Authors: Courtney Brewer
When rehearsal dinner was over Abigail searched for a reason not to go back to the hotel with
Travis. It dawned on her that Todd would be going to the hotel too, because he was going to be staying there until they went back to Oklahoma. “Todd, will you give me a ride back to the hotel?”
“Sure, but what about
Travis;” he questioned. Abigail followed his eyes as they went to Travis.
“I would just feel more comfortable going back with you. Plus, it will give us more time to talk. Tonight will be the last time.”
He chuckled. “You’re right; because once we’re married I will not want to talk to you.”
She nodded. “You know what I mean.”
“Whatever; I will gladly take you back.”
“Thank you;” she went over to
Travis and tried to look as casual as possible. “I just wanted to let you know that Todd is taking me back to the hotel.”
He turned and looked at her. “Okay; may I ask why?”
“I need this time to talk to him; that’s all.”
“You’re sure that it has nothing to do with Becca?”
Abigail laughed. “I don’t care what you do Travis; that is not my concern.”
She turned away and with seconds he was touching her shoulder. “Please, don’t do this.”
She whipped around and stared at him. “Don’t do what?”
“Please, lower your voice; people are starting to stare.”
“Let them stare; they’ll just know that it is another fight that we’re having. No one will be surprised. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She stormed off and left him in her dust. “I’ll wait for you outside.” She mumbled as she tore past him. She took a deep breath as she took a seat on the picnic table. As she sat there she saw
Travis leave the church and get into his truck. “I have to get over him.”
“Talk to yourself much?” She looked up and smiled as her mother took the seat across from her.
“I don’t make a habit of it.” Her mother laughed and she grew uncomfortable.
“That was some performance.”
“Excuse me?”
The knowing look returned to her eyes. “The argument between you and
Travis, it was convincing.”
“I…I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Do you remember the time you were 7 and you came to me and told me that Travis was the boy you were going to marry?”
Abigail laughed. “I did not; you are lying.”
“I’m not, but we laughed it off; you were only 7 and he was going on 13. He was always pestering you and it was as if he was your brother, but as you grew older I came to wonder if it was more.”
“Mom, you are crazy.”
Her mother snickered; “possibly, but that doesn’t make it any less real. Something happened between you two and you can deny it all you want to yourself, but I can tell.” Abigail looked away; she didn’t want her mom to see her obvious red face. “Did you guys get intimate?”
“Mom; I am not having this conversation with you.”
“It must be true. You can tell me; I won’t judge.”
“Mom…” she closed her eyes. She wanted to tell something, but she would have thought that person would be Chelsea; not her mother. “I feel awkward discussing this with you.”
“Just tell me, is my mother’s intuition correct?”
“I guess so; do you think that I’m crazy?”
“I don’t think you’re crazy. You can’t pick the person you fall in love with.”
“I didn’t say anything about falling in love.”
Her mother’s raised eyebrows were enough to quiet her. “It just happens and if you believe that Travis could be the one to make you happy that should be what matters.”
“I don’t know; Todd would never go for the idea. He doesn’t even know anything and he told me that he knows that
Travis isn’t the man for me. I would never convince him otherwise. So, why would I try?”
“Do you know how
Travis feels about you?”
“I think so, but he keeps saying that it’s only infatuation and attraction. Yet, when he looks at me I feel something. I’m just thinking that maybe I’m reading too much into it.”
“It’s like this; you have to forget about what Todd wants for you and think about what you want.”
“Easier said than done;” Abigail groaned and her eyes fell on the church door. Todd would be exiting at any moment and the last thing she wanted was him to overhear what they were saying. “It might just be easier to forget about what I want and do what’s best for everyone else.”
She spotted Todd at the same time her mother did. Her mother stood up and placed her hand on hers. “Tell him how you fell; don’t worry about Todd. He’ll end up coming around.”
“Thanks mom;” she smiled as her mother walked away. She didn’t expect her to be the one to make her see clearly. “Are you ready?”
“Yeah; what were you and mom talking about?”
She shrugged. “Nothing important
;” he seemed to buy it as they headed to his car. She had a lot to consider; it was possible that her mother was right.
***
Abigail avoided
Travis like the plague when the next day arrived. She met at the church and saw the dress that Carolyn had picked out for her and Becca to wear; it was the first time seeing it and when she looked at her reflection in the mirror she was happy with the results. She was happy that Carolyn didn’t choose a frilly pink dress for them to wear. The dress that was chosen was practical and one that she could wear to any party that she attended. She chuckled out loud. It wasn’t like she was known to go to too many parties. “What’s so funny?”
She looked at Carolyn and smiled. “I was just admiring the dress. It fits perfectly. How did you know my size?”
“Your brother is a very good sleuth.”
“He could have just asked.”
“We wanted it to be a surprise.”
Abby smiled. “Where’s Becca?”
“She decided to just get dressed at her house. She’ll be here in about 15 minutes.”
Carolyn turned away and started to act like she was looking for something.”
“What are you looking for?”
“I’m looking for my flowers. I thought they were…”
Abigail picked up the flowers from the table. “Uh…are these it?”
Carolyn laughed. “I suppose I’m a little nervous.”
“Is there something I can help with? I’m done getting ready.”
“I’m just worried that everything isn’t going to be ready for me to walk down the aisle. I still have to get dressed and makeup on and I’m sort of freaking out.”
