Page 11 of I’d Be Honored

Caitlin beamed, her auburn hair stark against ivory stretch crepe fabric. With its fit-and-flare silhouette, high neckline, and open back, she ultimately deemed the dress to be a top contender before finally taking it off. The consultant carefully placed it aside before moving on to the next option.

Maddie didn’t bring up Hayley again, even though she was desperate to know more. There would be plenty of time for that.

Caitlin tried on dress after dress, until about an hour into the appointment, she walked out once again, and both of them immediately began to cry.

“This is it,” Caitlin breathed, finding Maddie’s eyes through the tall mirror.

“It’s perfect. You’re perfect.”

Caitlin stood glowing in a white Vera Wang mermaid gown that clung to her curves, the plunging neckline and low back revealing just enough to feel daring yet refined. The sleeveless bodice hugged her frame before sweeping outward into a delicate train. Layers of intricate floral lace floated over a thin skin-toned lining, creating a captivating illusion of transparency.

“You are going to be the most beautiful bride this city has ever seen,” Maddie murmured, her eyes welling up again. “Gemma’s a lucky woman.”

The two of them clinked their glasses, and while they finished their champagne, Caitlin continued to model the dress and gush over her bride-to-be before they wrapped up the appointment.

Less than twenty minutes later, Maddie found herself nearly bouncing behind Caitlin into a bar to meet up with Gemma and Hayley for happy hour.

“Hey baby,” Gemma greeted her fiancée as Caitlin leaned in for a kiss. The two wrapped their arms around each other, and Maddie watched them for a moment before turning toward Hayley.

“Hi honey,” Maddie teased sweetly, puckering her own lips. As she leaned in, Maddie couldn’t stop her eyes from sliding south and appreciating Hayley’s low-cut silk top.

“Do not even try it.” Hayley held up her hand to stop Maddie’s lips from getting any closer.

Maddie bit back a laugh and grinned.

She looked over at Gemma and Caitlin. They were still embracing, chatting excitedly like they were the only two people in the world. As Maddie stood there, witnessing their love, she felt a familiar, aching twist in her gut. A future bride and a shared life. These were the fragile dreams she herself clung to with white-knuckled hope, even as reality offered up one disappointment after another.

THREE

WHEN GEMMA HAD CALLED HAYLEY EARLIER that morning, the word no sat on the tip of her tongue. She loved happy hours, but the idea of being stuck at one with Maddie filled her with dread. The last thing that woman needed was a few cocktails to make her even bolder.

Nevertheless, Hayley showed up, already planning her swift exit the second Maddie and Caitlin arrived. In the meantime, she decided to enjoy her glass of Macallan 12 with Gemma and listen as she listed off the things that still needed to be done before the wedding.

Hayley’s lowball glass had barely hit the high-top table before Gemma started, “So…”

“Can you at least wait until I have a little liquor in my system?” From her best friend’s tone, she already knew where this was going.

Gemma let out a small snort and relented. “Fine, go ahead.”

Hayley barely managed two burning sips before Gemma pressed on.

“Maddie.” She set her own whiskey glass down hard onto the glossy wooden surface, an orange peel clinging to ice.

“What about her?” Hayley asked, trying to keep her voice neutral.

“She gets under your skin. We can all tell.” Gemma hesitated, then leaned in. “But I’m starting to suspect you might like it.”

Like hell I do.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Hayley set her drink down with deliberate control, even as her heart began to race.

All the casual warmth drained from Gemma’s face. “Stay away from her, Hay, I mean it. Sleep with any other woman in the city, just not Maddie.”

“She’s the one coming on to me.” Hayley furrowed her brows, confusion flickering across her face before it sharpened into irritation. Why was she the one sitting there being lectured instead of Maddie?

“I know, I know.” Gemma sighed. “But Maddie… well, she doesn’t always make the best choices for herself.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Hayley tried and failed to keep her defensiveness out of her tone.