Page 15 of Just Married

“If I were to tell you that Kingston feels the exact same way, would you believe me?” heasks.

“Then why pretend otherwise? I don’tunderstand.”

“My brother is an idiot?” he says it as both a statement andquestion.

I tilt my lips in a slight smile. “Undeniably.”

“Kingston told me how the two of you ended up married… he mentioned that he was concerned that you might not recall everything thathappened.”

My cheeks instantly heat because my missing memories have reappeared, and I remember in explicit detail every sordid minute. “I didn’t remember at first, but I’m pretty sure I’ve put all the pieces together. I know that Kingston isn’t to blame for thismess.”

At that Theo’s expression turns stormy. “You were wasted, and he was sober. He should have taken you to your room and called me. Instead, he took you to a weddingchapel.”

“And as soon as you turned your back, I would have been out looking for a man, any man, to marry me,” I say sadly. “Theo, it doesn’t make any sense to sober me any more than it does to you, but I was determined… Desperateeven.”

Theo sighs. “Pey, what is going on with you? Why did you hide this fromme?”

Tears fill my eyes, and no matter how much blinking I do, I can’t prevent a few traitorous tears from falling. How can I explain to my best friend that I’ve been miserable ever since the best day of his life—when my sister agreed to marry him. I know it was the best day because those words came straight from his own lips. The most important people to me found a happiness I have only dreamed of, and it’s been like salt in an open wound for me. Every time Jillian and I made plans for the wedding or Theo asked for my opinion on honeymoon locations or helping them house hunt for the place they will raise their family in, all of it was a hit to myheart.

Iamhappy for them. I know I seem like a bitter, jealous shrew, but they are my two favorite people in the world, and I want them to be happy. The fact that they’ve found happiness together is awesome—even if I am pea green with jealousy. I just want what they have sobadly.

Theo wraps his arms around me, and I sag into him, soaking up the comfort only a best friend canprovide.

“I didn’t want to upset you,” I saymiserably.

He gives me a pointed look, and I realize that I’m not getting out of thisconversation.

“Okay, fine. I’m sick of being alone. Seeing you and Jillian so happy is both wonderful and horrible. I’m a terrible sister and friend. I’m so damned jealous and just want a tiny piece of that happiness for myself. I’ve been a bridesmaid so many times, watching friends and family marrying and getting happily ever afters. I freaking want that too. I want my own damned happily everafter.”

“You should have talked about this with us. We wouldn’t have been upset,” Theo tries reasoning withme.

“No, because then every time the wedding came up or you wanted my opinion or help or anything, you both would have felt terrible or completely avoided talking to me about it. That’s not what I wanted. I want you guys to get your happily ever after together… I just want minetoo.”

“And you think marrying Kingston was the solution tothat?”

I shake my head. “No. That was a drunken mistake, and it’s something that will be rectified as soon as we gethome.”

A throat clearing behind us has us both turning. Kingston is standing there an unreadable expression on his face. I didn’t even hear the door open, and I can’t help wondering how much of our conversation he heard. I feel guilty even though I didn’t say anything that I haven’t already said to him… it feels like I betrayed him somehow by talking to Theo about us and that confusesme.

“It’s time.” Is all Kingston says before walkingaway.

Chapter Seven

Kingston

Hearing Peyton tellingTheo with no uncertainty in her tone that marrying me was a mistake causes a sick pit to open in my gut. Yes, she’s said as much to my face, but hearing her tell Theo makes it real. Makes it feel like I’m up against insurmountable odds. Theo disapproves. I know he’s pissed at me, and I can hardly blame him, but I only want what’s best forPeyton.

I want her to behappy.

I want her to love me as much as I loveher.

We are standing at the altar waiting, Theo looks like the cat that got the cream as he impatiently waits for Jillian. Troy stands on the other side of me messing with his phone. I’m about ten seconds away from shoving the thing down his throat, especially when the music starts, and he doesn’t put the damn thing away. I elbow him—probably harder than necessary—to get his attention, he rolls his eyes and puts the phone in hispocket.

Stupidfucker.

All thoughts of dismembering Troy disappear into the ether when Peyton walks through the doorway. Everything fades away except for her. I barely notice Tammy as she makes her way to her place… my eyes are only on the vision inpink.

I’m completely dumbstruck as she walks toward the altar. I caught a glimpse of her when I came to get Theo for the ceremony, but nothing prepared me for this. Her dress hugs her body, accentuating all of her curves. There is the slightest hint of cleavage—just enough to drive a man crazy—and it falls to the floor in a waterfall of pink. I’m slightly shocked at how modest the dress is, it’s not what I expected Jillian would pick for her weddingday.

---