Holiday Wedding (24 page)

Not right for each other? She couldn't mean that.
He rarely lost his temper with her, but she was being ridiculous. “This isn't about kids or what you want or what I want. You know what I think? I think you're scared to give us a second shot, and you're doing everything in your power to sabotage it.”

“That's what you believe?”

He nodded. “I've said I'm sorry. If you want kids, let's have a house full. If you really want a life with me, Lauren, it's time for you to step up and say so.”

She threw her hands up in the air. “I don't know want I want anymore. I need to go clear my head. I'll be at the inn.”

“Fine, go run to your best friend. You're good at that.”

Drew stared out the window as the door slammed behind him. Should he chase after her? How could he prove to her things would be different this time?

Ten minutes later he heard what he assumed was Lauren's car pulling out of the cabin's driveway.

Why had she freaked out on him like she did? Olivia wasn't pregnant. Wasn't this a good thing?

He'd been surprised by her admission that she wanted children. True, that had never been part of their plan, but it wasn't written in stone.

Maybe they needed a new plan. Spending time with little Sara and all the other kids at the Gingerbread House—well, it gave him hope that maybe he could be a good father someday.

He moved through the room, preparing to head downstairs. He decided to let her cool off tonight. He'd send Miles a text asking if she got to the inn safely, and call her in the morning.

Perhaps she'd be in a better mood and ready to talk tomorrow. Since the wedding preparations were nearly finished, he could suggest they do something together alone. Maybe go explore the nearby towns or finally hit the slopes.

Flinging the door open, he headed downstairs into the living room. He'd tried twice to ask her to marry him tonight. Would he ever convince her that they were meant to be together, and he wasn't going to chicken out this time?

The room was empty, but the fire was still blazing. He stared down at it, trying to make sense of what just happened.

A noise in the kitchen interrupted his thoughts. He turned from the fireplace to see his brother entering the room with two drinks.

“Where's Kate?” Drew asked.

She felt a little lightheaded.” Luke nodded to the stairs. “She's gone to bed.”

“Sorry she's not feeling well.”

“Where's Lauren?” Luke asked.

“She's staying with Miles, apparently.” Drew narrowed his eyes, aiming imaginary darts at his brother. “This is all your fault.”

“What is my fault?” Luke came up beside him and handed him the copper-colored drink.

Whiskey
. Exactly what he needed. Drew brought the glass to his lips and tipped it up.

“This little game of yours, having us plan your stupid wedding. Do you know what you put Lauren through? Jesus, Luke, having us pick out your cake and your flowers—even your freakin' wedding song.”

Luke raised an eyebrow. “What song did you pick out, by the way?”

“‘Love Stinks.'” He tilted the tumbler back again and drained his glass.

“Not quite what I was hoping for.”

“Well, then you should have planned your own damn wedding.” He sighed and shoved his free hand in his pocket.

“Did you and Lauren have a fight tonight?”

“Something like that.” He stared at his brother. “I don't know what more I can do to convince her that I've changed. I created a doll that symbolized our love. Is she ever going to forgive me?”

“But did you tell her that's what the dolls represent?”

He shrugged. “Maybe I should have. I know it's the only reason you gave the green light despite all of her research suggesting it would fail.”

Luke grinned. “I hear you two are turning things around on that front.”

“Yeah.” Drew moved to the window.

“Well, thank you for that and for all you did for the wedding. You two really came together.”

Drew turned to face Luke. “About that. I'm kind of pissed off at you. What was up with all those ridiculous assignments you made us do? Pick out Kate's lingerie. Seriously? And how could you make Lauren try on wedding dresses?”

Luke smirked and looked up at the ceiling. “Okay, Mom. I think I need to let him in on our secret.” Standing next to him, Luke mirrored his brother, hands shoved in pockets as they both stared out into the night. “Care to hear it?”

Drew eyed his brother, done with Luke's games. “What secret? What's all this supposed to mean?”

“It means you owe me.” Luke patted Drew's back. “Don't blow it this time.”

