Don't Promise (Don't 3)

“He was supposed to be here yesterday.” I wasn’t hysterical yet. “We’re getting married tonight.”

He put his hands up in defense. “I can try to make some calls. Maybe there are some guys who could get in touch with the base over there. Ok?”

I nodded eagerly. “Yes. Make those. Go. Go.” I shooed him out of the guest house.

I faced my dress. It hung between the bedroom and the living room. I didn’t know how I was going to put it on today if I didn’t know where my fiancé was.

In the backyard, the garden was being transformed from Christmas central into a Winter Wedding Wonderland. Santa had been packed in the attic. The candy canes were in the garage. My mother left the trees up. We were the kind of family who didn’t take the Christmas trees down until after New Year’s Eve.

There were volunteers from the neighborhood arranging chairs and some of my father’s friends from church had offered to help set up a white tent for the reception. The water feature that circulated through the garden was frozen over.

Sasha and Mary Ellen walked in.

“How are you doing?” They smiled.

“I want to throw up.” I cringed. “Not the pregnancy kind, but the kind when you don’t know if your fiancé is going to make the wedding.”

Mary Ellen walked into the kitchenette. “I’m going to make a cup of tea for you. Sasha is here to do your nails. Your groom is on the way. And he’s going to be at the end of the aisle.”

I looked between them. “Did you hear something?” I asked eagerly. “Please tell me he called someone and it’s just that my phone is acting crazy.” I had checked it no less than a hundred times today.

Sasha shook her head. “No. But I’ve known Cole Thomas a long time. He will be here.” She opened a make-up kit and started lining up different bottles of nail polish. “This is your bridal pampering party.” She grinned. “You were there for me when I thought I was going to run, and I’m here for you. He’ll be here.”

Mary Ellen walked over with the hot tea. “Here. No caffeine. And extra soothing ingredients.”

“Thank you. I appreciate everything. I do, but this isn’t how I pictured my wedding day.”

“I hope my wedding day looks like this.” Mary Ellen scooted next to me on the house. “The house is gorgeous. And it’s supposed to snow this afternoon. Tonight is going to be perfect.”

“I haven’t even looked at the weather. But I wanted snow. Snow is good.”

I extended my hand. Sasha started to remove my polish. “Your mom bought these huge glass globes with big vanilla candles to line the aisle. I think it’s going to be magical.”

“I never once thought about having a holiday wedding. But it is kind of romantic, isn’t it?”

Mary Ellen nodded. “New Year’s Eve is the best day to get married.” She looked at Sasha. “Except for when you got married. Also, a great choice.”

I laughed.

“Is Aiden going to be here?” I asked.

“Yes. And he can come sooner if we need his help. He’s working from the hotel right now on a file. I don’t understand his business. He buys and sells a lot of real estate.”

“What happened at your mom’s house? Why is he in a hotel?”

She rolled her eyes. “It wasn’t really his style. Millionaires like their space. He’s happier in a hotel. And I don’t have to be quiet during sex anymore.”

Sasha snorted. “That’s something.”

Whatever their plan was, it worked. Two hours of pampering and girl talk and I actually felt like a regular bride. By the time Sasha was done with me I had my hair swept up in one side with a crystal clip. My nails were painted, and my makeup was extra glittery around the eyes.

“It’s time for the dress.” Mary Ellen lifted the hanger from the door.

“But he’s not here.” I shook my head. My hands landed on my belly. Where was their daddy?

“The photographer is here, though. You have to get dressed so we can take pictures. That’s going to take at least an hour and then you need to be back in here thirty minutes while the guests are seated.”

I nibbled on my lip. “What if he doesn’t show up?”