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Jack looks at me for a moment, something serious in his gaze. “Maybe you should think about it, man. You’re making it sound like a job, but marriage should be based on love.”
I don’t expect him to understand. Jack found the perfect woman for him. Sarah is quiet where he’s loud, steady where he’s impulsive. They’re happy. I see it every time we are together.
But not all of us get that, and not everyone has the option to wait. Some of us have a larger responsibility towards our families.
“Have you heard from Daniel?” Jack asks.
“Not a word,” I say. “Nor do I expect to. Cowards have a way of disappearing when the pressure’s on.”
“It was cowardice not to tell Emily to her face that the wedding was off but he probably figured out that he wanted real love. I don’t blame him for that,” Jack says.
I scoff. “Daniel wouldn’t know real love if it bit him in the ass.”
Jack raises an eyebrow, but stays quiet, letting me continue.
“Look, I get it. Everyone wants that ideal, perfect connection. But Daniel? He doesn’t even know what he wants, let alone what love looks like. He ran because it was easier. No commitment, no responsibility.”
“And you think you’re the opposite,” Jack says, half statement, half question. “Doing what needs to be done, even if it’s for the family and not for you?”
“I’ve already made my decision and I’m not in the habit of second guessing myself. I’m marrying Emily and that’s that.”
Luciano finishes taking the measurements and steps back. “I’ll have the first fitting ready for you in a week, Mr. Bennett. As always, we strive for perfection.”
Chapter 8: Emily
The boutique is stunning. Rows of pristine white gowns shimmer under the soft lighting, each more elegant and intricate than the last. A pang comes over me. A part of me wishes that this was for real. That I was actually getting married for love and not to save my father’s company.
The dress I’d picked for my wedding to Daniel had been more of an evening gown but Andrew seemed keen for me to dress in a traditional gown. It’s a small price to pay for what we’re getting in return.
My mother trails behind me, a distant look on her face. Lisa and I exchange a glance. We all know that it’s a business marriage but a wedding is a wedding. I may never get married again and a bit of enthusiasm from my mother would be nice.
“Good morning, ladies,” The saleswoman greets us as we step inside. “I’ve pulled a few dresses based on the details you shared. Shall we get started?”
“Of course,” I reply, trying to sound more enthusiastic than I feel.
Before I can take another step, Andrew’s mother, Mrs. Bennett, bursts into the room like a whirlwind. She’s dressed to the nines in a tailored cream suit, accessorized with bold jewelry and a scarf that’s almost as vibrant as her personality.
“Emily, darling,” she exclaims, sweeping toward me with open arms. Before I can react, she plants a kiss on both my cheeks, her perfume strong and floral. “I can’t wait until we’re officially mother-in-law and daughter. We’re going to have so much fun planning this wedding together.”
She wasn’t this enthusiastic when I was getting married to Daniel. Maybe Andrew is her favorite son. Or maybe Daniel is and she likes that he’s free!
I smile, feeling a little overwhelmed. Lisa stands behind me, stifling a laugh, and my mother sits quietly, looking even more detached than before.
“It’s wonderful to see you, Mrs. Bennett,” I manage to say, my voice polite.
“Oh, please, call me Barbara,” she says, grabbing my hands and giving them a squeeze. “We’re going to be family soon. None of this ‘Mrs. Bennett’ business.”
She turns to Lisa and my mother, greeting them with the same enthusiasm.
“Oh, darling, look at this place. It’s absolutely exquisite, isn’t it?” She rushes toward the racks of dresses, immediately picking out gowns, holding them up, and then putting them back faster than I can even process.
“Emily, sweetheart, you must try this one,” she calls, pulling out an extravagant gown with layers upon layers of tulle. It looks like something straight out of a royal wedding. “It’s bold, and grand.”
I glance at Lisa, and she arches an eyebrow in silent communication. This is going to be a long day.
Mrs. Bennett floats around the boutique, her presence loud and a bit much. Meanwhile, my mother, in contrast, is quiet and subdued.
She’s flipping through a bridal magazine with a complete lack of interest.