Lauren twirled in the makeshift dressing room's mirror, reacquainting herself with her beautiful dress while she waited for the rest of the wedding party to arrive at the church. This morning, she wasn't quite sure she could bring herself to put it on, but the minute Miles had brought it over from the cabin, she knew she wanted to wear it one last time.

Besides, there wasn't time to get another one. She'd put on a brave face and get through the ceremony and reception the best she could. By tomorrow morning, she'd be on her parents' private jet headed to California. She'd arranged it with Luke to take the rest of the month off to clear her head. She'd return to New York City and the job after the holidays.

She hadn't talked to Drew since their blowup earlier in the week. She wanted to, but what was the point? They were no closer to their happily ever after than they'd been in Hawaii. He hadn't tried to see her since she'd left the cabin—no phone calls or texts. Maybe he'd realized they weren't meant to be together, too. The thought of that twisted her stomach.

Miles had arranged a spa day for Lauren, Vanessa, Kate, and him, which turned out to be a nice twenty-four-hour getaway to the cutest resort. Consumed by rich peppermint facials and hot stone massages, she didn't mention Drew once and no one asked her, which kind of surprised her.

It also was odd that Luke and Kate had canceled the rehearsal dinner they'd planned. Miles had told Lauren to be at the church at four
p.m.
, and here she was. A part of her was relieved she was no longer the co-planner of this wedding.

This morning she asked Miles if he wouldn't mind driving her car back to Manhattan tomorrow. If Drew was going to ignore her, he could hop a seat back to New York on Santa's sleigh for all she cared.

Miles jumped at the opportunity, which led her to believe he was probably going to ask James to ride shotgun. She smirked, thinking how cute they looked together.

“Wow.” Miles came in, letting out a slow whistle and handed her a glass of champagne.

She hesitated.

“Don't worry. You're not the only one drinking. I gave Kate and Vanessa a glass, too.”

“I thought saying I do, I do, I do calmed Kate's nerves?” Lauren asked, referring to Kate's silly quirk. For some reason, chanting it calmed the wedding planner down.

“Well, when that doesn't work, I liked to get her tanked.” He laughed. “Although today she requested sparkling white grape juice.”

Lauren chuckled and took a sip. “Probably a wise choice. Don't need her walking down the aisle tipsy.”

“So where were you just now?”

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“You looked lost in thought.” He winked. “Thinking about how ridiculously good looking we are going to be in the wedding photos, perhaps?”

“
That's
exactly what I was thinking,” she joked back.

He touched her dress, examining the fabric. “You look sensational. I thought maids of honor weren't supposed to upstage the bride?”

“I highly doubt I will.” She glanced in the mirror, smoothing her red sash. “I really hope Kate doesn't mind that I'm in white, too. I asked if they could give it a little color.”

“It's gorgeous, almost like …” He paused and motioned for her to twirl around, which she was happy to do. “Wait a minute. Isn't this your wedding dress?”

She grinned. “You remember.”

“Where on earth did it come from?”

“That's the million-dollar question. It magically appeared when I was trying on dresses for Kate.” She spun around one last time in the mirror. “It fit perfectly. No alterations needed.”

“You were meant to wear it.”

“I guess so.” She slid her feet into high heels that matched her sash.

“I see you're giving up your sparkly shoes, Miss Candy Cane.”

She nodded, trying her best not to tear up for the umpteenth time, but that nickname connecting her to her soul mate was all it took for a single tear to slide down her cheek.

“Lauren, what did I say?” Miles asked, taking her flute and then pulling a tissue out of his pocket. He'd probably stocked both pockets for Kate's mother.

“It's nothing.” She laughed, dabbing her eyes. “Some little kid told Drew his soul mate had the same name.”

“Lauren?”

“Candy Cane Sparkly Toes.”

“Really? The nickname that I gave you?”

“Weird coincidence, huh?” She sighed. “I really need to get my head on straight and stop all this soul mate, destiny, and fairy tale nonsense.”

