Page 32 of Undo Me

Eternity in an hour.Blake’s poem took on a new meaning when she realized that was all she could have. Time was flying, racing, merciless and apathetic to her miniscule problems. A few hours from now and he would be gone again. She shouldn’t feel as if they’d known each other forever. She shouldn’t be this angry at the unfairness of the universe.

She shouldn’t be falling in love with him, but she wasn’t exactly given a choice in the matter. Despite her armor, despite her fears, despite all logic, her heart was involved.

Isabel had wanted someone she wasn’t supposed to as well, though as far as Bethany was concerned, that problem had an easier solution. Give up on getting her evil father’s approval and run away with a man who loved her? That’s was child’s play compared to loving someone who was only pretending to be human, someone who’d be going to a place she couldn’t follow.

There was no way out of her problem. BD was Bone Daddy yesterday and tomorrow. Throughout her life, everyone Bethany cared about had either left or been taken away from her. She shouldn’t be surprised that her streak would continue now with the first and only man she’d ever loved.

He’d sent the dress with Michelle, along with a note asking for her to forgive him. To wear it for him. She called herself a fool, but she couldn’t deny him. Not tonight.

She had tonight. She’d make that enough.

Bethany set her shoulders back and did her best to smile convincingly. “Fine, I’ll wear it. In public and everything. If Aunt Sally could see me now, she’d probably die of shock.” And have a few pointed things to say about her waistline.

Michelle made a face. “That grumpy old woman? Do you know she pulled me aside once and recommended liposuction to minimize my ‘unfortunate rear end’? I had to go out and buy a double scoop of Rocky Road and a new pair of shoes before I felt better about myself.”

“She actually said that? I never knew.”

She’d found fault with Michelle? But she was gorgeous. Always had been. And in New York she’d always been decked out in the latest fashions. “I thought I was the only one she tried to force plastic surgery on.”

Michelle shook her head. “Please. She’s a modeling agent, and she’s good at her job. I guarantee you she’s traumatized hundreds without batting an eye.”

It was hard to argue with that kind of logic.

Allegra grimaced. “Sounds like a gem of a woman—no offense, Bethany,” she hurried to ad. “Trust me, I understand family issues.”

Bethany remembered what Michelle had said about her parents not coming. “Well if you need any help getting up the aisle, I’ll just change into comfortable pants and volunteer right now.”

She laughed. “Stop trying to get out of that dress, Bethany. Anyway, I already have a volunteer. In fact, I may be the first woman in history to be walked down the aisle by an honest to goodness spirit from the other side.”

“I can’t believe he agreed to that,” Michelle said under her breath.

BD was walking Allegra down the aisle? She tamped down the twinge of jealousy she felt at that. She hadn’t known either of them when they’d had their night together. And it was Rousseau she’d been focused on. BD had mostly been along for the ride. Mostly.

Allegra must have seen something in her expression. “He brought us all together, Bethany. Me with Rousseau, and Michelle with Ben, whether she’s willing to give him credit for that right now or not. He sacrificed his pleasure, and his freedom, to do it. He is what life made him, but today, when he’s free to make his own choices, any choice he wants, it’s you. Think about it.”

“Don’t push, Allegra. Just because you found your prince doesn’t mean everyone has to right this second.” Michelle rubbed Allegra’s shoulder, a slight frown marring her exquisite features as she focused on Bethany.

“Ignore me. It’s got to be all these maternal hormones floating around. You look gorgeous and I want you to have fun tonight. But Allegra’s right, he is what life made him. Not human. Not permanent. And usually, not monogamous. I’m not saying he doesn’t care, because he sure as hell seems to, but don’t get your heart broken on something with a time limit that’s set in stone.”

For a moment, the image of Isabel’s friend, Catherine, superimposed itself over Michelle’s face. A wave of dizziness hit Bethany and she reached for her head, weaving unsteadily.

Catherine had warned her away from Marcel. Catherine wanted her to marry for security. To marry someone else. Why had she pushed her so hard? Didn’t she know what it was like to be in love?

“Bethany! Bethany, are you all right? Talk to us, please.” Bethany blinked in confusion. She was lying on a bed, and Michelle and Allegra were fanning her face and shaking her shoulders gently.

“What happened?” she asked.

“We were hoping you could tell us.” Allegra sat down beside her, patting her hand soothingly. “You went white as a sheet and started to tip over without warning.”

“I don’t know. It seemed like a dream there for a second. Or déjà vu. Then the room started spinning.” She pushed herself up and grimaced when her hair snagged on Allegra’s bracelet. “I’m sorry about this. Really, I’m fine.”

A knock sounded on the door and Allegra gasped. “Oh my God, now I’m dizzy. I’m getting married.”

Michelle opened the door to Elise, and Bethany scrambled off the bed to grab both Allegra’s hands in hers. “Thank you so much for doing my hair and letting me be a part of your day. Rousseau is the luckiest man I know.”

The redhead’s happy smile returned. “We’re both lucky. And we both think you’re wonderful and should move closer immediately.” She leaned close and lowered her voice. “I love Michelle, but I have some advice of my own. Don’t be too careful. Trust me, sometimes it’s that leap into the darkness that can be the most worthwhile.”

Bethany smiled, letting her go to follow in the wake of Michelle, The Mamas and Rousseau’s mother and sister.

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