Page 83 of The Christmas Trap

"You seem flustered."

"Probably because I ran into my asshole boss out there."

"You mean?—"

"James Hamilton." She turns on me. "Did you realize he's the best man?”

"I've been too distracted to ask Brody who his best man is," I confess.

She firms her lips. “I’m surehewon’t even notice me. James has a stick up his ass anyway. The way he treats me and the rest of his staff, it’s a wonder we don’t walk out en masse."

"So,whydon't you?"

"Because he’s a freakin’ genius. Every hour I spend working with him, I learn something new. As his sous chef, I have the most hotly contested job in restaurant circles. I learn so much from him. If I stick it out for another year, I’ll have enough experience to finally start my own restaurant." She pours more water, this time, into two glasses, then offers me one.

I shake my head. "The last thing I want to do is pee in this dress."

"Well, that's what you have bridesmaids for." She laughs. "If you need to use the bathroom, one or both of us can help you." She takes me in, and her gaze softens. "You look incredible."

"Thanks." I look at the chair longingly. "I’d love to sit down and take the weight off my feet."

"Come on then." She walks over and takes the bouquet from me. She places it on the center table carefully, then holds up my short train. I walk over to the chair. She places the train carefully over the back of the chair and I sink down with a sigh. For good measure I slip off my heels. Their red soles give away the fact that they’re from a world-renowned brand.I couldn’t resist.

The door opens, and Raya enters with a warning look on her face.

"What—" I begin, then stop when my mother walks in after her.

She rushes over to hug me, and I rise to my feet. "Oh, my baby. I can’t believe you’re getting married."

I hug her back. “Mom, it’s so good to see you.”

It’s been five years since I last saw my mother in person. I call her often, out of a sense of duty, but I've kept my distance, worried that if I let her in, she’d be disappointed in my achievements.

Leaving home gave me the perspective to understand that my obsession with wanting to have the perfect life was less about what I wanted and more about being the kind of daughter Ithoughtmy mother could be proud of.

Cancelling the wedding was unthinkable because the idea of letting her down terrified me more than standing at that altar with a replacement for my ex.

But seeing her now, I realize, I’m getting married for myself. Because somewhere deep inside, it feels right to marry Brody. I want to be his wife because I'm in love with him. I fell for him the very first time I saw him.

Only, he’s never going to reciprocate my feelings. Because he doesn’t believe in love.

Unless I convince him otherwise. And I’m not one to back down from a challenge.

In trying to come up with the perfect solution to help me save face and keep my life on track, is it possible, I’ve hit upon what's right for me?

My mom looks me up and down and claps her hands together. "You look beautiful!"

"So do you." I take in her blush pink dress.

“Thanks to you.” She beams at me. “This dress is beautiful. And it fits perfectly.”

I wanted to get her a mother-of-the-bride dress that looked nothing like the usual, frumpy mother-of-the-bride dresses you always see. I think I succeeded.

"I don’t want to kiss you and spoil your makeup." She settles for blowing me a kiss instead.

"How was your flight?" Raya asks brightly.

"It was comfortable. First time I’ve flown in a private jet.” My mother’s eyes light up.