“So, have you talked to Drew?”

“No. I don't think he wants to.” She paused and turned back to the mirror, inspecting her pulled back updo. “There's really nothing left to say. I just have to get through today.”

“I still don't understand what the big blow out was about.”

“Drew is never going to be ready to settle down. I can't wait for something that just isn't going to happen. It's time to move on …” She paused, trying her best to add with conviction, “For good this time.”

“But Olivia's not pregnant.” He squeezed her shoulder. “As much as this pains me to say, you and Drew can be together now.”

Lauren shook her head, because she didn't see that happening. “You didn't see the look on his face when he at first thought the pregnancy test was mine. He totally freaked out. He'll never be ready to settle down, and …”

She walked over to the window and stared out at the Wishing Tree. She'd slipped her silver snowflake on it before coming in. It had served its purpose, granting her wish. She'd always be grateful for the tremendous gift her wish had given Drew, but she didn't want to take the memory with her.

“And?”

“I want that life, and I want all those things I told myself the whole time we were together that I didn't. I want the wedding, and the big house, and you coming over and babysitting my four kids—”

“Whoa, hold up. Uncle Miles will only watch one at a time.”

She spun away from the window. “Doesn't matter now.”

Just then, Kate entered the room, a perfect vision in white satin. Her elegant, flowing dress formed a soft train at the bottom. “Oh, my God. You look stunning.” Lauren walked over and hugged her friend.

“So do you.” She studied Lauren's dress. “Isn't that—?”

Lauren smiled. “Can you believe it? The dress you picked out for me in Hawaii.” She paused, adding. “Or a knock-off.”

Kate hugged her again. “Well, imitation or not, it's beautiful. I'm glad you finally get to wear it.”

“Okay, you two,” Miles interjected. “I just know one or both of you is going to start crying, and then we'll have to retouch your makeup. We don't have time for that.”

Kate grabbed his hand and Lauren's. “Thank you both for creating this incredibly beautiful day. Everything is just perfect.”

Lauren waved her hand. “It was nothing.”

Heading over to the table across the room, Miles grabbed the two bouquets that had been delivered earlier.

Kate touched the delicate white and red flowers. “These are so exquisite.”

“Olivia actually picked them out,” Miles said.

That got an eyebrow of Kate's to shoot straight up. “You're kidding. Should I be worried about poison ivy?”

Lauren couldn't help but giggle. “No, Olivia has lately turned over a new leaf.”

“She's turning something over lately.” Miles lowered her voice. “And I think the inn bartender's name is Colin.”

They all laughed, and Kate squared her shoulders. “Are you ready?” she asked Lauren.

“Shouldn't I be asking you that question?”

Lauren and Miles followed Kate out of the changing room, where the bride greeted a smiling Jack and Vanessa. Estranged from her father, it hadn't been a surprise that she'd asked Jack to walk her down the aisle.

“I'll see you in there.” Miles patted Lauren's shoulder and linked arms with Vanessa to escort the mother of the bride down the aisle. Lauren peered into the crowded chapel. Her parents had arrived last night and were now sitting on an aisle close to the middle. Her family had always been close to Jack and his sons. They were delighted when Luke had invited them to the wedding.

Her gaze finally landed on the altar, resting on Drew and Luke, both standing in place. The identical brothers were smiling and looking as handsome as ever in their black tuxedos. Luke caught her eye, and she gave him a thumbs-up sign. She was genuinely happy that Kate and he were finally getting married. They both deserved this perfect day.

“Lauren, you look beautiful.”

She turned to see Olivia standing behind her, dressed in a pretty pine green dress and matching scarf.

“Thank you. So do you.”

Olivia swung her scarf around her neck. “James and Miles took me shopping yesterday.”

Just then, James came around the corner, linking arms with Olivia. “What do you think of that guy standing over there?”

Olivia scrunched her nose. “He's kind of …”

“Short.” Lauren finished her sentence, laughing. “All of the men here seem to be.”