Surprising herself, Ronnie breathed a sigh of relief. Is the dress okay?
Its perfect, her dad answered.
And my shoes? Im not sure they go with the dress.
Theyre just right.
I tried to do my makeup and my nails
Before she even finished, her dad shook his head. Youve never been more beautiful, he said. In fact, I dont know if theres anyone more beautiful in the entire world.
Hed said the same thing a hundred times before. Dad
He means it, Jonah interrupted. You look awesome. Im being honest. I barely recognize you.
She frowned at him in mock indignation. So youre saying you dont like the way I usually look?
He shrugged. No one likes purple hair except weirdos.
When she laughed, she caught her dad smiling at her.
Wow was all he could say.
Half an hour later, she was pulling through the gates of the Blakelee estate, her heart racing.
They had just run the gauntlet of Highway Patrol officers stationed along the road to check IDs, and now they were being stopped by men in suits who wanted to park their car. Her dad tried calmly to explain that he was simply dropping her off, but his response made no sense to any of the three valetsthey couldnt seem to grasp the fact that a guest at the wedding didnt even have her own car.
And the improvements
Ronnie had to admit the place was as spectacular as a movie set. There were flowers everywhere, the hedge was trimmed to perfection, and even the brick-and-stucco wall that surrounded the property had been freshly painted.
When they were finally able to make their way to the central roundabout, her dad stared at the house, which was growing larger in the foreground. Eventually, he turned to her. She wasnt used to seeing her father surprised by anything, but she could hear it in his voice.
This is Wills house?
This is it, she said. She knew what hed say: that it was huge, or he didnt realize how wealthy the family was, or did she feel like she belonged in a place like this? Instead, he smiled at her without a trace of self-consciousness.
What a lovely place for a wedding.
He drove carefully, thankfully drawing no extra attention to the old car they were driving. It was actually Pastor Harriss car, an old Toyota sedan with a boxy style that was out of date as soon as it came off the production line in the 1990s; but it ran, and right now that was good enough. Her feet were already aching. How some women wore pumps every day was beyond her. Even when she was seated, they felt like instruments of torture. She should have wrapped her toes in Band-Aids. And her dress obviously hadnt been designed to wear while sitting; it was digging into her ribs, making it hard to breathe. Then again, maybe she was just too nervous to breathe.
Her dad made his way around the circle drive, his gaze fixed on the house just as hers had been the first time shed seen it. Even though she should have been used to it by now, the place still felt overwhelming to her. Add in the guestsshed never seen so many tuxedos and formal gowns in her lifeand she couldnt help but feel out of place already. She really didnt belong here.
Up ahead, a dark-suited man was signaling to the cars, and before she knew it, it was her turn to get out. As the man swung open her door and offered his hand to help her out, her father reached out to pat her leg.
You can do this. He smiled. And have fun.
Thanks, Dad.
She peeked in the mirror one last time before emerging from the car. Once she was out, she adjusted her dress, thinking it was easier to breathe now that she was standing. The porch railings were decorated with lilies and tulips, and as she made her way up the steps toward the door, it suddenly swung open.
In his tuxedo, Will looked nothing like the shirtless volleyball player shed first encountered or the easygoing southern boy whod taken her fishing; in a way, it was like glimpsing the successful, sophisticated man he would be a few years from now. Somehow, she hadnt expected him to seem so refined, and she was about to make a joke about how he cleaned up pretty good before she realized he hadnt even said hello.
For a long time, all he could do was stare at her. In the extended silence, the butterflies in her stomach began to feel like birds, and all she could think was that shed done something wrong. Maybe shed arrived too early, or maybe shed overdone it with her dress and makeup.
She wasnt sure what to think and was beginning to imagine the worst when Will finally began to smile.
You look incredible, he said, and at those words, she felt herself relax. Well, a little bit, anyway. She still hadnt seen Susan, and until then, she wasnt out of the woods. Still, she was pleased that Will liked what he saw.
You dont think its too much? she asked.
Will stepped toward her and placed his hands on her hips. Definitely not.
But not too little, right?
Just right, he whispered.
She reached up, straightened his bow tie, then slipped her arms around his neck. I must admit you dont look half bad yourself.
It wasnt as bad as shed thought it would be. It turned out theyd already taken most of the bridal pictures before the guests arrived, so she and Will were able to spend some time together before the ceremony. Mostly they walked around the grounds, Ronnie gawking at all the arrangements. Will hadnt been kidding: The back of the house had been completely restyled, and the pool had been covered with a temporary deck that looked anything but temporary. Scores of white chairs fanned across the surface, facing a white trellis where Megan and her fiancé would exchange their vows. New walkways had been constructed in the yard, making it easy to access the few dozen tables where theyd eventually dine, beneath the vault of a massive white tent. There were five or six intricately carved ice sculptures, large enough to hold their form for hours, but what really drew her interest were the flowers: The grounds were a sea of brilliant gladiolus and lilies.
