Chapter 1
Squeezing a pair of jean shorts in one hand, Elena Page breathed heavily as fear and anxiety coursed through her body. She flung the shorts into her almost-packed suitcase lying open on the bed and groaned inwardly.
“Why-why would she do this to herself?” she whispered as she flopped back onto the mattress. “Why would a smart woman walk into this with her eyes wide open?”
The door creaked open.
A brunette head slipped through the small opening, a knowing smile tugging at her lips as she stared at her best friend.
Hayley Hale knew Elena’s fears were real. She’d heard them all, every warning, every concern. But she also knew what she wanted more than anything in the world. She wanted to be Edward’s bride. His wife. The mother of his children. His best friend for the rest of their lives.
She just had to convince Elena that not all marriages were prisons.
Hayley stepped fully into the room and closed the door behind her. She wasn’t ready for this conversation, not again. She would have to convince Elena that not every man is like her father or stepfather.
She sat gently beside Elena, who had covered her face with her palms.
“For a wedding planner,” Hayley chuckled softly, trying to ease the tension, “you really hate weddings.”
“Well,” Elena shot back, lowering her hands as she stood, turning away, “for the vice president of one of the biggest distribution companies in America, you don’t act very smart yourself.”
Hayley chuckled, rolling her eyes. “She thinks she’s got lines.”
Hayley stops laughing. Elena’s face was red with tears.
“Baby!” she gasped, jumping to her feet. “Why are you crying?”
“I’m not crying,” Elena snapped, teeth clenched. “Something got in my eyes.”
“Uh-huh.” Hayley’s voice softened as she placed her hands on Elena’s shoulders and gently turned her around. “I am not your mother.”
“I…know.” Elena looked away again, shaking her head as the tears betrayed her anyway. Suddenly, she grabbed Hayley’s shoulders, blinking rapidly.
“Can’t you call it off?”
The laugh escaped before Hayley could stop it. The moment the sound left her lips, she knew she’d messed up.
Elena’s face crumpled.
“Okay, no, no.” Hayley quickly pulled her down onto the bed beside her. “I didn’t mean it like that.”
She took a breath. “I love Edward. And he loves me. He’s not perfect,” she smiled as his face flashed through her mind, “but he doesn’t have to be. He’s human.”
“But-”
“I know what you’re afraid of,” Hayley said gently. “But not everyone is like your parents. And don’t you think I’m scared too?”
Elena grabbed her hand tightly. “Then why are you doing this?”
“Because I’d rather be with him now,” Hayley said quietly, “than spend the rest of my life wondering what would’ve happened if I never had the courage to love him.”
“That’s stupid.” Elena snapped.
Hayley bit her bottom lip, fighting a smile. Elena glared at her.
“You’ve decided,” Elena exhaled, defeated.
“Yes.” Hayley nodded. She had doubts, who didn’t before a wedding? But talking to Elena only confirmed it. Being Mrs. Tate was what she wanted.
“I hope one day you find someone who loves you the way Edward loves me,” Hayley added softly. “Someone who loves you more than the world.”
“You’re the reason rom-coms keep making money. Pushing that propaganda.” Elena pulled herself away. “No. It’s not for me. No one can change my views on marriage or love, not even you, my dear.”
“Fine,” Hayley said, standing abruptly and heading for the door. She paused, turning with a mischievous smile. “So… you’re not interested in being my wedding planner anymore?”
She blinked her doe eyes dramatically.
“Oh, please.” Elena scoffed. “I’ve planned this wedding and collected payment. I’m still your wedding planner.”
“Oh, really?” Hayley teased, feigning disappointment.
“Oh, yes.”
“When do you leave? It’s late.”Elena glanced at the clock and cursed under her breath. She shoved the last of her clothes into the suitcase, then sat on it to zip it shut.
“This is all your fault,” she complained, standing. “I’m leaving now.” She paused. “…And you’ll be in Las Vegas next Thursday?”
“Of course,” Hayley said, spinning playfully. “I’m the bride. I can’t miss my own wedding, would I?”
“I wouldn’t mind if you did,” Elena sing-songed, forcing a smile.
“I would.” Hayley smiled.
Elena rolled her eyes, grabbed her luggage, and headed out.
They stood on the porch waiting for the cab.
“Elena, you know, the men in Las Vegas are dreamy,” Hayley said, looking into the distance.
Elena bent to stare at Hayley as if she’d lost her mind.
“I thought Edward was the only handsome, gorgeous-looking man you know.” Elena parroted the words she had heard a thousand times about her friend’s fiancé.
“Hey. Back up,” Hayley leaned back. “My man is the most handsome, gorgeous, kindest soul in the world.”
“You were just talking about the men in Las Vegas and how dreaming they are.” She rolled her eyes.
“Well, you had allowed me to finish. You would have known I was talking about those men. So, you could check them out.”
Elena visibly cringed.
“Have some fun. Live a little.” Hayley groaned, throwing her hands like she was tired.
Elena placed her hand on her friend’s shoulders. “Stop threatening me. I will give you the best wedding ever!”
The horn blared
“The car is here,” Elena ran down the three stairs with her bag, like she was being chased.
Hayley stood on the porch, waving as Elena climbed into the taxi.
“I said, have FUN, ′ and you called it a threat. Elena, you are crazy!” Hayley called out. “Better have a plus one to my wedding or you are toast!”
Elena shook her head. Marriage was already messing with her friend, and she wasn’t even married yet.
As the cab pulled away, Elena looked back.
Elena Page might be one of New York’s most sought-after wedding planners, but she didn’t believe in fairy tales or happy endings.
She’d seen the truth of marriage up close. Her mother had shrunk into a shadow of herself just to stay married. Elena and her sister had paid the price for that choice…
She swallowed hard and wiped her eyes.
“Nothing will happen to Hayley,” she whispered. “There are good people in the world. Edward has to be one of them, even if I’ve never met him.”
The taxi driver glanced at her through the rear-view mirror, then thought better of speaking.
Everyone carried demons.
Sometimes, silence was the kindest thing.
