If I Told You (34 page)

“Where do you want to go?” he asks, as he turns on his side.

“Somewhere romantic where we can just enjoy each other. You decide.”

“I can do that. I have a few hotel contacts in town. I can make some calls and see what’s available and when.”

“Perfect. All I want is…” I pause as my voice cracks. “I can’t believe this. Every day since we decided to be together has surpassed my wildest dreams, and now, now we’re getting married. It’s mind blowing.”

“But you’re happy?”

“Unbelievably so.”

“Good. That’s all I want.” He kisses my nose, then brushes his fingers over my bare breasts. “Invite list?”

I shrug. “I guess just the people we both work with. Jill for sure.”

“For sure.” He tilts his head. “What about Rhys?”

I raise my eyebrows. “You’d want to invite him?”

“Would we even be having this conversation without him? Would we be able to live in such a beautiful apartment? He might not want to come, but we should invite him. He’s been cool the times we’ve seen him in the past year.”

I nod. “You’re right. We should invite him.”

“So we have a plan. We’ll pack up our old place and move in here next month. I’ll call around and find a venue, and we’ll plan a wedding.” He grins. “What do you think about that, future Mrs. Buchanan?”

Brooklyn Buchanan. I smile as I think the name in my mind. “I think that sounds perfect.”

“Morning,” I say as I walk into the studio. Jill, Caryn, and Bridget are behind the counter working on next month’s class schedule.

“Morning, boss,” Jill says. “You look super happy today. What’s going on?”

“Oh, nothing,” I say, waving my ring finger as I twist a lock of hair.

Jill gasps and grabs my hand. “Oh my God! He proposed?”

Laughing, I nod. “He did. Last night.”

Caryn and Bridget clap, congratulating me as Jill throws her arms around me. “That’s awesome,” she says. “Congrats.”

“Thank you. I’m surprised to say the least. He put down a deposit on a new place for us and while he was showing me around, he asked.”

“That Flynn is so romantic. Who knew?”

“Not me.” I laugh. “Well, not a year ago. I know now of course.”

“So when’s the big day?” Jill asks.

“Flynn’s gonna make some calls and see what we can find, but it’ll be sooner rather than later. You’re invited of course. You were a big part of us getting together.”

“I wouldn’t miss it.”

I flip my hair off my shoulder. “We’re gonna invite Rhys too.”

“Yeah? That’s cool.”

“I mean, if it wasn’t for him everything could be different now.”

“Yeah, he was the catalyst for sure, but I believe you two would’ve ended up together eventually. It was inevitable.”

I nod. “I believe that too, but Rhys’s appearance in our lives changed the restaurant, changed our relationship. I don’t know what he’ll say, but I’m gonna ask.”

“Let me know what he says.”

“I will.” I lean against the counter. “The last time I saw him, he was at Flynn’s with some gorgeous model type. He was pleasant, but I could tell from his body language he wasn’t feeling her. It sucks he’s still searching.”

Jill shrugs. “Lots of us are.”

I pat her arm, not meaning to throw salt in her wound. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. I know the right guy is out there for me. I’ll find him eventually.”

“You will. At the very least, Flynn works with a lot of eye candy and they’ll be at our wedding.”

Jill laughs. “Something to look forward to.”

Laughing also, I reply. “Nothing wrong with passing the time.”

“Nope.”

“I’ll be in my office if anyone needs me.”

“Cool.”

Walking to the back, I prepare myself to make the call to Rhys. I hope he’s not offended and takes the invite with the intention we’re giving it. It’s been over a year since I’ve called him. Once seated at my desk, I pull out my phone, and stare at his programmed name for a minute before hitting the button. He answers right away.

“Brooklyn?”

“Yeah, hi, Rhys. How are you?”

“Good,” he answers. I can tell he’s guarded from his tone. “What can I do for you?”

“Well, I, uh, I’m calling because…” I pause, exhaling slowly. “I’d like to, I mean, we’d like to, uh—”

“Are you okay?” he asks.

“Yeah.” Just say it. “Flynn and I would like to invite you to our… wedding.”

“Wedding?”

“I mean we both want you there. It was because of you everything happened, and we mean nothing but respect. I understand if it’s awkward for you, but it’s important to us to ask.”

“You’re getting married?”

“Yes.” He’s silent for a moment, and I wonder what he’s thinking. “Rhys?”

“I’d love to attend, Brooklyn.”

“Really?”

“Absolutely. Wouldn’t miss it. Congratulations. I’m truly happy for you.”

“Thanks. How are you doing?”

“Great. New York is keeping me busy with plenty of restaurants to review, and I’m working on a new project that’s very fulfilling.”

“That’s good.”

“Yeah, so things are good. I’m still looking for love, but those things take time, don’t they?”

“Yes. The right person is worth waiting for.”

“I couldn’t agree more. When’s the big day?”

“Uh, not sure yet. It’ll be a small affair, and Flynn is calling around for possible venues. Once we find that, I’ll send formal invites, but I wanted to talk to you instead of just sending in the mail.”

