Page 28 of Until Then

Me: Give him all your bridezilla glares, then. That’s good enough for me.

Briar insisted she’d still do what she could to keep Jasper out, but from what I gathered, Tyrell’s sister might cause heartburn for the day.

I’m not going to stand by and let it happen. Briar would do it, but the last thing I want is for her to have issues with her new in-laws from the start.

If anything, I have the vow that Briar will see to it Jasper is seated in the corner. By the garbage cans.

I start the ignition and pull down the long drive. It’s fine. If Jasper is there, so what? I can be an adult, I can ignore him, I can be there for my friend on the most important day of her life.

Honestly, the man I’m most worried about has nothing to do with Jasper and his wandering eyes.

A truce. Noah and I would form a truce and let the past mist away today.

He was hurt. I simply can’t decide if it’s an act to hide his bruised ego, or if he’s sincere.

The trouble is I’m leaning toward sincere. Briar, his brother, even Greer and her obsession with the word unicorn, keep building a strong case for Noah Hayden.

What’s the problem if it turns out the guy who knocked me off my feet almost a year ago turns out to be decent?

I’m convinced I’ll topple headfirst in love with a guy like him.

If my track record on dating is anything to go by, it would destroy me in the end.

Members of the wedding party are to arrive two hours before the ceremony for pictures and to help Briar and Tyrell get ready.

I’m one of the last to arrive. For a former model with an impeccable eye for fashion, Briar’s been chill over the dress of the wedding party. Don’t get me wrong, she gave us images of options for dresses, but as a woman whose mission it is to help the female population feel confident in their appearance, no matter the size or shape, she let us select the final style.

So long as it was black.

I opted for a form-fitting black cocktail dress with white-soled pumps. Mom had to help me with the low knot in my hairto fit the 1920s Kentucky Derby style hat. Beading and delicate lace cascade over my brow, shading my face.

A black and white wedding, old Hollywood style.

When Briar announced her theme, I wasn’t entirely sold, but once I walk through the flower-coated archway, I’m transported.

Elegant tables with black sashes are arranged with dainty chairs in the reception hall. Vintage black and gold fine china dishes settle over satin napkins. Towers of golden champagne bottles are place at every corner. Everything is pearls and delicate blossoms, old decanters with scotch and bourbon, and outside there is a polished, black 1940s Ford Coupe parked, waiting to drive the new couple away.

To doubt Briar Madden and her dream of a lavish, breathtaking wedding was a foolish thing to do.

“Bridesmaid?” A woman who barely reaches my chin, despite the four-inch heels she’s wearing, materializes in front of me.

I didn’t even see her coming.

She holds a large tablet, wears an earpiece, and has stylish glasses that are too close to her eyes for her false lashes to fit.

“Yes. Hayley Foster.”

She flicks through her screen, then uses one of her stiletto nails to tap a name. “Got it. Bridesmaid five, paired with groomsman five. I’m assuming you know who to look for?”

Another knot tightens in the place over my heart. “I know him.”

“Good.” She glances down at the screen again. “They’re gathering out in the gardens for group pictures, so perfect timing. Oh, hold on.” The woman rises on her tiptoes and brushes a stray curl off my brow, returning it to position in my knot with more security than my ten gallons of hairspray.

She does it all before I can even catch up.

“Just through that door.” With the stylus she gestures to an open, arched doorway. “I’m the wedding planner’s assistant,Tempest. If you need anything—deodorant, setting spray, hair pins—let me know. Also”—Tempest makes a gesture to her own chest—“your dress makes them look perfect.”

Then she’s gone again.

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