Page 44 of When Hearts Awaken

“You look so beautiful!” I marvel.

Tears spring into my eyes as I take in my sister, who looks otherworldly in her cream-colored silk wedding dress—an elegant A-line silhouette with gentle pleating and a long train reminiscent of royal brides. Her hair is pinned up in a low, twisted chignon bun with springs of baby’s breath pinned as decoration.

The girls fuss over her, all exclaiming how gorgeous she is, but all I can do is stand before her, rooted to the ground, my heart pounding with so many emotions, I’m afraid they’ll all explode from me at the same time.

Mom, if you’re looking down at us, you must be so happy. Your beautiful, intelligent daughter is getting married to a man who worships the ground she walks on. It’s everything you would’ve wanted for her.

I press my lips together in a tight smile at Grace, fighting a tremble that threatens to make itself known—the impulse to cry, to laugh, to pull her into my arms, emotions swirling together into something indecipherable.

At least one of us got our happily ever after.

The women in my family haven’t been lucky in love—Mom with her string of broken relationships before she died and me…well, I don’t think love is in my cards. But I’m glad that isn’t the case with Grace.

Grace seems to sense my thoughts and I see the same unshed tears in her eyes as she glides forward and pulls me into her arms. “I wish Mom were here,” she whispers.

I sniffle, my heart full of love for her and also battling with the wave of unexpected grief hitting me from the side. My voice is thick as I whisper, “Sheishere. I can feel her. I’m so happy for you, Grace. So, so happy. You deserve all the love and joy in the world.”

She hugs me tighter. “And so do you, Tay. I know you hold your cards close to your chest, and don’t think I don’t see past the grumpy persona of yours. You’re the best sister a girl could ever ask for.”

My vision blurs as I pull back, seeing her smiling at me. I let out a ragged exhale before rubbing my nose piercing—a red heart today. “Damn right I am. I don’t wear a red dress and give out hugs just for anyone.”

Grace laughs and a stray tear leaks from her eyes, which she quickly wipes away. She takes my hand and squeezes it gently, her expression sobering. “Nothingwill change between us. Sisters forever.”

The lump in my throat grows as I watch Belle and Millie pull her toward the window, shrieking about her ruining her makeup.

I stand there, looking at the three women I love the most in the world, the joy radiating from their faces almost contagious. All three of them are so in love with their men, wonderful men who are equally enthralled with them.

And I feel bereft.

Things are going to change now. Even if they say it won’t.

Soon, they’ll be talking about pregnancies and kids and I’ll still be here, unable to form a meaningful connection with anyone, unable to move on.

I’m being left behind.

The thoughts immediately crush me. Wordlessly, I open the door to the suite and slip away.

Invisible.

Chapter 20

Stepping outside, I breathein the sweet fragrance of flowers, the tightness in my chest slowly dissipating. I continue on the cobblestone path leading to the courtyard where Steven and Grace will have their ceremony in an hour, followed by a dinner reception at the rooftop lounge.

Unlike most high society weddings, they’ve opted to have a smaller, intimate gathering with close family and friends in attendance instead.

Laughter reaches my ears and I stop under a stone arch lining the hidden courtyard. Guests are dressed in their finest—most are already seated facing a gothic-style dark gazebo in the center of the space.

Lush greenery and ivy line the walls. Ancient oak trees with their gnarly branches hang low, providing shade for the guests. The perfume of the flowers is stronger here, with the courtyard being surrounded by arrangements of burgundy roses and orchids, the colors matching our gowns.

But what catches my attention isn’t the beautiful space, which Grace once told me is the very courtyard Steven once stood in under the pouring rain to convince her to give him a chance.

It’s the children.

Ainsley, from ABTC, is grinning with Maddy while they’re practicing a dance with five adorable little girls in cotton candy pink tutus. Steven has sponsored a few scholarships for underprivileged dancers at various ballet companies—he tells me it’s his way of taking care of the other little Graces and Taylors in the world. As a thank you, the girls and the kids are performing at the reception.

“Hands up! Yes! That’s perfect. Stop wiggling your butts.” Ainsley’s words are met with giggles, and my lips hike up in a smile.

“Maddy and I won’t call you guys graceful ballerinas anymore. We’re calling you all dancing elephants instead.”

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