Page 92 of Fake Dating Adrian Hunter
“I’m coming home every Christmas.”
“You are?” Tory gasps at the same time as Mom’s face crumples into a mess of sobs.
I draw Mom away from Tory, pulling her into a hug. “I’ll let you cry on my dress, but not the bride’s.”
“Do you really mean it, Verena?” she sniffles. “You’re coming home every year?”
“Yes. I’m sorry that I stayed away for so long.”
“Oh, Verena, your father is going to be so happy when I tell him.”
“And Tory, I’m sorry for going to the mainland last night and causing a scene. All the security dramas have been taken care of. Today will be amazing for you and Phoebe, I promise.”
“Thank you.” Tory twirls in front of a full-length mirror with the biggest smile on her face. “Verena, you’ve outdone yourself with this dress. I love it. Thank you so much.”
A phone alarm beeps, signaling that it’s time to leave for the ceremony, and everyone squeaks with excitement.
* * *
At three o’clock, I arrive with Tory and her half of the bridal party at the beach ceremony. It’s the perfect day for a wedding. Beautiful warm weather and no unwanted fans or photographers sailing nearby. The wedding arch is decorated in pink and cream roses, and petals are scattered over the sand. When I hear Minnie Riperton’sLovin’ You, I know it’s the bridesmaids’ cue to walk down the aisle. Nia goes first, followed by Stacy, then it’s my turn. I leave Tory with a kiss on the cheek and tell her I’ll see her at the other end.
Phoebe is the first person I see when I begin walking, standing with a nervous smile beside the celebrant. She looks perfect in her black gown. I designed it to have a sweetheart neckline with sleeves that drape off her shoulders, and a full-length skirt that opens at the front to reveal tight pant legs.
With the wedding well on the way, the only thing left for me to worry about is Adrian. I search for the man I love, locking eyes with him sitting in the front row, and damn, does he look suave in his fitted suit. But his expression is impossible to pinpoint. There are so many emotions in Adrian’s eyes. Joy for his sister. Longing for me. But most of all, what I see is uncertainty over our relationship.
I direct my smile at him, attempting to give a signal that we’re good. But I’ve been smiling since the moment I arrived at this aisle, and he doesn’t get the hint. All he does is gulp at the sight of me.
“Please stand for the arrival of the second bride,” the celebrant says as I take my place at the front with Phoebe and the rest of the bridal party.
My dad comes into sight, escorting the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in my life down the aisle. Everyone gasps at how exquisite Tory looks, but I’m sure she doesn’t hear a sound. She doesn’t glance sideways at the guests to acknowledge them. I can read the look in her eyes and the smile on her face perfectly. For my little sister, no one exists in this moment except Phoebe waiting for her at the end of the aisle.
My attention switches to Phoebe. Tears pool in her eyes as she smiles at her bride. The electricity between them is unmissable. The world revolves around them and nothing else. A sense of longing washes over me, and I know—part of me has known my entire life, regardless of the seven-year separation—that I want to experience this exact moment with Adrian at our own wedding.
As Tory arrives at the end of the aisle, my dad hands her to Phoebe, and the two brides greet each other with a kiss.
“Easy,” the celebrant laughs, “we’re not up to that part of the ceremony yet.”
Giggles travel throughout each row of guests, and everyone takes their seats as the ceremony commences. I’m consumed with awe over how magnificent my sister and her soon-to-be wife are, holding hands and smiling as they gaze into each other’s eyes.
I look at Adrian when the celebrant begins with a speech about love. His eyes are already on me with that same sense of uncertainty in them. They’re almost pained, and the very sight of them tears at my heart. This is exactly why I’d hoped to speak with him before the ceremony. Who knows what’s going through his mind? We can’t talk now, but I’m desperate to send him a message.
I smile and mouth the words,I love you.
He blinks back a moment of confusion, perhaps even disbelief, then his lips rise into the most heart-warming grin. I’m sure if anyone were paying attention to us, they would see that same spellbinding connection in our eyes that Tory and Phoebe share. It takes everything in me not to run to Adrian and feel his lips upon mine. For now, though, I practice patience and listen to the celebrant.
* * *
After the ceremony, everyone gathers on the beach to offer congratulations to the happy couple and take photos. I do my maid of honor job of holding flowers and puffing up dresses, but the moment I’m not needed, I sink into the background and slip away to find Adrian. Our eyes meet across the crowd and we both break into massive grins.
“Get into my arms now!” he calls.
My pace turns into a run, the two of us laughing as I race over the sand and launch myself onto him, our lips fitting together perfectly. Adrian squeezes me tight, lifting me off my feet and spinning me around.
“Get a room, you two,” Mom tells us. “Anyone would think you were the ones who just got hitched.”
Adrian places me down, stroking hands through my hair as his gaze devours the sight of me. “So, you love me too, huh?”
“I one hundred percent love you. I just needed time to clear my head and comprehend everything. And I’m so sorry that you saw Jake kiss me. Adrian, there wasn’t ever onesecond where I was considering taking him back. It’s been you all along. I’ve been crazy about you this entire week—”
