Page 80 of Castaway Whirlwind
Ok, now I feel guilty. “Um, thanks?”
“You’re welcome,” Mrs. Larsen says with her chin raised high, breezing out the front door as quickly as she came in.
“The cake?” I ask Violet, who’s adjusting the narrow straps of her bridesmaid dress that matches the streaks of blue in her hair, replacing her purple highlights.
“Three-tier lemon elderflower cake with edible pearls and vintage drop lines.”
“What about flowers? You know I’ve always wanted—”
Violet clasps her hands together in front, using her calm and confident wedding planner voice. “Cascading wisteria and white roses.”
“What about—”
Violet relaxes, taking my hands in hers. “How long have we been best friends?”
“Three and a half years.”
“And how long has Russell been in love with you?”
“Three and a half years,” I repeat with a blush.
“Trust that we know and love you inside and out and have planned the wedding of your dreams down to the finest details.”
I nod, forcing my tears back so I don’t ruin my gorgeousmakeup.
“Good. Now, let’s get you dressed so you can marry the man who has literally—”
“Allegedly.”
“Buried a man alive for you, ok?”
“Ok,” I answer without the least bit of hesitation.
* * *
Russell
“Ah, shi-oot.” I push my thumbs into my eyes to keep from crying. Layla hasn’t even stepped into sight, and I’m already beside myself, not sure how I’m going to make it through our ceremony without melting into a puddle in front of most of the town and all my employees not out on the road.
Elliott, my best man, presses a white bandana into my hand. “You good?”
“No.” I turn to face the woods, blotting my eyes with the bandana.
It was quite the feat having the rental company come in and discreetly build the expansive temporary pergola far enough away from the house that Layla wouldn’t see but close enough that our guests wouldn’t get lost on our property. With the temperatures easily reaching ninety degrees by noon, we had to do something to keep our guests somewhat cool so she could have the wedding she’s always dreamed of, which included Violet ordering an entire store’s worth of fabric to weave in and out of the wooden beams for cover, the ends fluttering in the breeze.
Elliott stuffs his hands in his pockets, rolling his shoulders, uncomfortable in his navy blue suit. “Never thought I’d see the day you’d get married.”
“You were literally my best man at my first wedding.” On Layla’s behalf, knowing it’s what she would want, Violet sent a wedding invitation to Renee and Francisco…and Renee was kind enough to decline, expressing her belief that this day should be all about the present without the past pushing in.
Elliott chuckles. “I meant to Layla. Thought you’d die pining after her. A depressing way to go.”
“Geez, thanks.” I slap my brother’s back. Lowering my voice and leaning in, I say, “That reminds me. Thank you for what you did with Allen.”
“Don’t mention it,” Elliott replies, underplaying the monumental favor he did us.
“No, really. This day wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t dug him up and driven all night to drop him at the border. Thank you.”
Elliott coughs, clenching his jaw and looking away, as choked up as I am. “The life you’ve given me after everything that happened with—you know I’d do anything for you.”
