I stood up and Logan stepped forward to take my hand. He squeezed it tightly. “How are you feeling?”
“Happy,” I said, feeling light and free. “I’m ready to go.”
The rain felt cool against my skin but I didn’t rush to the car to stop from getting wet. It felt like a cleansing. A rebirth. With Cassie’s blessing, I was ready to start the rest of my life.
Chapter Twenty-Four
That night, instead of a rehearsal dinner, we just had our close friends and family come over to Logan’s apartment for a casual dinner. We ordered food from our favorite Italian restaurant and spent the night stuffing ourselves and drinking large amounts of wine. Afterwards, we relaxed with glasses of wine and lively conversation. Looking around the apartment at all the people who cared about us, it made me realize how lucky I was.
“How are you doing?” my father asked, having followed me into the kitchen. He paused for a beat before continuing. “I know it must be hard, considering what day today is.”
My father had never been able to handle extreme emotions very well, and it had been difficult for him to know what to do almost a decade ago when I had fallen apart after Cassie’s death. Despite his awkwardness, he had always been there for me when I needed him, even when it meant sitting on my bed and helplessly patting me on the back while I had an emotional breakdown.
“I’ve come to peace with a lot of things,” I said. “I’d be lying if I said today was easy for me, but I’ve come to realize that the last thing Cassie would want is for me to focus on the significance of this day. I’ve decided to honor her memory by celebrating Cassie’s life instead of dwelling on her death.”
My father nodded his head, and patted me on the back; his usual gesture of affection. “I think that’s a wise choice.”
He got another drink and gave me a small smile before leaving the kitchen, probably relieved that I hadn’t had a breakdown at the mention of Cassie. Logan came into the kitchen and put his arms around me.
“How are you doing?” he asked, echoing my father’s question.
I laughed. “Why is everyone asking me that? Do I look like I’m about to have a nervous breakdown?”
“No, I just know today is a hard day for you. Plus, it’s the night before your wedding. You must be nervous, wondering how you’re going to handle being married to the greatest guy in the world.”
I frowned at him. “What are you talking about? I’m marrying you.” I couldn’t help laughing at his exaggerated wounded expression. “Just kidding. I’m definitely marrying the greatest guy in the world.”
Logan smiled at me, then his expression sobered. “Are you disappointed that Cassie’s parents didn’t come tonight?”
I shook my head. “No, I would have been surprised if they had. Honestly, I’m surprised they’re coming to the wedding tomorrow. I hope it’s the right decision. The last thing I want is for Mrs. Brooks to have a setback.”
“Mr. Brooks wouldn’t bring her if he didn’t think she could handle it,” Logan said. He smiled at me. “Tomorrow can’t come fast enough.”
I leaned up to give him a kiss. “Enough talk about tomorrow. We’d better get back out there before they start thinking we’re doing naughty things in here.”
I saw the glint in Logan’s eyes, so I grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the kitchen before he could try anything.
Logan’s mother pounced on me the moment we walked out of the kitchen, prattling on about making sure the bouquets didn’t wilt and a bunch of other wedding details that I had never thought to worry about. I liked Logan’s parents, but his mother was a little too talkative for my taste. When they had come back from holiday earlier this year, they had been shocked at Logan’s amnesia, and dismayed that he had waited to tell them about it. Fortunately, they had gotten used to the idea; although it helped that he remembered them.
I was grateful when Emily saved me from Logan’s mother, using the excuse that she had to ask me some questions about the wedding.
“That woman sure can talk,” she said with a laugh. “Her mouth moves so fast her lips look blurry.”
“She’s nice, but she can be a little overwhelming,” I admitted. “I know this sounds awful, but it’s a good thing that they spend most of their time traveling the world.”
Emily raised an eyebrow. “Just wait ’til you pop out a baby. Then she’ll be on your doorstep every day. That’s what babies do to grandparents. They make them crazy. Especially grandmothers.”
I laughed at her serious tone. “Are you speaking from experience? Is there something you’re not telling me?”
Emily smiled. “Nah. That’s just what happened to my mom when my brother had a kid.” Her expression turned serious. “I’m so happy for you, Madison. It’s crazy the things you’ve been through, but it’s just made you and Logan stronger.” She hesitated. “Do you think he’ll ever get his memory back?”
I sighed. “Who knows at this point. We’ll be happy regardless, but it’s still strange to know that he doesn’t remember the bulk of our relationship.” I shrugged. “I’m just happy we’re at this point. And still alive.”
Emily grimaced. “You’ve had your fair share of murder attempts. Hopefully you’ll get a pass for the rest of your life on any more.”
Her statement was so ludicrous, yet so true, that I couldn’t help laughing. Logan came over and put his arm around my shoulder, asking what was so funny. For some reason, that made me laugh harder while Emily and Logan looked at me askance.
The rest of the night was spent reminiscing about old times, or in Logan’s case, hearing new memories. When the last guest had left, Logan picked me up and carried me to the bedroom.