Page 64 of A Kind Wedding: Christian & Charleigh

“Of course, darling.” Aunt Barb smiled. “We’ll head there now.”

After putting our bags in Grace’s car, she buckled Nora into her seat, and we headed to the hotel. We were halfway down the street when we saw a line of fire trucks and people standing across the street from the hotel.”

“What is going on?” I asked.

“I’m not sure,” Grace said.

“Oh, my God. Is that smoke?” Aunt Barb asked.

“Grace, stop the car!” I said as I opened the door and climbed out.

I ran down the sidewalk and over to the people who stood watching the firefighters with their hoses. I saw Mr. Russo standing there with a look of despair on his face.

“Mr. Russo!” I ran over to him. “What happened?”

“Charleigh.” Tears filled his eyes when he looked at me. “The fire started early this morning. Thank God we got everyone out.”

“How did it happen?”

“We don’t know yet. Everything is complete chaos right now.”

Grace and Aunt Barb ran over.

“Oh no,” Aunt Barb said.

“I hope nobody was hurt,” Grace spoke as she held Nora.

“Mr. Russo, does this mean what I think it means?”

“I’m so sorry, Charleigh. I’m not sure any weddings can take place here for a while.”

My heart raced as sickness filled my belly.

“I’ll keep you posted, sweetheart.” His grip around me tightened.

“Thank you, Mr. Russo.” I walked away.

Grace and Aunt Barb ran to keep up with me as I felt a panic attack coming on. I stopped just as I reached the car and placed my hands on the hood, lowering my head.

“Darling,” Aunt Barb spoke as she rubbed my back.

“I can’t breathe,” I said as the tears poured from my eyes.

Grace handed Nora to Aunt Barb, grabbed me, and set me down on the ground.

“Deep breath, Charleigh. Come on. Look at me and breathe.”

I stared into her eyes as I took in several deep breaths. My heart started to calm as the air filled my lungs.

“This can’t be happening. We’re getting married in three weeks,” I cried.

“We’ll figure it out. Maybe the hotel will be fixed and opened by then,” Grace said.

“I have to see Christian. Can you take me to the hospital?”

“Of course. Let’s go.” Grace helped me from the ground.

When we arrived at the hospital, I told Grace and Aunt Barb to go home.

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