Page 156 of Bridesmaid for Hire
“I guess you’re right.” She sighs. “Okay, let’s get going before my mind keeps whirling with questions.”
“Are you sure?” I ask. “Because I can sit here and answer all the questions you want.”
“Drive, Brody.”
I chuckle and turn on the golf cart. I wrap my arm around her shoulders and bring her in close as I guide the cart down the familiar wooden bridge toward the resort.
“I’m going to miss this,” she says, cuddling in closer.
“Miss what?” I ask.
“Being here. I leave the day after the wedding, and I don’t think I’mready to say goodbye. I’ve had so much fun, even if it meant thinking about work.”
“Me too,” I say. “Reality is going to come crashing down soon, and I don’t think I’m ready for it.”
“Are you worried about when we get back?”
“Worried about what?” I ask. Is she worried about us?
“Just getting back to normal life and fitting our schedules in with our relationship? I don’t know about you, but I get really busy, and weekends are usually chock-full of events.” I glance at her and see her worrying her lip.
“I’m not concerned,” I say. “Just means the restaurants will be less crowded when I take you out on weeknights.”
“You don’t think you’ll be irritated that I work weekends?”
“No,” I answer. “Not at all. I’ll just move my schedule around yours.” I squeeze her hand. “There’s nothing to worry about, Maggie. We’re going to make this work.”
“But aren’t you sad that we’re going to break this little bubble we’ve been in?”
“Do I wish I could stay here with you and ignore all of my responsibilities back home? Absolutely. But I know the reality is we’ll have to figure out a new normal and that’s okay. I know we can make it work.” And as I say this, I realize that, to my bones, I believe it. We can make this work.
“But what if it doesn’t? What if my job becomes too much for you? What if you think you’re not getting enough attention or if I’m not good enough—”
“Maggie?”
“Yeah?” she asks as I pull up to a parking spot.
I turn to her. “Who did this to you?”
Her brow crinkles. “Who did what to me?” she asks.
“Made you have these insecurities.” I reach out and cup her cheek. “Because all I’m seeing right now is you doubting yourself and what youthink we’re capable of. The only reason you’d do that is if you’ve had a horrible experience in the past. So, I repeat, who did this to you?”
She plays with the hem of my shirt, avoiding eye contact as she answers, “Pretty much every guy I’ve ever dated.” Her eyes lift to mine. “I’ve always been very driven with my career and where I want to go, and the men that I’ve dated haven’t appreciated that drive. So, I guess I’m just self-conscious.”
I lift her chin and lean in close. “With me, you don’t need to be self-conscious. You don’t need to worry about me judging you or not appreciating one of the great things about your personality—your drive. Consider me your number one fan, supporter, cheerleader. I want the best for you, Maggie. If that means I have to bring you food while you work as part of the date, then I’m there. If the only time I get with you is spending time helping put together sachets of God-knows-what for three separate weddings, then I’m your guy.”
“Sachets?” she asks, her smile returning.
“Yeah, sachets. I’ll tie those up real good—I can fill a mean welcome basket. Might even show you up.”
“If anyone is going to tie the best sachet, it’s going to be me.”
I step out of the golf cart and round it so I can help her out. With her hand in mine, I say, “We’ll see about that.” I lean down and press a light kiss to her lips. “Now, let’s see if we can make Reginald fall in love with me tonight.”
I can see why Haisley wanted to get married here. It’s breathtaking.
We’re situated on a white sand beach, overlooking a private lagoon glittering with turquoise water. It almost feels unreal. Mount Otemanu is perfectly positioned in the background, offering a luscious green setting. It’s far away from the resort, and free of anyone who might stumble upon the ceremony. The peaceful water laps at the shoreline, and the sun dipslow on the horizon. And as I sit here, watching the rehearsal take place, my girl standing up at the altar, I’m filled with a deep sense of serenity.
