Chapter 55

A stream of sunlight went into Emma’s eye and jolted her awake. She had only meant to rest her head, but the sun was out.

​ “Shit!” she cursed, scrambling for her phone. She looked at the time and panic sunk in. She was so late. The phone started to ring and she answered.

​ “Girl,” Sabrina admonished.

​ “I know, I know!” Emma said as she ran around her room like a tornado.

​ “You better get here like right now before Will goes out on a murder spree.”

​ “How bad is it?”

​ “I think he may try to kill the florist any second now.”

​ “Okay. I’ll be there soon.”

​ “Make it sooner.”

​ Emma hung up and hurled herself in the shower, threw on some simple clothes and launched herself out the door. Jack was waiting for her downstairs and she asked to drive as fast as he could towards Jason’s studio where she was supposed to be getting ready.

​ “Thank you, Jack,” she said as he opened the car door for her.

​ “You’re welcome. I’ll be here waiting to take you both to the ceremony.”

​ She smiled at him and dashed inside. A small group was gathered at the door waiting for her. Sabrina was ready, her hair a simple, elegant updo. Jason had selected a light blue dress for Sabrina, in honor of Emma’s middle name. It was a light silk material, and Sabrina seemed to float in it.

​ “Emma!” Sabrina rushed to her and scooped her up in a hug. “You’re here. You look absolutely crazy, but you’re here!” she laughed.

​ “I’m sorry. I got caught up with—”

​ “You’re late.”

​ Emma flinched as she heard Will’s voice behind her. She turned to look at him. His expression was dark and glum. She had expected anger, but that was somehow scarier.

​ “I can explain,” she started.

​ “Save it.” He took her hand and led through the studio to Jason. “Get her ready. Now.” He released and walked off.

​ “My, my, my. He’s in a mood. I’ve heard of bridezillas, but a groomzilla? That’s a first,” Jason commented as Will walked away. “Now you, my dear, are very late. And what’s with these dark circles? Did no one ever tell you about beauty sleep?”

​ “I’m sorry. I was up all night.”

​ “Oh, honey. I know he seems like a grouchy bear. But I have known William Stewart. Under all that growly exterior, he’s really just a big softie.”

​ “No, that’s not why—” she tried to argue that she wasn’t up worrying about Will, but Jason startled her by placing two small ice patches under her eyes.

​ “Let’s worry about the past. We need to focus on getting you ready. Leave those icy patches on while we get you hair done. Those dark circles will be banished back to the depths of hell where they belong,” he chuckled. “All I need to you do is sit there and let your Fairy God Mother and my assistant do the work. We’ll have you ready in no time.”

​ Jason clapped his hands and a whirlwind of people appeared. There were people attending to her nails, feet and hair. Someone even massaged her shoulders.

​ “What about my dress?” she asked.

​ “Honey, please,” Jason said. “I’ve had that picked out for ages. And don’t worry about the fit. I took your measurements last time you were here. You will look absolutely glorious. You’ll be my masterpiece,” he finished with a flourish. Emma giggled as he kissed her hand. Jason rattled off instructions to his assistants and left to go oversee the men getting ready. Emma stared at her reflection, and the moment sunk in. She was getting married. It was really happening. A girl’s wedding day was supposed to be one of the happiest in her life, but Emma felt almost numb. Like she was detached from it somehow.

​ The tornado of hairpins, brushes, nail polish and make up stopped. The assistants pulled away and Emma caught sight of herself in the mirror. Dramatic lashes, yet simple makeup framed her eyes. A light dusting of blush highlighted her face. The look was finished with a bold red lip. Her hair was styled in coifed, soft waves with a deep side part. One side was tucked behind her ear with a crystal comb. It was modest, but she’d never seen herself look so beautiful.

​ “Wow,” she whispered.

​ “I know,” Jason gushed. “Just wait until you put on the dress. Come.”

​ He led her into a dressing room, where Sabrina was waiting.

​ “She wanted to help you get dressed. I’ll be right here if you need me.” He whisked away.

