was still genuinely a good guy, and he deserved better than Piper.

Sadie forced herself to think about what would happen when the wedding was over. As soon as the reception ended and she had done her part in cleaning up—one job Piper had freely given her—Andy had promised to shower her with attention and love.

There was a significant pause, and Sadie looked around to see what she’d missed. Chase had his eyes fixed on Sadie. She shrank underneath his stare. What was he doing? Hurry and marry the girl, Chase!

Chase raised his eyebrows, causing her cheeks to fill with heat. What was he doing? Say “I do” already!

“I can’t,” Chase said loudly, as if answering her question. He continued to stare at Sadie, making her wish for a shell around her to shrink inside of. Finally, he looked away. “I’m sorry, Piper. I can’t do this.”

Piper stared at him. “I knew it!” All he could do was shrug and wince as Piper’s hand struck hard against his face.

“Now wait a minute, young lady,” Chase’s mom said, standing up among the gasps and whispering which spread through the small audience.

“I knew she would ruin everything.” Piper slapped him again.

All eyes turned to Sadie, and the worst thing that could happen did.

Piper came toward her with her claws raised. But before she could draw her fingers down Sadie’s face, Andy stepped forward and grabbed her hand.

“Don’t touch her.” He flung Piper’s hand away, and the crowd gasped again.

“Piper!” her mom yelled. “You’re making things worse.”

“Better leave before you’re tackled,” Gretchen said from the crowd, breaking the tension a little.

Piper’s parents grabbed Piper from both sides and dragged her away from the wedding proceedings.

Chase’s mom stood and quieted the crowd. “Let’s celebrate Chase not marrying the wrong girl.”

A quiet laugh ripped through the few friends who remained.

“Please head to the pool area where we’ve set up a small reception. May as well not waste the food we ordered.”

The audience began to rise and head away from the seating area, talking in low voices and heading for cake. As Andy let go of Sadie, Chase stepped forward and grabbed her hand.

“Let’s talk.”

It only took a second for Andy to follow behind. “Where are you taking her?”

Her arm smarted in pain as Chase pulled her away from the murmuring crowd and Andy. She shook her head and dug her heels into the nearest sidewalk crack. Chase stopped pulling her, but continued to stare in the direction of the gazebo.

“We need to talk in private,” Chase said, more to Andy than to her. He grabbed her hand again and pulled her away.

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