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Thanks so much, and enjoy!

Krista

One

Lauren was wrong, and for once she was glad for it. The wedding was going to be absolutely beautiful.

Four thousand miles from home, in a six-hundred year old castle in the English countryside. The lights, the decorations, the flowers… already these things were beyond amazing, and none of them had even been fully set up yet. The architecture of the place alone was incredible. It blew away any wedding Lauren had ever been to, and that number wasn’t exactly small.

It’s perfect, she thought to herself. Absolutely perfect. She took a deep breath and shook her head with a grin. Jenna was right again…

The funny part was that her best friend was always by right, and not in a know-it-all kind of way, either. No, Jenna was right in the most innocent of ways. The ‘always stepping in shit’ type of way, where everything was good shit and luck carried her happily on its back through most of her life.

Lauren smiled now as she walked along sprawling, wood-paneled floors. Past centuries-old decor and colorful tapestries. The reception was beginning to look like something straight out of a fairy tale. The kind of place any girl would dream her whole life of getting married in, even from the youngest of ages.

She continued on, making her way down a wide stone hall lined with red and yellow rose petals. Eventually Lauren pushed her way through an oaken door, into her big, spacious, bedroom suite.

A castle. She couldn’t help but laugh out loud. A REAL-LIFE castle!

It was all so very Jenna.

Immediately after entering, she glanced left. The spot where Adam’s suitcase had been was still empty. It had been like that for almost two days now, ever since he stormed out of their first rehearsal dinner. Ever since he’d announced their breakup — for the umpteenth time in their relationship — and stomped off like an asshole.

Only this time, the asshole actually flew back across the ocean without her.

Well at least you’ll get to have fun now, the little voice in her head told her. No worrying about him, or his mood, or whether or not he’s happy every ten seconds.

It was all true. That part of their relationship had been exhausting.

Now you can enjoy your best friend’s wedding in peace. You can let loose. Have fun! You can—

KNOCK. KNOCK.

Lauren whirled in her bridesmaid’s dress, just as the door opened. Jenna walked in… then turned, and pulled the rest of her wedding gown in behind her.

“Oh my God!” Lauren cried out. Her hands went instinctively to her face. “You’re dressed!”

Jenna laughed as she closed the door. “Of course I’m dressed, silly. It’s my wedding in a couple of hours!”

“Yes, but…” Lauren was at a complete loss for words. “But you were supposed to wait for me!” Just looking at her friend she felt abruptly guilty. “I was supposed to help you get dressed! I’m the maid of honor, remember?”

Again Jenna chuckled. “It slips right on,” she said, waving one hand over the form-fitting white gown. “No biggie there. Besides, I didn’t do the last of my makeup yet. You can still help with that.”

Lauren took a step back, to take her friend in. “Oh Jenna!” she breathed. Her breath caught in her throat. “Jenna it’s absolutely beautiful!”

The bride beamed back at her, then flushed a crimson red. “Thanks,” Jenna said sheepishly. “I know you saw it once before, but…” her words trailed off as she twirled. The veil flared out behind her. “Well… Do you think he’ll like it?”

“Who, Logan?” Lauren was still in disbelief. “He’d be blind not to!” Tearfully she ran over and hugged her friend, being mindful of the dress. “Oh wow. Honey… You’re totally gorgeous!”

They embraced for a long time, and Lauren let her emotions get the best of her. She thought about everything they’d been through, from childhood until now, to arrive at this one, special moment.

“Forget about me and Logan,” Jenna said when they finally pushed back. “I came here to see how you were doing. And also—” She stopped suddenly mid-sentence. “Oh sweetie, are you crying?”

&nb

sp; Lauren smiled as she wiped away a single tear. “No, no I—”

“It’s Adam, isn’t it?” Her expression soured somewhat. “Oh Lauren, I’m so sorry.”