Page 4 of Until I Found You
Two
Halle
Leaning over into the trunk of my car, I carefully stack the third box onto the pile before slowly lifting them into my hands. Feeling shaky, I pause and let out a slow breath. I probably should save myself the stress of carrying three boxes of breakables inside, but my momma didn’t raise no bitch. Why make two trips when I can get this done in one?
Slowly and carefully, I make my way toward the front of the Hopeful’s carrying the boxes of wine glasses and the vases that I ordered on Amazon. The clock is starting to wind down, we’re just a couple months away from when Callum and Ellie walk down the aisle.
Taking the step on the curb, I peer into the front of the boutique window and see my girlfriends huddled in a circle. My eyes widen, flashing them with a hard look that says, “one of you pay attention to me and help me open the damn door.” As if picking up on my laser focus, Kinsley turns and sees me. Her eyes widen, taking in the stack of boxes in my arms before rushing toward the door to help usher me in.
“What the heck are you doing? You could drop those! And what took you so long to get here?” she mutters, holding the door open for me.
“What are you talking about?” I ask, playing coy. I know she’s aware of the fact I’m late. Twenty minutes according to the clock in my car, but I’m playing it off like I’m early. I like to give her hell, it’s one of my favorite things to do. Considering she’s the reason why Graham showed up at my door this morning, I feel like she deserves it. I’m still not sure if I should be annoyed or mad at her for it yet.
It’s why she’s my soul mate. She helps balance me out, keep me in line. Most days I love her for it, but days like today when I’m stressed to the max and feeling the error of my ways, I don’t want to hear her obvious disapproval.
“We were supposed to be here at nine thirty. It’s nine fifty-two, Halle. What took you so long?”
Setting the boxes onto the small table, I turn and face Kinsley.
“What took me so long?” I reply sarcastically. “Well, let’s start with the visitor who showed up at my door the moment I was getting out of the shower. Let’s start there.”
Kinsley looks at me and there’s a small grin that stretches across her face.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but I’m glad to see you got the wine glasses and vases here for Ellie to see.”
Looking over her shoulder, I see Ellie and Brea standing near a rack of dresses. Kinsley’s grandma, June, is sitting in a chair off to the side. She smiles as she watches Ellie hold out each dress she browses.
With an annoyed smile on my face I nod my head. “Wouldn’t want to ruin your plans,” I retort, waving my hands at her and her notebook. She’s been using that thing to call out orders to all of us for the past week. Strolling past Kinsley, I wrap my friend in a hug.
“You look so pretty, Ells. Are you excited to find the perfect dress?”
“Honestly, some of these dresses are so intimidating,” she sighs. “I just want something simple. Callum promised me simple.”
Ellie doesn’t ask for a lot, but the one thing she did say was she wanted a small wedding. She wanted a day filled with all the people she loved as she tied the knot of forever with the only man she’s ever loved. Callum, being Callum, promised to give her everything she ever wanted and more. He just wanted to know she was his.
I’m so happy to see someone who deserves it more than anyone finally get her day.
I can’t deny the small part of me that feels my heart ache in my chest after seeing Graham today. Five years ago, I thought I found my forever. We were young but were so in love. The two of us together, I thought there was nothing in the world that could tear us apart.
Moments like this, the memories come crashing over me in waves. I find myself doing what I’ve always done to bury the pain, I find ways of coping, distracting me from the way my heart aches with missing him.
Bringing myself back to the present, I run my hand along Ellie’s back before I whisper in her ear, “I promise it will be everything you want and more.”
Standing back, I flash Ellie my best smile hoping that it hides my sadness and gives her the reassurance she needs.
“Why don’t you show us one of the dresses you have your eye on? Do you have a style you had in mind?”
Kinsley start clapping her hands excitedly.
“Ells, I promise you’re going to look stunning.” Kinsley walks toward her, reaching over her shoulder to pull a dress off the rack. “I saw you looking at this one. I think you should try it on. Who knows, maybe this is THE dress!”
I take a seat next to June and she reaches over, patting my forearm. “Hi, sweetie, you doin’ alright?”
Running my thumb over my fingernail, my mind wanders elsewhere. As soon as I hear the lock on the dressing room door, my eyes shoot up to find Ellie looking stunning in a gorgeous white dress.
It’s simple and form-fitting, molding to her body like it was meant for her. Blush highlights her cheeks. She’s never liked being the center of attention, but the sparkle in her eye shows just how happy she truly is.
Kinsley lifts the train behind her, using her other hand to help Ellie step onto the platform. We all turn to look in the mirror, searching for any sight of what Ellie may be thinking, but the subtle way she bites her lip shows she’s trying to fight back the smile that wants to let loose on her face.
