I feel heavy emotions in the air around me, something like longing and love, but before I can make more of it, Carrie turns toward me and smiles. “There are wedding bands that go with this eternity ring, if you’re considering it.”
Don holds out the remaining two rings from the tray.
* * *
Fifteen minutes later, I’m back in the parking lot with a small bag holding three rings.
“So how are the preparations?” Lukas pulls a cigarette box out of his jacket and lights it while I open my car and grab a water bottle.
“Zand-der booked the Butterfly Inn for Th-Thursday,” I reply after taking a few gulps.
“Butterfly Inn?” Lukas’ eyebrows jump to his forehead. He continues to stare at me, and his almost stunned expression takes me by surprise. When he shakes his hand, I realize it’s to get rid of the burning ash on his fingers.
“Wh-what’s up with you? If I d-didn’t know you any better, I’d th-think you’re s-seriously hiding something from me.”
“But that inn isn’t anything grand. Why are you not throwing some celebratory shit in St. Peppers or doing something smaller like Zander and Rose?”
There’s no missing the disapproval in his gaze. I’m so confused by his attitude this morning. He’s usually the most laid-back person I know.
“W-were you at a d-different dinner las-st night? D-didn’t you see how Zander would have th-throttled me if I didn’t agree to all the bells and w-whistles? The girls are with Vienna r-right now buying her a w-wedding dress. Are you s-seriously suggesting I sh-should disappoint everyone?”
I do enough of that shit already.
“I didn’t mean it like that.” Lukas grabs his neck before walking back and forth.
“Th-then what’s happening? You’ve been tense all morning.”
Lukas shakes his head. “Nothing. It’s work. Do you have some more wedding shopping, or are we done for the day?”
I still don’t understand his disapproving grunts, but before I can ask him more, my phone vibrates in my pocket. When I think it might be one of my nephews texting me with yet another picture of what they plan to wear at the wedding, I notice it’s an email from the hospital, telling us the dos and don’ts before coming for a biopsy on Monday.
14
VIENNA
“And you didn’t think to call me?” Ivy asks while I prepare a latte for a customer.
“Didn’t you hear what I said? I was sleeping when they rang the bell.”
“The new relatives. I’m sure they’re all snobby.” She folds her arms over her chest.
“Actually, they aren’t. They’re all really nice. In fact, I feel like I’m cheating everyone.”
But Ivy’s face remains irritated even as I hand her the tray with coffee and a piece of pie for the next customer.
“I don’t like it, Vi. You’re getting married, and I’m not with you during all those important things like bridal shopping.”
“This is a fake wedding. You know that, right?” I whisper.
“How?” she snaps, gesturing in the air. “You got your marriage license for real. You’re getting a grand party at the inn. As far as I know, there’s no prenup. How is this a fake wedding?”
I feel as if all the air is sucked out of my lungs. The café suddenly feels extremely small and lacking oxygen. “Because…we don’t love each other.”
She jumps off the counter. “Are you sure?”
Ivy has just said the words when the front door opens and Zane strides in, sending my heart racing like a freight train. The cloth napkin I was using to wipe the nozzle of the coffee machine drops from my hand.
Ivy gives me a knowing look before turning toward my soon-to-be husband. “Hey, Zane. I heard everything is going as per plan.”