Page 88 of Golden Burn

“Okay. Okay.”

“Don’t forget to look pissed.”

I groan, thankful we’re alone. “I don’t know if I can do it. I’m going to see him and smile.”

“I know. But you can’t, not now. Save it for the honeymoon.”

“The honeymoon, okay.Okay.”

Gwen appears out of nowhere and gives us a signal. Music starts and Martise pulls my veil over my face. It catches on my eyelashes and makes my stomach seize when I can’t see clearly. My heart is pumping a million miles an hour. I can’t stop sweating. I’m going to be sick.

This is ridiculous.

How can I make it through this day without smiling at Odin?

“It’s time,” Martise whispers, and I want to say no. I want to run away. I can’t do this. I can’t do this. I can’t do this.

I’m doing this.

The doors open, and the music comes to life in my ears.

Kacey.

Kacey Musgraves.

I gasp. My legs wobble.

The lyrics and the melody of my favorite song float from the speakers. Light enough that most wouldn’t even recognize it. But I do. And that touch sends my feet propelling down the aisle.

Martise pulls me back and whispers into my ear, “Easy.”

I’m surprised I even hear her. My attention is so focused on the man standing at the end of the aisle that I can’t think clearly.

Odin. Harvey. My fiancé.

He’s impossibly handsome in his black suit and matching bow tie. Old Hollywood classic with a roguish touch. The gold-plated eyepatch shines under the lights hanging from above the makeshift altar. His straight jaw and styled hair are slightly muffled from behind the veil. But his sharp gray eye finds me and holds my attention. Cold as the moon and as warm as an oversized jumper.

My facade slips.

All I do is stare. I don’t know if I looked appalled, stunned, or shocked.

But I know what I feel.

I feeleverything.

We reach the end of the short aisle, and Odin reaches for my hand. Martise places it in his grip. Carefully, she peels back the veil and presses a quick kiss on my cheek.

This is it.

It’s happening.

I look up at Odin’s face and my chin wobbles as I fight my impending smile. To the audience, I must appear so heartbroken that I’m trying not to cry.

But only he and I know it’s the opposite. Our little secret.

My heart is beating fuller than it has in years. It’s thumping to the same rhythm as his. Smashing against my ribcage, begging to be let free.

Oh.

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