Page 42 of Reckless Flames

Very soon, my dear.

The implication was clear, the threat unmistakable. It was from the stalker, a shadow reaching out to darken the day.

For a moment, I felt my happiness drain away, replaced by a familiar fear. But then, I looked around at the faces of my family, at Madi’s radiant smile, and I made a decision. I wouldn’t let this threat steal the day’s joy. I folded the note, tucking it away, a secret weight in the pit of my stomach.

I forced a smile, rejoining the laughter and conversation, but part of me was on edge, alert. I was ready for this to be over, ready to confront the threat that had been looming over us. But not today. Today was for Madi.

I would have to deal with the stalker, with the fear and uncertainty they had brought into my life. But I would also stand strong, supported by the people around me, by the bonds of family and friendship that no threat could sever.

Today was about Madi, about happiness and love. The rest could wait. For now, I would laugh, I would celebrate, and I would stand strong against the shadows, ready to face whatever came next but not allow it to overshadow the light of this beautiful day.

I excused myself, needing a moment of solitude to gather my thoughts. The ladies’ room offered a brief respite, the cool, marble counters and soft lighting a stark contrast to the emotional turmoil churning inside me.

As I splashed water on my face, the door creaked open. I looked up, and in the mirror, I caught sight of a figure entering, their features obscured by the angle.

Every muscle tensed, ready for confrontation, as I turned slowly to face the perceived threat. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I demanded, my voice sharper than I intended.

The woman, clearly taken aback, raised her hands in a gesture of peace. “I’m just here to freshen up,” she stammered, her confusion evident.

Embarrassment flushed through me as I took a proper look at her, realizing my mistake. She was probably just a hotelguest. “Shit, I’m sorry,” I muttered, my apology muffled by the pounding of my heart. “I thought you were someone else.”

She nodded, a polite but uneasy smile on her face as she moved past me to the sink. I couldn’t blame her for the wariness; I must have seemed unhinged.

Shaking off the false alarm, I tried to compose myself, but the encounter had left me rattled, my nerves frayed. The stalker’s threat had infiltrated my thoughts, turning shadows into specters, strangers into suspects.

As I made my way back to the main hall, the festive atmosphere felt jarring, the laughter and music a stark contrast to the storm of anxiety raging inside me. I felt like an imposter among the guests, smiling on the outside while scanning the crowd for any sign of real danger.

Then, among the sea of faces, I spotted Ben. His presence was like a beacon, drawing me in with the promise of safety. As I approached, he seemed to sense my distress, his expression shifting from jovial to concerned in an instant.

Without a word, he pulled me into an alcove, away from the prying eyes of the guests. His hands cupped my face, his gaze searching mine for answers I wasn’t sure I wanted to give him right now.

“Hey, are you okay?” he asked, his voice low, a soothing balm to my frayed nerves.

I shook my head, the facade crumbling. “Ben, I just found a note from the stalker in my purse. He might be here now, because it wasn’t in my purse earlier. Then, someone walked into the bathroom while I was splashing water on my face. I thought it might be the stalker, and I freaked out. The poor woman was just a hotel guest, I’m sure, but it was embarrassing. I’m losing it, Ben.”

His thumb brushed away a tear I hadn’t even realized was running down my face. “You’re not losing it. You’re under a lot of stress; it’s understandable. But Sophie, about that note…have you had your purse in sight every moment that you’ve been in the hotel?”

“No, I can’t say that I have, but it’s never been too far away.”

Then, he kissed me, deeply, passionately, a declaration more profound than any words could convey. It was a reassurance, a promise that he was there, that we were in this together.

As we broke apart, I was breathless, the intensity of the moment grounding me, pulling me back from the edge. “I needed that,” I admitted, feeling better now.

Ben’s smile was gentle, his eyes soft. “Anytime. Now, let’s get you back to your father and Madi. You’ve got a maid of honor duty to fulfill.”

The ceremony was set in a picturesque garden, the afternoon sun casting a golden hue over the scene. Rows of white chairs were filled with friends and family, all gathered to witness the union of Madi and Theo. The air was filled with a gentle hum of anticipation, the sweet scent of blooming flowers mingling with the subtle fragrance of perfume.

As the music began, a soft, melodious tune that seemed to capture the essence of the moment, I took my place in front of Madi and Dad, my heart swelling with pride for my sister.

Then the bridesmaids started down the aisle, first Kris and then Sarah, their steps measured, their faces glowing. I followed, carefully keeping the same distance. Then, all eyes turned to Madi, who began her walk, her arm looped through the crook of our father’s elbow, a symbol of the journey from her past to her future. I was already standing to one side of the officiant by then, and glancing back, I watched my little sister, looking ethereal in her flowing gown, finish the walk up the aisle, her eyes locked on Theo’s. The love on their faces made it clear that their vows had already been made to each other in their hearts.

Reaching the front, Dad gently placed Madi’s hand in Theo’s, a silent exchange of trust and blessing. The officiant began, his voice resonant, weaving the words that would bind Madi and Theo together legally.

“We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two hearts, two souls, in the bond of marriage...”

Madi’s voice was steady, yet I could hear the underlying emotion, the culmination of all the hopes and dreams that had led her to this moment.

“I take you, Theo, to be my husband, to laugh with you in joy, to grieve with you in sorrow, to grow with you in love...”

---