​ “Come on, let’s get you on this dress,” Sabrina said. “I saw the guys,” she commented. “Alex is Will’s best man, of course.”

​ “Are they ready?” Emma was panicking.

​ “Yes, but don’t worry about that. You’re the bride. Everyone is supposed to wait for you. You’re going to be the most gorgeous bride in the world.” Sabrina revealed the dress to Emma and her jaw dropped. Cascading layers of soft tulle and organza made up the dramatic bottom of the dress. It made Emma think of the rolling waves of the ocean. The strapless, sweetheart neckline was feminine and flattering. Multiple strands of pearlized beads created the delicate straps of the gown and then draped down the back with a chandelier effect. It was a dress fit for a princess.

​ “It’s amazing,” Emma whispered.

​ “Ladies,” Jason popped his head in. “I have the finishing touch here.” He presented them with a pair of shoes covered in iridescent crystals. The light bounced of them and they twinkled like stars in the night sky. “Glass slippers for my Cinderella.”

​ Emma stepped into them, and stared at herself in the full-length mirror.

​ “There’s one thing missing,” Emma said. She pulled out her mother’s necklace. “It’s my mom’s”

​ “Ah yes, of course.” Jason smiled and put it on for her. “And now she is with you.”

​ “Oh my God,” Sabrina covered her mouth and fanned her eyes. “You look so beautiful.”

​ “What’s taking so long?” Will called from outside of the dressing room. Emma detected angry impatience in his voice.

​ “Men,” Jason muttered. “Always in such a hurry.” Jason put on a last few finishing touches. He added a pair of dangly diamond earrings with a matching bracelet.

​ They stepped out of the dressing room. Time stopped as Will and Emma stared at each other. His normally undone hair was combed back exposing more of his face. Jason had dressed him in a custom black suit. He looked like a prince out of fairy tale. Emma swallowed at the sight of him. *Holy shit, he’s gorgeous,* she thought. If he wasn’t such an asshole, she’d be happy to marry him.

​ Will was speechless when he saw Emma. Despite Jason’s doing, she still somehow managed to look effortlessly beautiful. While they devoured each other with their eyes, Alex and Sabrina went on and on about they good they looked.

​ “I have to say, Will,” Sabrina said. “You clean up all right. Unfortunately, your best man is going to steal the show because he looks… so hot,” she wiggled her eyebrows at Alex. He smirked and scooped her up in his arms.

​ “You keep that up, and we won’t make it to the wedding,” he said into her neck. He whispered something into her ear, and Sabrina giggled. Jason watched the exchange between the two couples. Will and Emma stared at each other in stunned silence, while Alex and Sabrina pawed and fawned over each other.

​ Alex realized that Will hadn’t said anything to his bride.

​ “Emma, you look beautiful,” he complimented her, and Emma blushed. “Doesn’t she, Will?” Hearing his name called seemed to snap him out of his trance.

​ “Yes,” he answered, his eyes never leaving Emma. “She does.” He offered Emma his hand. As their fingers touched, a spark seemed to jolt them. Emma went to pull her hand away, but Will held tight. He led her towards the car where Jack was waiting as promised.

​ “You look lovely, Miss Emma,” he whispered as he held the door open for her. She smiled and mouthed “thank you” at him. The car ride was completely silent, but Will never released Emma’s hand. She looked at him. This man would be her husband before the day was over. It was a complicated feeling. Almost every girl in the city wished to be in Emma’s position. Who wouldn’t want to marry a sexy, handsome, rich man while wearing the beautiful couture gown? Their ceremony and reception would be lavish. She would be on the cover of magazines and society pages. Everyone would know her or want to be her. So why wasn’t she excited? She felt more scared than anything.

​ They arrived at the church for the ceremony. Reporters and photographers were lined up, hungry for a shot of the soon-to-be-wed couple. When the car parked, flashes lit up and Emma couldn’t even see passed the windows. Jack let them out, and the world was a storm of shouts and lights. All she could think of was getting away from them.

