Page 82 of The Christmas Trap

I’m using Brody’s words to convince my friend and my sister. But by the looks on their faces, they’re buying it.

And the truth? I can hear myself talking and I know I’m trying to convince myself too.

If I repeat the lines enough times, maybe I’ll start believing I’m not sprinting into chaos wearing a veil and high heels.

“Are you sure, Lark?” Raya takes my hand in hers. “Are you really sure?”

God, am I?

My stomach swoops. My pulse flutters. I keep telling myself I’m making a grown-up decision, not having a very glamorous meltdown in a bridal boutique surrounded by tulle.

“I know my actions might look strange from the outside, but I promise you, I’m doing this because it’s right for me.” My voice trembles, but I push through. “I’m doing this because I want to be with him. When he looks at me, it’s like I’m the only woman on this earth, and when he touches me”—I shiver—“it’s like nothing I have ever experienced.”

And it’s true.

It’s so much more than anything I felt with my ex. What I feel for Brody is a thousand times stronger. More potent. More passionate. More everything.

I do want to be with him.I do.

My heart is almost caught up with the words coming out of my mouth.

“Okay, TMI.” Harper closes the distance to us. “I’ve never met Keith, but if you feel he’s not the right person for you, then I respect that. As for Brody… Well, from what I know of the Davenport men, they are loyal to their wives.”

I nod. To be honest, it never occurred to me that he wouldn’t be.

She continues. “Arranged marriages run in the family, and my friends who’ve married the other Davenport brothers are very happy.” She weaves her fingers through my other hand. “I can see that you're determined to go through with this. And it’s clear there’s enough chemistry between the two of you to, at least, make a basis for this marriage.”

I squeeze her hand, then turn to my sister.

She studies me with soft eyes. “You don’t have to justify your actions. I’m happy you’re following your heart.”

“I hope the two of you find love,” Harper says softly.

I hope so too. I have a feeling I’m half in love with him. I can only hope that he falls for me too.

“There’s one thing I agree with a hundred percent.” Raya sniffs.

“Oh?”

She gives me a wicked smile. “Cutting that energy-vampy-Tiffany from the bridesmaid role.”

26

Lark

Create a spreadsheet that ranks Christmas ornaments and bridesmaids’ dresses on the same ‘vibe scale.’

—From Lark’s Christmas to-do list

Clearly, I have not given this enough thought. My heart refuses to slow down. I clutch at my wedding bouquet.

I’m in the waiting room next to the Town Hall chamber where the wedding will take place.

Harper bursts in, wearing the bridesmaid’s dress Rachel helped her choose. Her cheeks are flushed. She heads straight for the table in the corner, pours herself some water and downs it. Seeming to compose herself she turns to me with a bright smile: "How areyou doing?"

"I’m fine. How are you doing?" I ask because Harper seems distracted. Maybe also, to distract myself from what I’m about to do.

"Good. I’m good." She fans herself.