Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 89324 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 447(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89324 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 447(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
Before we could discuss it further, the photographer arrived and stole Taylor’s attention. Since there wasn’t much time left before the ceremony, I went over to the café around the corner for a quiet moment to myself before the chaos. I hadn’t been to a wedding in a long time, let alone by myself. Now that I knew Taylor was trying to set me up with someone, I had to be even more prepared to be “on.” I wasn’t sure I had the energy.
After a half hour, I looked down at my phone and realized I didn’t have a whole lot of time to get to the church. So, I forced myself up and tossed the rest of my matcha latte on the way out.
***
The church was beautifully decorated, with delicate purple flowers in chrome buckets looped with sheer white ribbon hanging off of each pew. Knowing Juliana, she’d probably controlled every last detail.
As I sat in one of the back rows, I turned to find the bridesmaids lining up. Their dresses matched the purple of the flowers, which was darker than lavender, but not too dark. I was suddenly relieved I hadn’t worn the purple dress I’d considered, instead having opted for a short pink number that while a little revealing, fit me much better than the purple one. Though now that I’d be meeting that guy Adam at dinner, I wished I’d dressed more conservatively. I didn’t need to look too eager, when in fact I wasn’t looking for anything at the moment at all.
I turned my attention to the front of the church. From this far back, I couldn’t see the altar too well, but I had the best view of the bridal party lining up in the foyer. Just beyond the bridesmaids, I got my first glimpse of Juliana.
Chills ran over me as I realized how beautiful she looked. Her dark brown hair was styled into loose curls, half up, half down. Her silk dress had a fitted bodice and large skirt. Sequins sparkled under the lights, and a sheer veil covered her face. I wondered if Taylor would cry when he got a look at her. Words could not describe how happy I was for the two of them.
The joy I felt right now confirmed that I’d never had any real romantic feelings for Taylor. There wasn’t an ounce of envy in my body. I felt nothing but happiness for my friend and the beautiful woman who loved him.
As I looked on, Juliana licked her lips. She seemed nervous, as I imagined I would be too in the same situation. Her dad stood next to her and whispered in her ear.
Then the organ began to play, and I watched as each beautiful bridesmaid passed me and headed down the aisle. A couple of them flashed really stiff, fake smiles. One walked super slowly while another sped past. Their flowers were a wonderful mix of purple roses and white peonies.
I felt chills once again as Juliana appeared, arm in arm with her father. Her bouquet was bigger, all lilac roses with no other flowers mixed in. The music changed to the Wedding March, and they began their journey down the aisle. Juliana wore a huge smile, and I turned in my seat as she moved past. I realized maybe this wasn’t a great seating choice after all, since I’d wanted to see whether Taylor was crying. From this far back I couldn’t tell. Knowing him, though, he probably was.
Once everyone was in place, I struggled to stay focused on the actual ceremony. I’d always found myself very impatient in church, bopping my legs up and down and daydreaming.
I strained my eyes to see the family members up front, as I was curious about Taylor’s dad. I’d never seen what he looked like. This was another reason sitting so far back had become a hindrance. Kind of hard to people watch from back here.
I could sort of make out the silhouettes of Taylor’s family, though. His mom wore a long, blue dress and had her hair up in a twist. I assumed the guy next to her was her husband, Taylor’s stepfather. I’d only ever met them a couple of times.
In the row behind them were a man and a woman I didn’t recognize. But I assumed if they were sitting that close to the front, they were family. From the back, the man had the same stature of someone I’d long tried to forget. Well, I’d tried to forget him and remember him in equal measure. Maybe this wedding was making me emotional if I was suddenly seeing Tate in random people. But not many men were that tall and muscular and had beautiful, thick hair. My chest hollowed at the reminder of Tate.
I’d tried for years to find him to no avail. But I didn’t need those lost photos to remember his face. It still haunted me every day, four years after I’d last had any contact with him. My life might’ve been so different if I could’ve found him. Seriously, Blair? Get a grip. I forced my attention back to the ceremony.