Page 131 of The Fiancé Hoax

“What a beautiful bride!” Inga crossed the room to plant a kiss on my cheek and squeeze my hand. “I’m so happy for you and Cooper. You know, I had a good feeling about you the first time I met you.”

“You did?”

Inga nodded. “I was rooting for the two of you from the beginning. I knew you’d be good for each other, and I was right. I’ve never seen Cooper this happy. And you, my dear, are glowing.”

I smiled. “Thank you, Inga. For everything.”

“You’re most welcome.” With a smile, she bent down to straighten the girls’ dresses and hair. Carefully, she adjusted Lily’s flower garland. Finally, Inga stood up and looked at me warmly.

“It's almost time,” she said. “Are you ready?”

I nodded. “I'm ready.”

Inga grabbed the basket of flower petals for Lily, our flower girl, and the rings for Eva, the ring bearer. She guided the girls out of the cabin and across the breezeway that led to the chapel, urging them to stay put.

Then Inga hurried back to help Lauren carry my train.

The five of us stood outside the chapel. On the other side of those doors, Cooper and the guests were gathered and waiting. It was a small, intimate wedding, with only close friends and family. Still, I had butterflies. This was a big day.

“Okay, I’m up first,” Lauren said. She winked at me. “Good luck.”

“You, too.”

Inga opened the door for her. Cooper’s brother, Rhys, was the best man. He was waiting inside, and he offered his arm to Lauren. They walked down the aisle together, and she looked beautiful and elegant. A few of Cooper’s college buddies and work friends were seated near the back, and I noticed a couple of guys checking her out.

“I’m next!” Eva announced, clutching the satin cushion with the wedding rings tied in bows.

“Okay, remember, Eva,” Inga instructed, “take slow steps. It's not a sprint down the aisle.” She made sure the rings were secure. “And try not to drop this cushion.”

Eva nodded. “No sweat.”

Inga opened the door for her, and Eva began to march slowly down the aisle, holding the cushion carefully.

From where I was standing, I couldn't see Cooper. But I knew he was waiting at the altar for me.

My stomach fluttered. We were really doing this. I was about to marry the man of my dreams.

“Okay, Lily, your turn.” Inga adjusted the bow on her back.

Lily looked up at me nervously, her brow furrowed.

I smiled at her. “You got this, girl.” Lily grinned and nodded.

Inga pulled the door open for her. Lily began to walk slowly down the aisle, tossing a handful of petals with every step.

Suddenly, I realized my dad wasn't here. He was supposed to walk me down the aisle. Panic washed over me.

He hadn't backed out at the last minute, had he?

I strained my neck, looking across the lawn for signs of him. A deep voice behind me made me spin around.

“You look beautiful, honey,” Dad said.

“Oh, thank goodness,” I sighed. “I was beginning to worry you had flaked out on me, Dad.”

He chuckled. “No, those days are over. I'm here for you. From now on, I always will be.”

He offered me his arm and I looped mine through it. I smiled up at him.

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