The crowd was pretty much what shed expected. Aside from Will, the only guests she knew were Scott, Ashley, and Cassie, and none of them were particularly thrilled to see her. Not that it mattered much. Once people took their seats, everyone, with the possible exception of Will, was focused on Megans imminent appearance. Will seemed content to fix his eyes on Ronnie from his spot near the trellis.
She wanted to remain as unobtrusive as possible, so she chose a seat about three rows from the back and away from the aisle. So far, she hadnt seen Susan, who was probably fussing over Megan, and she prayed she wouldnt notice Ronnie until after the ceremony. If she had her way, Susan wouldnt notice her then, either, but that was probably unlikely, since she would be spending so much time with Will.
Excuse me, she heard someone say. Looking up, she saw an older man and his wife trying to slip past her to the empty seats on the far side of her.
Its probably easier if I scoot down, she offered.
Are you sure?
Its no problem at all, she said, moving over to the last empty seat to make room. The man seemed vaguely familiar to her, but the only thing that came to mind, the only possible connection, was the aquarium, and that didnt feel quite right.
Before she could dwell on it further, a string quartet started the first strains of the Wedding March. She looked over her shoulder toward the house, along with everyone around her. She heard an audible gasp when Megan appeared at the top of the veranda stairs. As she began to move down the steps toward her father waiting at the bottom, Ronnie made the instantaneous decision that Megan was without doubt the most dazzling bride shed ever seen.
Captivated by the sight of Wills sister, she barely registered the fact that the elderly man beside her seemed more interested in scrutinizing her than Megan.
The ceremony was elegant and yet surprisingly intimate. The pastor read from Second Corinthians, and then Megan and Daniel recited vows theyd written together. They promised patience when it was easy to be impatient, candor when it was easier to lie, and in their own ways, each recognized the fact that real commitment could be proven only through the passage of time.
As Ronnie watched them exchange rings, she appreciated that theyd decided on an outdoor wedding. It was less traditional than the church weddings shed been to, but somehow still formal, and the setting was picture perfect.
She also knew that Will was right: She was going to like Megan. In the weddings shed been to, she always had the sense that the brides were intent on pulling off an act, and more than once, shed seen brides get upset if anything deviated from the script. Megan, on the other hand, seemed to be genuinely enjoying herself. As her father walked her up the aisle, she winked at some friends and stopped to give her grandmother a hug. When the ring bearerbarely a toddler and cute as a bug in his little tuxedostopped halfway up the aisle and crawled into his mothers lap, Megan laughed in delight, defusing the momentary tension.
Afterward, Megan was less interested in staging more magazine-worthy wedding photos than in visiting with her guests. She was, Ronnie thought, either incredibly confident or utterly clueless about all the stress her mother had incurred over every last wedding detail. Even from a distance, Ronnie could tell that nothing was going quite the way Susan had envisioned.
You owe me a dance, she heard Will whisper.
Turning, she was struck anew by how handsome he was. I dont believe that was part of our deal, she said. You said you just wanted me to attend the wedding.
What? You dont want to dance with me?
Theres no music.
I mean later.
Oh, she said. Well, in that case, I might consider it. But shouldnt you be posing for pictures?
Ive been doing that for hours. I needed a break.
Too much smiling hurts your cheeks?
Something like that. Oh, Im supposed to tell you that youre going to be eating at table sixteen with Scott, Ashley, and Cassie.
Bummer. Great, she said.
He laughed. It wont be as bad as you think. Theyll be on their best behavior. Otherwise my mom would probably lop off their heads.
It was Ronnies turn to laugh. Tell your mom she did a wonderful job getting all this organized. Its beautiful here.
I will, he said. He continued to stare at her until both of them heard his name being called.
When they turned, Ronnie thought Megan showed a trace of amusement at her brother having wandered off. I have to get back, he said. But Ill come find you at dinner. And dont forget about our dance later.
He really was heartbreakingly handsome, she thought again. I should warn you that my feet are already hurting.
He put one hand over his heart. I promise not to make fun of you if you limp.
Gee, thanks.
He leaned in and kissed her. Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?
She smiled, still tasting his lips on hers. Not for at least twenty minutes. But you better go.
Youre needed elsewhere, and I dont want to get in trouble.
He kissed her before rejoining the rest of the wedding party. Feeling a rush of contentment, she turned around, only to see the elderly man shed made room for at the ceremony watching her again.
At dinner, Scott, Cassie, and Ashley made little attempt to include her in their conversation, but she found she didnt really care. She wasnt in the mood to talk to them, nor was she hungry.
