Holiday Signed Paperback Bundle

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“I’ll tell the guests the wedding is off. Just say the word.”

I drew up to my full height, wishing I’d thought to change out of my dress before I left the dressing room. “I’m not marrying James. But I don’t know what to do.”

“I’ll call for a car to come around back. No one will see you.” Gia pulled out her phone.

I didn’t want to talk to my parents or my brother, Finn, right now. I was so ashamed that I’d misjudged James. I wasn’t sure where I would tell the driver to take me. I could go home, but what if James showed up, wanting to talk?

“It’s cold outside. Wear your coat.” Gia grabbed the coat from a hook by the door to the bridal suite and placed it over my shoulders.

I wrapped the white fur coat over my dress, wanting to disappear inside it. I didn’t want to deal with the guests, my family, or the knowing looks. No one expected my marriage to last any longer than my parents’. But I hadn’t expected not to make it to the altar.

“The driver will be here in a few minutes.” She put her arm around me and guided me toward the door. “You’re doing the right thing.”

“He was cheating on me our entire relationship.” It hurt to say that out loud. How stupid could I be?

“That’s on him. Not you. None of this is your fault.”

I was too trusting, too vulnerable, too needy. James said it was easy to take advantage of me. Had my upbringing brought me to this point? Was I so desperate for love that I’d date any man?

“I promise, you are going to come out of this situation stronger, and you can use what you learned for good.”

I couldn’t see that, and I wasn’t sure I ever would.

Gia opened the back door. “I’ll make sure no one comes this way.”

“Thank you.”

She hugged me quickly. “That’s what friends are for. Now go.”

The urgency in her tone moved my feet. I opened the door, and the rush of cold air felt good on my face. But I was alone at the back of the building. There was nothing but rows and rows of trees. 

I wanted to see the waterfall Emmett had shown me the day we’d picked the spot for the ceremony.

Not waiting for the car, I lifted my skirts and ran as fast I could in my heeled boots. Nothing about my outfit was practical. I hadn’t planned on running anywhere. But I wasn’t thinking clearly. I wanted to get to the place that made everything inside me calm. 

When I was out of sight of the tents and the building we’d used to get ready for the ceremony, I slowed to a walk, trying to remember where the private spot was. Remembering it was near the woods, I headed in that direction, enjoying the smell of pine and the air that hinted at snow.

For the first time in forever, I hoped flakes would start to fall earlier than the forecasters predicted. I wanted to feel the sting on my cheeks. 

I didn’t want to think about the wedding guests, my family, what Gia told them, or anything else.

I couldn’t believe I’d been duped so easily. Yet at the same time, I was grateful Maya had told me before I married him. I couldn’t imagine going through with the wedding and finding out later after our lives were intertwined.

I let my lungs fill with air, feeling grateful for Maya’s conscience. 

I felt nothing but relief when I heard the trickling waterfall. I sank down in front of it without a care about my dress.

I had no plans to return it or sell it. At this point, it was bad luck. Who would want it? 

I closed my eyes and lifted my face to the sky, breathing in the cool air, being present in the moment. Feeling the sting of the wind on my hands, the bite of it on my nose, and the tears that threatened to spill over.

I wouldn’t cry for James. Not when our entire relationship was a lie. I had no plans for what to do or where to go. I just wanted to be present in the moment, in this space that made me feel grounded.