Page 75 of Wedding Bells in Silverwood

“Any idea what the holdup is?” she asked, sensing the need to shift the conversation.

“Probably cold feet.” Jonas adjusted his tie, not looking at her. “Sometimes people don’t realize until the last second that the decisions they made were the wrong ones.”

“What? No, I don’t think that’s what’s happening. Holly and Nick? That’s a sure thing. Guaranteed.”

“I don’t believe sure things exist.”

Jonas turned to her. She couldn’t read his expression, but the icy look in his eyes sent a rush of acid to her stomach.

“I thought you should know,” he began, “I’m leaving Silverwood.”

Viola blinked. “You … What?”

“Some things have, uh, changed my perspective, and I’ve decided to concentrate on my business in Billings. So I’m selling the chateau.”

“But …” Her chest hitched. She took a breath, but her lungs constricted. She felt a pain that made her think her heart had stopped.What changed? Did I do something? Or has he realized he only cares about where the money is?Viola wrung her hands. “When are you leaving?”

He looked away from her, straightening his cufflinks. “As soon as I can get all my affairs in order.”

“I see.”

Her throat went dry, making it hard to swallow.

The harmonic sound of the string quartet filled the room, and a chill ran down Viola’s spine.

Her head spun. She was only remotely aware that the priest and Nick had passed her to take their positions at the altar. A mumbling of low voices broke the silence, and she realized the groomsmen and bridesmaids had gathered at the back of the room.

From the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of white. She swiveled her head to see the beautiful bride.Looks like we’re back on track.Viola opened her mouth, about to tell Jonas she was heading back to the kitchen, but she couldn’t get her voice to work.

As the music swelled for Holly’s walk down the aisle, Viola felt like her heart was being crushed.

Chapter Twenty-Six

Holly’s hands were trembling so much she thought she might drop her bouquet. The only thing preventing her from collapsing was her mother’s sturdy arm. With music filling the room, Holly took controlled breaths as the groomsmen and bridesmaids began their procession down the aisle, two by two.

It’s happening. It’s happening.

Holly’s head swirled. She felt it was a dream and had to blink multiple times to take it all in.

Their priest, Father William, stood at the altar. The first to reach him were Lucy and Sean. They unhooked their arms at the arch and went left and right, respectively. After them came Kim and Eddie. Then, the Matron of Honor and Best Man, Rachel, and Mr. Mason.

Once everyone had taken their positions, Cupid and Avery walked side-by-side. A leather pouch containing Nick and Holly’s rings was attached to Cupid’s collar. Cupid trotted forward as Avery spread light pink flower petals along the ivory runner. Cupid’s eight siblings, all positioned near the aisle, panted as they watched their prominent brother strut past them.

When Cupid and Avery arrived at the arch, the music changed. The guests all faced Holly as Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” began. As everyone stood, Holly felt her heart freefall into her stomach. It took all her strength not to collapse on the spot.

“Are you all right, sweetheart?” Vivian whispered.

“I don’t know if I can move my legs.” Holly spoke so quietly that she wasn’t sure her mother heard her.

Vivian gave her a nod. “I’m right here. You can do this.”

“I wish Dad were here, too.”

Vivian smiled at her. “He’s here, honey. I feel it. And I know he’s very, very proud of the woman you turned out to be.”

Holly nearly lost it, but she sucked back the tears and straightened her shoulders. “It feels like that arch is miles away.”

“Holly, even the mightiest of mountains is conquered one step at a time.”

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