Page 5 of Kiss the Bride

“Oh.” I take a deep breath and hope Mitch remembers his vows. What would it say about us if we both forgot them and had to make them up on the spot?

“Relax, Livia. We’re almost there. You’ll be logged on and giving your vows a once over in ten minutes.”

“How do you know I won’t just send it to print?” Hunter struggles to call me Olivia like most of my friends, and I stopped being his Liv five years ago. I should be used to hisLiviaby now, but it still feels wrong.

“Because, my darling Livia, I know you. You’ll read through themone last timeto make sure they’re perfect. And half an hour later, I’ll be dragging your sweet ass out of there after you’ve madejust one more change.” He laughs, softly. “You’re such a perfectionist, even though you’re already perfect.”

Just not perfect for you, I think, sighing back into his leather seats and remembering.

Hunter broke up with me the week before starting college. His reason? We needed to experience life apart. “It’s not you,” he’d said. “We’re too young. We’ve never known anyone else.”

“You want space to enjoy other women.” He didn’t agree. He didn’t disagree. He not only broke my heart, he shattered it into pieces until there was little left for Mitchel to find and forge back together. But he did. Mitchel pursued me when I needed pursuing. Mitch chased me until I gave in and agreed we could be perfect together.

But even after three years, I can’t get rid of the nagging feeling that a relationship shouldn’t be this difficult. Loving Mitchel is easier than living with him. No matter how hard I—or we—try, we’ve never been in sync as a couple. But today, we’ll pledge ourlives to each other, promising to forsake all others, in sickness and in wealth—as Mitchel jokes.

We’ll say the words, and my vows will be perfect.

Mitchel loves me.

He is not my father and will never cheat or leave me.

I am not my mother, I will not pine over a man who doesn’t love me.

“About time.” I don’t hold back my sarcasm as Hunter finally turns into my street. "What, no witty retort?" I tease until Hunter's face darkens.

I follow his gaze and my stomach lurches. A green Porsche Boxster is parked in front of my house, next to a Jeep.

Mitchel drives the Jeep.

We don’t own a Porsche.

Lina owns a Porsche.

Lina. My missing bridesmaid. The real reason the rest of my friends left me to check on the flowers at the church. I knew there was more to it. They had gone looking for Lina. Should I tell them to stop looking?

“Livia?” Hunter slows down but doesn’t turn into my driveway. “Livia?”

I blink until my mask is in place and I eyeball Hunter, daring him to disagree. I refuse to run. And I absolutely refuse to ruin my makeup with unnecessary tears.

“I can’t get married without my vows.”This isn’t happening. Not today. Not to me.

Runaway Bride

Olivia

I can feel Hunterlooking, waiting for any reaction.

Not gonna happen.

I stare at the familiar car, its sleek lines blending seamlessly with the upscale street of multi-million-dollar homes. The perfect setting for couples on their way to conquer the world.

Them. Not me. Daddy bought me this house, my car, and my wedding dress. As Mitchel often reminded me, my only role is to turn up and make him look good. Strange that Mitch’s father respects my professional contribution to their business more than my fiancé.

Surprise, I want to scream even as my blood freezes along with my smile.

There has to be a logical explanation.Really? How many times did my mother believe Daddy’s lies before the divorce?

Lina could have dropped in to organize a post-reception surprise.Seriously, Olivia. You are not that clueless.

---