The Morning Everyone Expected a Wedding
By eight the next morning, the coastline looked impossibly peaceful.
Sunlight bounced off the ocean. White chairs stood in neat rows on the lawn outside a small historic chapel. Pale flowers covered the wooden arch where Warren and I were supposed to exchange vows.
Guests arrived in expensive cars, dressed in tailored suits and elegant spring dresses.
No one knew the wedding had already ended before midnight.
At 8:17, Warren texted me.
I cannot wait to see you. Today begins our forever.
I read it several times.
Then replied:
I will be there.
And I kept that promise.
I arrived in the ivory dress my mother and I had picked out months earlier. Long sleeves, delicate pearl buttons, a simple neckline. Beautiful without being dramatic — exactly what I’d wanted.
My best friend, Sloane Barrett, walked into the bridal room and froze when she saw me.
Her eyes filled with tears.
“You look incredible.”
“Thank you.”
She studied my face.
“Something’s wrong.”
I took her hand.
“I need you to trust me for the next thirty minutes.”
Sloane looked scared, but she didn’t demand an explanation.
“Whatever happens, I’m standing beside you.”
That’s why she was my closest friend. She didn’t need every answer before offering her loyalty.
