Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 94012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94012 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 470(@200wpm)___ 376(@250wpm)___ 313(@300wpm)
He shook his head. “I know. The universe has finally figured out a way to get back at me for all the shit I pulled when I was younger. I mean, how the hell am I gonna handle a girl?”
“I have to say, it is kind of funny.” I chuckled. “But you’ll manage.”
Our eyes locked for a moment.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked.
“I’m fine, Archie. Weddings have a way of making people emotional. Finding out you were having a daughter… That was powerful, too. Not in a bad way. Just makes me realize life is moving on, you know?” I looked toward the entrance. “You should go back to your party.”
“I want you to know something first, Noelle.” Archie took a few steps forward. “Looking out at the guests at the church today—the bride’s side versus the groom’s side—it was pretty pathetic, wasn’t it? There were so many more people on her side. I don’t have a big family. I don’t have a lot of people I can count on. My mother is mentally gone, and my father is physically gone. You’ve been my family for so long. I know we have a complicated history. I haven’t forgotten that, even if I don’t talk about it. You could’ve blown me off after the way I handled things when we were younger. I was so wrapped up in my own head after my dad died. But instead, you’ve been there for me every step of the way.” He looked down and fiddled with his white-gold wedding band. “Anyway… I don’t even know how to articulate it. I just want you to know that having you on my side of the church today meant a lot. And I truly hope I don’t ever lose you.”
I swallowed hard and barely got the words out, “You won’t.”
Archie pulled me into an embrace. I started to count again.
One…two…three…four…
Because being in his arms right now was downright unbearable.
He finally let me go. “That Shane bastard is a fucking fool for not doing everything in his power to keep you.”
“Seriously,” I urged, feeling ready to break. “You need to go back in there.” Before I fucking cry my eyes out in front of you.
“Okay, but promise you’ll come find me before you leave. Don’t go without saying goodbye.”
“Of course.”
After he finally walked away, I opted to stay outside for a few more minutes. I breathed slowly and evenly until I felt more in control.
On my way back to the ballroom, I noticed the satiny white guest book I hadn’t signed. I was a little tipsy, so it might not have been a good idea to write something that would forever be part of the couple’s wedding memories. I almost fucked your husband once. Congrats! I smothered a snort-laugh. But this was my opportunity to write in that damn book because I wasn’t going to last here much longer. I picked up the white, feathered pen.
Archie and Mariah, I cannot tell you what an honor it was to be included in your special day. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Mariah, I hope to get to know you better over the years. I know you know what an incredible man you married. But I’m not sure HE always knows how incredible he is.
When I first met Archie, I thought he was stuck up. I made assumptions about him from afar because of the way he looked and the way he acted. Once I got to know him, I realized he was a sensitive, vulnerable, and caring person. He’s handled everything life has dealt him like a champion, always putting others first.
He’s an amazing son and friend, and I know he will make an even more amazing husband and father.
I wanted to write, I hope you know how lucky you are, Mariah, but settled on:
I wish you both many years of health and happiness.
All my love,
Noelle Benedict
I returned to the ballroom, where Archie and Mariah were dancing amidst a crowd of people. I went over to Nora Remington and offered her a hug, making conversation with her caretaker for a few minutes before returning to my table. I sat and stole glances at Archie on the dance floor.
I was angry at my inability to feel happy for him. As much as I wanted to be joyful, I couldn’t. There were still too many unanswered questions—like whether things might’ve been different if Mariah hadn’t gotten pregnant. Would he have stayed with her? Married her? Was he truly happy? What would’ve happened if I hadn’t been with Shane for so long? Would Archie and I have gotten together? None of this mattered, but it still haunted me as I sat in my own world while everyone else was immersed in the Cupid Shuffle.
After another half hour, I decided to remove myself from the situation. It had been a long day, and I was eager to get back to my hotel room where I didn’t have to pretend to be happy. I also wanted to get to bed at a decent hour so I’d feel refreshed tomorrow when I met Veronique from the hotel bar for brunch. It was my duty to share the next episode of my soap opera.