Page 25 of The Revenge Bride

My wedding dress from Cupid Bridal Designs looks exquisite. A dream come true dress. It’s a sheath design with a lace overlay of tiny flowers. And it rocks my figure.

My grandpa rallied his friends and within two days, they’d whipped an old barn on the property into a beautiful wedding venue. It looks like something out of a magazine with swaths of lace and candles and flowers.

In the mirror in the bedroom I grew up in, I look like a woman in love. One who’s excited to marry the man she loves.

I haven’t talked to Rhett in person since the day I fled from his house after our shower together. We’ve just texted back and forth.

His texts are always about the wedding.

I’m too embarrassed to answer him in anything other than short responses. I’m trying to stick to our deal. It’s what he wants. I’d asked Rhett if I was right for him, and he hadn’t answered me.

So now I get to walk out there and play the part of a woman in love in front of half the town. I feel like I’ve been sleepwalking through my life and my heart just woke up.

I had asked him not to let me fall in love with him. Because I’m scared.

I’d said we’d drive each other crazy if we became a real couple. Because I’m scared.

But the truth doesn’t want me to cover it up with my fear anymore.

“I love Rhett,” I whisper aloud and my voice hitches.

“Are you ready?” Claudia asks. I chose her to help me get ready today because Echo had sent a message that she was okay but had to leave town unexpectedly.

Because of her brother’s way of life in the motorcycle club, I’ve grown used to the way my friend will sometimes suddenly take off.

“I’m ready,” I say.

“I have a little something for you,” Claudia says, handing me a jewelry box. I gasp when I see what’s inside. Diamond earrings with flower petals dangling from them.

“I can’t take these. They’re too expensive.” I know Claudia lives on a fixed income.

“Oh don’t worry about that. I went down to the strip club last night and put on quite a show. Made a bundle.”

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out. She laughs so hard tears spring to her eyes. When she stops and wipes her eyes, she says, “For years, you’ve driven me to doctor’s appointments, brought me meals, and mowed my grass. I consider you as family. Now don’t sass me about this.”

She purses her lip. “Everyone else is already waiting at the barn., Let’s go wow the crowd.”

As we walk into the living room, the front door bursts open. My heart races.

Clyde rushes in. He’s disheveled and reeks of alcohol.

I sweep my arm out to nudge Claudia behind me. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

He leaps forward and clamps a hand around my wrist. “We need to talk.”

“We have nothing to discuss.Ever.”

He pulls me along after him.

Claudia whacks his shin with her cane.

“Dammit! Mind your own business nosy ass crone.” He pushes her into an upholstered chair.

“The fuck are you doing?” Rhett roars from the doorway.

He strides in and grabs Clyde by the front of his shirt, lifting him off his feet. “You don’t touch Ms. Claudia and you sure as hell don’t touch my woman.”

My woman.My insides get gooey like melted butter. Could he….is it possible Rhett cares for me?

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