​ Will’s hold on her hand tightened more as he led her through the ocean of paparazzi.

​ “Walk slower,” Will leaned in and whispered to her. “Your feet will hurt in those shoes.” She was stunned by his thoughtfulness. As they entered the church, Emma’s face lit up. Her father was perched in a wheelchair and had been dressed in a luxury suit. She looked up at Will, who smiled at her.

​ “I figured you’d want him here today,” he said.

​ “Thank you!” she threw her arms around him without thinking. Will tensed up at first, but relaxed into the hug.

​ “I’ll see you later,” he said and walked off.

​ “Daddy!” Emma squealed and ran towards her father. His eyes were bright with tears.

​ “You’re… beautiful. You look like your mom.” He choked back soft sobs. Emma tried her best not to cry. She put her hand to the necklace.

​ “She’s here with us today.”

​ “She is. She… would like him.”

​ “I can’t believe how much better you are.”

​ “Is because… of him. He is good… will love and… take care of you,” the tears he had been holding back spilled. “Not like me. I… was… bad father. Can’t even… walk you down the aisle.”

​ Emma fought back her own tears.

​ “Please don’t cry, Daddy. You’re here now. That’s what matters.”

​ “Love you, Emmie,” her father put a shaky hand her to cheek. Emma couldn’t hold back her tears at hearing her father’s pet name for her. He hadn’t called her that since she was a child.

​ “I love you too, Daddy,” she sniffled.

​ “No making the bride cry before the ceremony,” Jason said, dabbing away a few tears of his own. He touched up Emma’s makeup and helped to freshen up Emmett as well. “Emma, I see where you get your good looks from. You dad is a silver fox, honey,” Jason winked causing Emmett to laugh. Emma’s heart was full. This may be a sham marriage, but she’d do it all again to see her father smile like that.

​ “It’s time!” Sabrina squealed. She took her position in front of Emma. She looped her arms in Alex’s and looked back at her friend. They blew each other a kiss. Emma stood behind her father’s chair.

​ The processional music started and Sabrina and Alex walked in first. Jason signaled her to start walking about a minute after. She pushed her father down the aisle and marveled at how many people were at the wedding. *I don’t know any of these people,* she thought. But those thoughts faded away when she saw Will. There was something different about him. Did he look… happy? He smiled in a way she’d only seen once. In Conrad’s photo album. There was no cynicism or danger in eyes. But there was actual joy. For a moment, she could forget that this wasn’t real. For a moment, she could believe that she was a happy bride, walking towards the love of her life. As long he continued to look at her like that, she could believe anything.

​ They got to the alter, and Emmett took Emma’s hand and placed in Will’s.

​ “Be good… to her. She is… my baby girl.”

​ “Yes, sir,” Will smiled and shook Emmett’s hand. Sabrina pulled the wheelchair to the side as the ceremony began.

​ “Good day to you all,” the officiant began. “Today is indeed a wonderous occasion in which we have been gathered to celebrate love.” He continued on about how true love never lies and can be found in the most unlikely places. She felt guilty. This whole thing was a lie. They could never love each other.

​ “Do you Emma Skye Wells, take William Anderson Stewart as your lawfully wedded husband? To have to and hold, to honor, to love and cherish. In sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, better or worse, until death do you part?” Emma’s looked at Will. He took his hands in hers and smiled at her. *This is a lie. Don’t do this Emma!* The rational side of her yelled. Conrad and her father were side by side. They are a mess of large smiles and tears. She let her heart speak for her.

​ “I do.”

​ “And do you, William Anderson Stewart, take Emma Skye Wells as your lawfully wedded wife? To have to and hold, to honor, to love and cherish. In sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, better or worse, until death do you part?”

​ “I do,” Will smiled, pulling Emma ever so slightly closer to him.

​ “Then by the power vested in me, I hereby declare that they are husband and wife. You may kiss your bride!”

​ Will pulled her in her close and whispered, “How about a real kiss?”