Page 41 of Bridesmaid for Hire
“I’m Hardy,” the other one says. “Thanks for going along with my dad’s asinine idea of pulling a stranger into the wedding.” Yup, Hardy seems like the more fun one.Sorry, Hudson.
Although, both are very attractive and, from the looks of it, possibly single.
“It’s not a problem at all,” Brody says. “Just glad to be here.”
“Maggie, let me introduce you to the twins.” I walk with Haisley over to the two girls sitting on the lounger. Both are maybe a few years younger than I am, probably still in college. And though they might be twins, they don’t look anything alike. “These are Jude’s sisters, Sloane and Stacey.”
“It’s nice to meet you. Are you excited to be here in paradise?”
“We are,” Sloane says in such a sweet voice that it feels like a warm hug. “We’ve never been out of the country before, so this is all new.”
“I can imagine,” I say. “I can’t remember the last time I’ve been on vacation, so I’m in the same boat. And you guys don’t look like each other, but you do. Line you two up with Jude and it’s uncanny.”
“That’s what everyone says,” Stacey says.
“Because it’s true,” Haisley says and then turns toward me. “Jude’s best friend won’t be here until we get closer to the wedding. We kept it small with our closest friends and family.”
“That’s sweet. I’m sorry about your best friend.”
“She’s more upset than I am, I think. She’s pregnant and was put on bedrest right before she was supposed to leave. I told her I’d rather she take care of her baby than make the wedding. Doesn’t stop her from calling and making sure she’s part of the activities. I’m sure she’ll FaceTime at some point while we’re here.”
“My best friend would probably be the same way. We’re far too immersed in each other’s lives.”
“Same.” Haisley chuckles. “Here, let me grab you a mimosa.”
We walk over to the table where drinks, pastries, and fruits are laid out.
“Help yourself,” Reginald says from the corner.
“Thank you.” I smile at him. “And thank you for breakfast this morning and your note. Completely unnecessary but very much appreciated.”
“It’s our pleasure.” He nods at me with approval, and I have to say, for someone who has billions upon billions of dollars in his bank account, he’s a pretty nice guy. Sometimes I think the rich have no reason to be nice, but maybe that’s just a stupid idea I’ve built in my head from countless movies and TV shows. At least Reginald Hopper seems to defy the stereotypes.
Haisley hands me a champagne flute, and I take a sip of the mimosa, surprised that there seems to be just a drop of orange juice in the flute. Although maybe this is how rich people live. All champagne and barely any juice. “So, you and Brody. I have to say, you guys make the perfect couple. When we were interning together, we were so bored at times that we’d spend days asking each other questions. That’s how he learned about my dreams and ended up helping me with a business plan. But I remember asking him who his dream girl was, and he stared up at the ceiling, really gave it some thought. He answered the other right away, but he took his time with that one and ended up describing a girl who looks just like you. It’s almost like he manifested it.”
“He did?” I ask, not quite believing my ears.
Haisley nods. “Yup. Did you know him then?”
“Not really,” I say. “He’s seven years older than me, so when he was interning, I would have still been in high school.”
Haisley clutches her chest. “God, that makes me feel like a grandma.”
I chuckle. “Trust me, you are the furthest thing from a grandma.”
“Are you sure I won’t need a cane to walk down the aisle?”
“Positive.”
Reginald stands from the corner and clinks his glass to gather everyone’s attention. “I’d like to raise a toast to the beautiful engaged couple.”
Hudson, Hardy, and Brody join us. Brody wraps his arm around my waist and holds me close as Haisley hands him a flute.
“I was wary at first when my daughter told me that she was in love, but then I met Jude, got to know his kind, protective heart, and I knewthere wouldn’t be anyone better to take my daughter’s hand in marriage. We welcome you to the family this week, Jude, as well as your wonderful sisters, Sloane and Stacey. We’re so happy to have you. Here’s to a wonderful wedding week.”Wow. Wealthy and genuine.No wonder Haisley made such a good choice in her future husband.
We hold our flutes up, and the whole scene feels so surreal as I toast to a wedding and a couple I barely know—but realize I’d love to know better. What an amazing opportunity.
Sometimes, opportunity falls in your lap, and you have to seize it.
