Page 63 of Nothing to the Wedding

“They make exceptions for beauty and brains.And future-heir makers.”

“There’s no such thing as an unattractive Collier either,” Toria said.“Focus on that, baby, and start figuring out what’ll be your something blue.”

“Are you sure?”Jane bounced around to take both of Roxie’s hands.“This is your day.I don’t want—”

“This is our day.”She cupped Jane’s jaw.“I want to do this with you.I need to.”

“And Zairn won’t be mad?”

She laughed.“No, honey, he wants this too.”

If ever there was a prime moment to reveal she and Zairn were already married, it was that one right there.And there it went floating by…

She didn’t confess.

Probably never would.

“We’re… getting married.”

“We’re getting married!”she declared and grabbed Jane into a hug.

A lot of moving parts awaited them.There was a good chance something might not click the way it was supposed to.Did she care?Not for herself, but for Jane.

Either way, they’d work it out.Because they had the groom part right… Not that she’d necessarily admit that to Knox’s face.

EIGHTEEN

EACH PART OF the getting ready process ran like silk.Jane’s anxiety hadn’t lessened, not much.Given that her friend was the organizer, she knew exactly what should happen and when.The rest of them just had to turn up and hit their marks.

When the door closed behind the last floofy dress person, she and Jane were left alone in the bridal room.Next to each other.Facing the wraparound mirrors that showcased them on their pedestals.

She didn’t say a word.Jane was fixated on herself, on the reflection of her own perfect beauty, like she didn’t really believe it.In her defense, she didn’t have anything to believe a few short hours ago.

“This is really happening,” Jane whispered with no less wonder.

“It’s really happening.”

Jane grabbed for her stomach.“I think I’m going to be sick.”

Picking up the skirt of her dress, Roxie hopped down to go and take her friend’s hand.

“You’re not going to be sick.Not in that dress.Though, if ever there were a moment, there’s enough product in your hair that it won’t move an inch.”

“I don’t know if I can do this.”

“Do what?”Roxie asked, exuding only joy and optimism.“The standing up in front of people…” which was always going to be Jane’s hangup, “or marrying the wrong man kind of can’t do this?”

“He’s the right man,” Jane said quickly.“I can’t believe I ever…”

“Tried to wriggle out of the inevitable relationship between the two of you?”

“What if he changes his mind?”

“You didn’t even know this was happening this morning.If he’d got up and decided to call it off, would he have followed through on the proposal?”

“I can’t believe he… he didn’t want to see me before the wedding.”

“Isn’t that the rule?”