Page 43 of 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Forty-Seven

“—You’re my little Bun Bun.”

And he just called me our shared dogs name.

At our wedding.

In front of five hundred friends.

“—So friendly, so willing to do anything to please, and so kind to everyone you meet. I feel like that’s where our story started, and this is where it ends, with forever, us together forever. All because of Bun Bun.”

He must have seen something like murder flicker in my eyes because he momentarily drops my hands and then picks them up again. “I love you.”

I grit my teeth.

"Scarlett?" The priest looks to me. “You can read your vows now.”

"Can I face the audience? It’s really important they understand the depth of my love for Rob.” I smile sweetly.

“Oh wonderful! What a blessing for everyone in attendance!” The priest clasps his hands together like he’s about to say a prayer of thanks, when I turn from Rob and smile at the crowd.

Everyone’s smiling right back like aw, happy moment, do your thing!

Oh. I. Will.

I unfold the small paper and start to read.

“Rob,” I look towards him quickly. “This is for you. These words, while so meaningful, really helped change my life so I want to say thank you for being so transparent…”

He frowns and then says. “That’s beautiful, thank you—“

“—Damn, I wish my fiancé knew how to act in bed.” I just keep reading. “You’re so hot, don’t worry, I’ll figure something out, she’s just a wife, she’s not like a mistress, you’re so hot, so sexy, can you come over tonight? Let me send you a dick pick I know you love those, though lets be honest it doesn’t even fit in the phone, haha.”

I keep reading even though Rob reaches for me.

I jerk away from him.

“She doesn't know, come on, she majored in communications, you don’t even need college textbooks to ace those classes, plus she looks good and people love her, she never even argues with me. Why do you think I like your backbone? You should come over, she’s gone for the next hour.” Tears stream down my cheeks. “No I changed the sheets.” My voice cracks. “She’ll never know you were even here, I even told the maid.” I choke up. “My mom knows, she caught me texting you on the other phone, but don’t worry, baby, baby, I’ll break up with her once we’re together for a bit and say she wasn’t who I thought she was, then I’ll marry you, my true love.” I start sobbing. “My one and only love.” I shake. “My little Addison.”

My. Little. Sister.

I drop the paper onto the floor and turn to him. His face is pale, his mom’s crying, his dad looks ready to murder him.

I shake my head, I can’t even say any words, so I turn back towards the crowd, hold my head high and say. “Let’s not waste a good party, I’ll be at the reception drinking, oh and Addison…” I glare at my sister. “Your grooms waiting.”

I don’t look back.

I walk with my head held high straight to the bar at the reception, order a double, and then I sit and watch the band start to play.

The singers famous.

He’s beautiful.

They’re still doing a soundcheck.

I toss back my drink and walk towards him, stopping right in front of the stage.

He looks up at me. “Aren’t you supposed to be getting married?”

"Sing me a song.” I say, and then I burst into tears.

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