Innocence

“I love you. I can’t wait for tomorrow.”

“Me either. Then I’ll have you for three days to myself.”

Jaxson rented a cabin up in the Rocky Mountains for the honeymoon. Now with Crystal in the picture, I was glad that we decided to go for a shorter amount of time. After pulling up his pants, Jaxson gave me one last kiss before heading back to the living room to check on Ty.

Dressed, I headed out to the bedroom. My phone vibrated. Checking the message, an icy feeling surged through my veins followed by cold dread.

Unknown: Glad you’re now listening and staying away, I’m still watching.

I dropped the phone as it clanked on the wood floor. “Jaxson.” My voice came out hoarse. I sank to the bed, numb.

“Mom is here. Ty is—” Jaxson was in front of me, kneeling. “London, what’s wrong?”

Deftly, I pointed to the phone on the ground. Jaxson picked it up. “Fuck that fucking asshole.” He took my face in his hands. “London, we’ll report this like the note. Give me a second.”

Jaxson left the room, leaving a pounding headache in its wake. All I wanted to do was leave the past behind and live my life. Why was the past refusing to let me go?

IN FRONT OF THE MIRROR, I looked at the woman who stood before me. It was me. A complete difference from when I first was released from prison. The hollowness of my features were filled in. The lifelessness in my expression gone. I was happy. Healthy. And in love.

My best friend rested her chin on my shoulder with blonde curls piled on top of her head. “You look beautiful, London. Are you ready to become Mrs. Jaxson McCole?”

“I am.” Last night, I’d stayed in the guesthouse with Millie and Dad. We’d watched Donna’s wedding on 90210. We even talked Dad into watching an episode. He’d fallen asleep within five minutes of it starting. It was like old times as Millie and I lay in bed later that evening while we talked.

Backing away, Millie affixed the comb of the veil in my hair. “How are you feeling?”

Since yesterday when I got the text message from the unknown person, I wasn’t able to shake the looming headache trying to ebb its way forward. My body felt achy. This morning I’d taken some cold medicine to help me get through the day without feeling terrible. There was nothing that would ruin this day.

Nothing.

“I’m okay. I think the stress from the text message toppled me over the edge along with Crystal.”

I shuddered at the thought of Crystal being out there or causing any more trouble. She’d been released from jail. Plus nothing new had been found regarding who was behind my drugging or the notes. Currently, Millie was volunteering in the records department in order to investigate other patients the doctor had seen. Between Crystal and the phantom stalker, I was stressed to the max and knew that was the case behind me feeling ill.

Millie snapped her fingers in front of my face. “There will be no negative thoughts on your wedding day. The crazies are not allowed to be part of this day.”

Saluting, I said, “Yes, ma’am.” For some unknown reason the gesture elicited a laugh from us.

“Here, take this. It’s full of vitamins and will help keep the cold at bay.”

With gratitude, I took the medicine. At first, Millie thought I was pregnant. Considering my period ended just under a week ago, I knew I was in the clear. The thought of a baby was the last thing we needed right now.

The door opened. “Punkin’, Pam says it’s time.”

“Okay, Daddy. I’m ready.”

This was it.

I stood and pushed the queasiness aside. Jaxson and Ty awaited me. My family. My future.

With my arm in his, Dad led me out of the room. “You have a fine young man waiting to marry you. Your mom and I are so very proud of you.”

A bittersweet smile passed over my features. It was doubtful Mom realized I was getting married or that I was released from prison for that matter. At least there would be video. With her condition, the doctor advised against moving her to attend the wedding. I understood, but wanted her here. Dad promised at some point he would bring her thinking the mountain air might be good for her despite what the doctor said. With the threats looming over us, we thought it best for me to stay away from Guin for the time being.

Dad placed his hand over mine and I relaxed.

Walking the short distance down the stone floor, Millie stayed a few steps in front of us. Faint strains of classical music played through the air. This would be the first time I would see the church. Everything but the cake and dress were kept a secret from me. Millie looked back from her emerald-green dress, eyes sparking with excitement. “Are you ready?”

“I am.”