Page 1 of Lost and Found

1

MOLLY

There’s nothing like seeing months of hard work come to fruition. Pride swells in my chest as I look around the venue. The flowers are perfectly arranged, and the chairs are precisely lined up on each side of the white aisle runner. The string quartet is warming up in their designated spot, shaded by the magnolia trees of this beautiful botanical garden.

I’ve spent countless hours with the bride, combing over every detail, from food to music to the guest list and everything between. I love my job, and the best part of it is seeing the weddings I’ve planned become a reality.

Today, however, is bittersweet. My own wedding was supposed to take place next week, but my dreams of matrimonial bliss came crashing down within a matter of seconds. I’d been so damn excited to get married, to finally be the bride, front and center at a celebration for me and my adoring future husband. The man I’d spend the rest of my life with.

I scoff as I recall how naïve I was, embarrassment making my cheeks heat. How could I have been so blind? I trusted James and was ready to tie myself to him forever. If I hadn’t come home early from work one day because of a killer migraine, I never would’ve known that slimy bastard had been unfaithful. Hell, I never would’ve believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes. But there’s something about watching the man you love plowing his mistress on the couch you picked out together that reallydrivesthe truth home.

My chest aches at the memory, but not as much as it did a couple of months ago. I’ve been able to move past my heartache, for the most part, clinging to my newfound hatred for my former fiancé and the betrayal that destroyed my love for him. Still, it’s painful to think about what might’ve been, to think about the future I wanted so badly and will never have. I may be over my ex, but I’m still grieving the loss of what we could have had together.

“You okay, Molly?”

I look up from my iPad to find my assistant standing in front of me. The concern on Amber’s face makes my stomach drop. I’m tired of everyone worrying about me, so I plaster on a fake smile.

“Of course! Why wouldn’t I be?” I pretend I don’t hear how squeaky my own voice is. “I was just going over my checklist. How’s our bride doing?”

Amber returns my smile, but I see the pity shining in her eyes, and frustration eats away at me. I’m sick of everyone acting like I’m some kind of walking tragedy. Yes, my fiancé cheated on me. He was supposed to be the man of my dreams, but instead, he’s a dirtbag. And I’m very aware the date of my fantasy wedding is fast approaching. However, that doesn’t mean I’m ready to down a case of wine and take a toaster bath. I’m heartbroken, but I’m trying to push through it.

“Melody’s good. No cold feet or bridezilla meltdowns.”

I’m not surprised. Our client has been a dream to work with, and her fiancé, Paul, has been involved with the planning as well. The two of them are so cute and in love they gave me a toothache. I’m happy for them, wish them all the best, and I’m not at all envious of the wonderful relationship they have.

Well… maybe just a little.This couple gives me hope that true love does exist, though. That said, I might have to kiss a few frogs to find it.

Not that I’m in any rush. The thought of diving back into the dating pool makes me queasy. I don’t have any prospects, but I’m not looking for some anytime soon either.

“Excellent.” I hand over my tablet to Amber. “I need to make sure the unity candles are in place at the altar. Can you check on the caterer? The monogrammed napkins go on top of the chargers, not beneath the silverware.”

“You got it, boss.” She heads toward the reception tent while I make last-minute adjustments around the altar.

The wooden pergola was constructed for this event, adorned with hundreds of blooms and fresh greenery. For a moment, I envision my would-be altar, standing before our friends and family as James and I say our vows. But the image soon fades and leaves a hollow cavern in my chest.

Fuck you, James.

My phone buzzes in my pocket. So I shake away the bitter thoughts, pull out my cell, and read the message from Penelope. We’ve been friends since college, and she was going to be one of my bridesmaids. Which means she remembers that next weekend was supposed to be “the big day.” While it’s not needed, I appreciate her checking on me, but she’s the third person to do so in the last two days.

I know I should be grateful. I’m lucky to have friends and family who are concerned for my well-being. The calls and messages only serve as painful reminders, though, making it harder for me to put this all behind me. I decide not to reply and slip my phone back into my pocket. It’s almost showtime, and I need to focus on Melody and Paul.

Classical music plays in the background as wedding guests trickle in. Their excitement for the bride and groom is palpable, and I allow the joyous atmosphere to wash away my recent heartache.

Amber returns just as the ceremony is about to start. “You’ve outdone yourself, Molly. Everything is perfect.”

“I couldn’t do any of this without you. Thank you.” I pat her on the shoulder, and we share a brief side hug.

I’ve let her take on more responsibility today than usual. She’s worked for me for three years, and she’s proven herself to be more than capable. That’s why I’m comfortable going on my first vacation since I started this business.

I’d planned to take time off for my honeymoon in Hawaii. Lounging on a tropical beach with a pina colada in hand and James by my side was going to be my reward for surviving the busiest season of my career. Now, the thought of sugary sand between my pedicured toes makes my stomach churn. So I’m heading to a different location, a place that won’t remind me of that philandering asshat and our breakup.

“Are you sure about this getaway of yours?” Amber asks, pulling me out of my reverie. “Ten days in the middle of nowhere. In a cabin. That sounds so… primitive.” She scrunches her pert nose, and I chuckle.

“You act like it’s a shed in the woods with an outhouse.”

She rolls her pretty green eyes and smiles. “You know what I mean, Mols.”

“I’m not sure what you’re imagining, but it’s nice. I swear. There’s a fireplace, a soaking tub, and a full kitchen. And several hiking trails with picturesque views.” I leave out the part about how I’ve never been hiking. And that I don’t cook. And that I’m not much of an outdoorsy girl. It’ll be fine. Even if I stay inside the whole time, it’ll be better than being here.

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