Abby laid her hand on Carolyn’s. “I’m sure everything is going to be great, but if you want me to make sure we’re on schedule, I will.”
“You will?”
“I’m your Maid of Honor; my job is to assist you. You get ready and I will be back in a little while.”
“Thank you Abby.”
“You’re welcome;” she left the room and made her way down the hall where the boys were getting ready. After knocking on the door her brother answered. “Woo hoo; you clean up nice.” He was already dressed, with the exception of his tie.”
“Thank you; I just can’t get this stupid tie.”
Abigail smiled. “Let me help you with that.” She redid his tie. “There; it really is a good thing you’re getting married.” She looked around the room and spotted Chad, Carolyn’s brother. “Hey Chad;” he nodded and waved and went back to combing his hair. “Where’s Travis?”
“He’s around.”
Abigail laughed at his vagueness. “Okay; remember, it’s only an hour to show time.”
“I remember;” he laughed.
Abigail left the room and continued down the hall. She looked in the sanctuary and stopped when she saw Travis talking to the photographer. He looked up and smiled, then headed towards her. “What are you…” they both began.
Travis
laughed. “Todd was a little nervous about things going smoothly. I told him I would check it out. What about you?”
“The same; Carolyn’s a little on edge.”
He nodded. “They’re in love; they want everything to be perfect.”
Abigail had to look away; the way he was staring at her made her hope that he at least did want her still. “I better get back to Carolyn.”
“Yeah; I’m sure Todd is wondering where I went.” Before he left he faced her again. “Everything is on schedule here.” He paused for a moment and then smiled. “By the way, you look amazing in that dress.”
She stared after him; when she wrapped her mind around the compliment, she grinned. He was definitely getting better at his choice of words.
***
Travis
found himself more focused on watching the Maid of Honor, than watching the Bride and Groom. When Pastor Mark had said to kiss the bride, his eyes instantly met hers. He could tell that every bit of his pushing her away wasn’t getting through to her. Before they headed back to their everyday life he had to have one last talk with her. It was time that everything was out in the open.
To his dismay Abigail had chose to ride with her parents to the reception; he had hoped to have their conversation prior to continuing the evening. The reception was at the hotel that they were staying in; so he headed back to the hotel.
He entered the hall and glanced around the room. He spotted Abigail talking to her friend Chelsea and even though he knew it wasn’t right to interrupt he decided to do it anyway. He casually walked over and smiled at Abigail and Chelsea. “Chelsea, it is good to see you.”
She looked at him like he had grown another head. “Hey
Travis; it’s good to see you too.”
“Um…Abigail;
May I have a word with you?”
“A word?” Abigail started to laugh. “I haven’t seen Chels in years; I see you all the time. I’m sure we can talk later.”
He was disappointed by her lackluster response. “Okay; but…”
“We’ll talk later.” She grabbed Chelsea’s hand and they left him standing there in shock. He would give her the space, but in time he would get her to listen.
***
Abigail turned to Chelsea and tried, with every bit of her, to put him as far away from her mind as possible. “So, do you mind telling me what that was about?”
Abigail shrugged. “There’s really nothing to tell.”
“You think that I am that naïve? Come on Abby, be frank with me; I’m your best friend and despite not seeing you for a couple of years I can tell something is amiss. The last time
Travis Jessup said it was good to see me was…oh, wait a minute, Travis has never said it was good to see me. Besides, I saw the way you looked at each other.”
Abigail laughed. “You always have been a hopeless romantic, which is why you will probably be the next one married. Where is Scott?”
“He’s around and don’t change the subject. You can’t deny it; can you?” Abigail turned to her and her eyes got big. “Oh my goodness; it’s true. You’re in love with…” Abigail quickly covered Chelsea’s mouth with her hand.
“Please be quiet.” She looked around to make sure no one was watching them.”
“Are you?”
Abigail shrugged. “I guess so.”
“What changed?”
Abigail thought about that question; it wasn’t an easy one to answer. “I don’t know; it’s not like I can point to one time where I say that’s when I knew. According to my mom, I knew when I was 7 years old.” Chelsea frowned; “it’s a long story.”
“I guess it would be.” A smile formed on her lips and she let a giggle escape. “Did you sleep with him?”
“Chels, it was cold and we were stuck in a storm…”
Her jaw dropped. “Are you serious? You did.” Chelsea turned and looked to where Travis was now standing. “Don’t get me wrong; he was totally hot, but I’m a little surprised. I never would have pictured it.”
“Yeah, you and me both; it just happened. I never would have expected it to happen, but the truth is I do love him.” The moment the words escaped her lips she covered her mouth. It was one thing to think them but to say the words put it in a whole other ball field. There was no turning back.”
***
“Ladies and Gentleman, it is time for the bridal party to dance.”
Travis thought he would never hear the words. He was patient through the meal, the toasts, and the Bride and Groom’s first dance, but it was his turn to take to the floor with Abigail.
Becca
and Chad joined them, so it wasn’t very crowded on the dance floor. He saw the hesitation on her face as they met in the middle. “I don’t know why we have to do this;” she grumbled.
“It’s tradition;’ it was the only quick response he could think of. “Why do you keep avoiding me; I thought we turned a corner.”
“I’m not;” she protested.
“Yes you are; right now you can’t even look at me.”