Page 73 of The Drummer's Heart

I’d just finished doing Emily’s hair, and she looked fantastic. I’d braided small sections in a half-up, half-down style. She’d recently put in some caramel highlights, which added contrast, and we’d pinned the tiniest white flowers in her hair to complement the design, especially since she wouldn’t be wearing a veil.

Emily smiled at herself in the mirror. “It came out exactly the way I’d imagined. I can’t thank you enough for coming all the way out here.”

Standing behind her, I grinned proudly. “I’m glad I was able to.”

She wore a white-silk robe that hadBridestitched on the back.

“Is today the first time you’re going to see Atticus since you guys left New Jersey?”

The mention of his name made the butterflies in my stomach go wild. It had been two months since we’d left each other back at Mimi’s, since that chaste kiss I hadn’t been able to get out ofmy head. I knew he’d been mostly in the recording studio since then, and we’d only spoken a few times—when he’d initiated it. I’d continued my old habit of keeping my distance so as not to fall in love with him again. Although, technically that’s impossible when you’ve never fallenout oflove with someone.

“Yeah. This is the first time since then,” I answered.

“How do you feel about that?”

“I guess I’ll find out.” I didn’t know how to feel. My emotions were all over the place.

Now that my face had gone from pink to red, as evidenced by my reflection in the mirror, it was time to change the subject. “Are you going to see Tristan before the ceremony, or is it a surprise?” I asked.

“We’re doing a first look. So we’ll have our private moment, but he will have seen me before I walk down the aisle. I wanted to get the photos out of the way so we can enjoy the party.”

“Makes total sense.”

Emily had three bridesmaids, all of whom were friends she’d met out here in L.A. And her childhood friend, Leah, was her maid of honor. Their dresses were a beautiful sky blue silk, each one a different style.

Emily hadn’t put on her gown yet, but I could see it hanging. It was gorgeous—strapless, in a mermaid style, with lace from top to bottom and delicate sequins strategically placed throughout.

“There are still a few hours until the ceremony,” she told me. “You’re welcome to hang out here and have mimosas and food with us. Someone will be delivering breakfast soon.”

“Oh. Thank you so much. But I think I’d like to get a walk in and explore the area around here before I have to come back and get dressed.”

“Okay. Well, I hope you’ll come find me later?”

“Of course.” I bent to hug her, careful not to mess up her hair.

After leaving Emily’s suite, I walked to a smoothie shop I’d looked up online. I got myself some breakfast, and I’d just gotten back to the hotel grounds when I spotted the male members of the wedding party gathered in a grassy area near the beach to get their photos taken. The sight stopped me in my tracks.

I hid behind a tree and watched as the men lined up. My heart beat rapidly at my first glimpse of Atticus, dressed in a maroon jacket and matching pants. The suit had satin lapels and was perfectly tailored to his muscular body. His hair was styled differently, the tresses that normally fell over his forehead parted slightly to the side, showing off a bit more of his handsome face. He looked stunning.

I watched for several minutes as Kenzie snapped away. Tristan was flanked by Atticus and Ronan, along with two other men I didn’t recognize. Tristan looked so incredibly happy, and I truly wished him and Emily the best. They had been through so much to get to where they were, and despite their fifteen-year age difference, they were perfect for each other.

I looked down at my phone to check the time. I was running late but couldn’t take my eyes off of them, particularly Atticus. My heart longed to be standing next to him. Having eloped, we’d never experienced a traditional wedding like this. And even though I hadn’t wanted one at the time, since then, I’d often dreamed of what our wedding might’ve been like, how he might’ve looked all dressed up like this. Now I didn’t have to imagine it. I could basically taste it. And it was certainly easy to envision Atticus as the groom, to imagine for a moment that this wasourwedding day. I took a long, deep breath of the salty ocean air.

As I watched, Atticus separated from the group, walking over to a tree several yards from the one I was currently hiding behind. He took out his phone.

A few seconds later, my phone chimed, causing me to jump. I looked down to find a text.

Atticus: Are you here?

Goose bumps peppered my skin.

The last time Atticus had asked me if I’d be attending Tristan and Emily’s wedding, I was noncommittal. While I’d agreed to do her hair, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to stay for the actual wedding. But Emily had insisted, and I’d decided that since I was coming all the way out here, I might as well.

Nicole: Yes. I’m here for the wedding.

Atticus: Cool. I’ve been looking forward to seeing you.

Nicole: You look great.

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