“I appreciate that. I’m honored you and Flynn would include me in your event.”

“Flynn suggested it, just so you know. You were, are, an important part of our lives.”

He’s silent again, and it pulls at my heart. “Thank you. Who knew asking you on a date would lead to all of this?”

“It was more than that, Rhys. I consider you a friend. I really do. What you did for me as a person was a game changer. Before you, I just went through men like a change of clothes. You were the first man that I actually spent time with. You made me see things about myself that I wasn’t willing to look at. I’m a better person having known you, Rhys, and I’m beyond grateful.”

“Brooklyn…” he pauses, and I hear him take a deep breath. “If I was even a small part of your realizing what an incredible person you are, then I am thankful for that. My feelings for you are bittersweet. I’m glad you opened my eyes to how I was living, but now I yearn for something that remains elusive. In one way, I was happier when I was just sleeping around, but I know the changes I’ve gone through will be worth it in the long run. I look forward to the day when I can invite you and Flynn to my wedding. It’ll happen.”

“Of course it will. You’re a great guy, and I hope you believe me that I really did like you.”

“I do believe you.”

“Good. It was great talking to you.”

“You too, Brooklyn. Thanks for calling. I’ll keep an eye out for the invite.”

“Sounds good.”

I hang up and reflect on the conversation. I hope he finds someone soon. I want him to have what I have—the most amazing love a person could ever want.

Standing in front of the mirror, I straighten my bow tie with shaking hands. I’m not nervous to marry Brooklyn, just the opposite. My nerves are from hoping everything goes perfectly. Will I remember my vows? Will the ceremony go as planned? Will I pass out when I see her in her gown? Who knows, but I’m ready.

Fixing my hair, I reflect on the past three months since I proposed. It’s all happened so fast, but how could we turn down an opening at one of the best hotels in the city? Always a trooper, Brooklyn handled it fine, making arrangements, finding a dress, and blowing my mind with her detailed organization skills.

Turning around when I hear a knock on my door, I walk over and open it surprised at who it is.

“May I come in?” Rhys asks.

“Absolutely.” I shake his hand. “Good to see you.”

He nods, smiling. “You too. I just wanted to personally congratulate you and thank you for including me.”

“It wasn’t even an option not to.”

“I appreciate that. I don’t know that I ever apologized for being a dick about Brooklyn.”

I chuckle. “None needed. I was pretty dickish myself.”

Rhys laughs softly. “Water under the bridge then?”

“Yep.”

“Good.” He extends his hand. “Friends?”

Shaking his hand, I pull him into a manly hug. “Friends.”

He pats my back. “Well, good luck. Can’t wait to see Brooklyn. I’m sure she’ll look amazing.”

“She always does.”

After Rhys leaves, I finish checking my reflection, then take a deep breath and walk out to the hotel ballroom where the ceremony is taking place. It’s beautifully decorated with white hydrangeas, Brooklyn’s favorite flower, and silk everywhere. Our guests look back at me, nodding as I walk to the front. I see my sister sitting in the front and nearly start to bawl like a baby. She made it. Walking over to her, I pull her into a huge hug and kiss her cheek.

“Thanks for being here.”

“Wouldn’t miss it,” she says. “You look so handsome.”

“Thank you. You look great, too. I can’t wait for you to meet Brooklyn. She’s amazing.”

“She must be to capture your heart.” Fiona straightens my tie. “It’s good to see you.”

“You too.” I kiss her cheek. “We’ll talk more later.”

“Yeah.”

I finish my walk to the front, taking my place next to the minister. I wave at Jill sitting next to my sister and she smiles, giving me a thumbs up. I’m so thankful for her friendship. Rhys sits a few seats away from Jill with a gorgeous Brooklyn look alike beside him. She looks bored out of her mind, and I imagine she is. It’s never fun to attend the wedding of people you don’t know. My eyes shift to Mel and she waves. What a friend she’s become, taking charge of setting up the restaurant for tonight as her gift to us. As my eyes gaze over the room, I take in all the faces of friends who’ve become the only family Brooklyn and I have besides each other.

My attention shifts to the front when the music changes and the doors open. Brooklyn steps through, absolutely breathtaking in an elaborate cream colored gown. Her long pretty hair is tucked away, and I look forward to the minute later tonight when she releases it from its bonds, letting it fall all over me. The dress she chose is perfect for her body, hugging in all the right places. She looks unreal.

She walks forward slowly, keeping her eyes locked on mine. I’m fighting off the emotion gripping my throat. Her beauty brings tears to my eyes. When she reaches me, I offer my hand, which she takes, smiling.

“You look amazing,” she whispers.

“You’re breathtaking, Brooks. Incredible.”

“Thank you.”

The minister starts talking, but I can’t stop staring at the woman in front of me. This woman. When she was my best friend, she was my world. As my lover, she’s the universe. I don’t exist without Brooklyn.

“Flynn?” the minister asks, getting my attention. When I realize everyone’s staring at me, I look at Brooklyn who smiles and winks at me. “Are you ready?”