Instead, after nibbling a few bites, she excused herself and headed toward the veranda. The porch gave her a panoramic view of the festivities, which somehow were even more enchanting in the dark. Under the moons silvery spell, the tents seemed to be glowing. She could hear strains of conversation blending with the music from the band, which was now playing, and she found herself wondering what she would have been doing back home tonight had she stayed in New York. As the summer had progressed, shed spoken to Kayla less and less often. Though she still considered her a friend, she realized that she didnt miss the world shed left behind. She hadnt thought about going to a club in weeks, and when Kayla talked about the latest, greatest guy shed met, Ronnie found her thoughts wandering to Will. She knew that whomever Kayla was fixated on was absolutely nothing like Will.
She didnt talk much about Will to Kayla. Kayla knew they were still seeing each other, but every time she mentioned the things theyd donewhether it was fishing or mudding or walking the beachshe had the feeling that Kayla was on another wavelength entirely. Kayla wasnt able to grasp the fact that Ronnie was happy simply being with Will, and Ronnie couldnt help wondering what that would mean for their friendship when she returned to New York. She knew shed changed in the weeks shed been down here, while Kayla, it seemed, hadnt changed at all.
Ronnie realized she had no interest in going to clubs anymore. Thinking back, she wondered why shed been so interested in them in the first placethe music was loud, and everyone was on the make. And if everything was supposed to be so great, why did everyone drink or do drugs in the hope of enhancing their experience? It didnt make sense to her, but as the ocean sounded in the distance, she suddenly knew that it never had.
She also wanted a better relationship with her mom. At the very least, her dad had taught her that parents could be okay. Though she was under no illusions that her mom trusted her the way her dad did, she knew the tension cut both ways in their relationship. Maybe if she tried talking to her mom in the same way she talked to her dad, things would begin to improve between them.
Strange, what being forced to slow down could do to a person.
Its going to end, you know, said a voice behind her.
Absorbed in her own thoughts, she hadnt heard Ashley approach, but she recognized her voice.
Excuse me? Warily, she turned to face the blonde.
I mean, Im glad Will invited you to the wedding. You should have your fun now because its not going to last. He leaves in a couple of weeks. Have you thought about that yet?
Ronnie appraised her. I dont see how its any of your business.
Even if you two make plans to see each other, do you honestly think Wills mom is ever going to accept you? Ashley went on. Megan was engaged twice before this, and her mom ran both of them off. And shes going to do the same to you whether you like it or not. But even if she doesnt, youre leaving and hes leaving and its not going to last.
Ronnie tensed, hating Ashley for giving voice to her darkest thoughts. Still, she was getting tired of this girl, and she had just about reached her limit.
Hey, Ashley, she said, sidling up closer to her, Im going to tell you something, okay?
And I want you to pay attention, so Im going to be perfectly clear. She took another step forward, until their faces were almost touching. Im getting sick and tired of listening to your crap, so if you ever try to talk to me again, Im going to punch those bleached teeth right out of your mouth. Got it?
Something in her face must have convinced Ashley that Ronnie was serious, because she turned quickly without another word and retreated to the safety of the tent.
Standing on the dock later, Ronnie was glad shed finally managed to shut Ashley down, but the spiteful blondes words still nagged at her. Will would be leaving for Vanderbilt in two weeks, and shed most likely be leaving a week after that. She wasnt sure what was going to happen to them, aside from one simple truth: Things were going to change.
How could they not? Their relationship had been sustained by seeing each other every day, and try as she might, she couldnt imagine what it would be like to communicate by phone or text. She knew there were other optionsusing the camera on her computer, for instancebut she was under no illusions that it would resemble what they had now.
Which meant what?
Behind her, the reception was in full swing. The chairs had been cleared from the temporary deck to create a dance floor, and from her vantage point on the dock, shed seen Will dance at least twice with the six-year-old flower girl, as well as once with his sister, making Ronnie smile.
A few minutes after her confrontation with Ashley, shed watched Megan and Daniel cut the cake. The music started up again as Tom danced with Megan, and when Megan tossed her bouquet, Ronnie was sure that even distant neighbors must have heard the scream from the young woman who caught it.
There you are, Will said, breaking into her reverie. He was coming down the walkway toward her. Ive been looking all over for you. Its time for our dance.
She watched him close the distance between them, trying to imagine what some of the girls hed meet in college would think if they were in her shoes right now. Probably the same thing she was thinking: Wow.
He skipped down the last steps toward her, and she turned away. Studying the movement of the water seemed easier than facing him.
He knew her well enough to recognize something was amiss.
Whats wrong?
When she didnt answer right away, he gently brushed aside a strand of her hair. Talk to me, he murmured.
She closed her eyes briefly before facing him. Where are we going with all this? With you and me.
Will frowned in concern. Im not sure what you mean.
Her smile was melancholy. Yes, you do, she said, and as soon as he lowered his hand from her hair, she knew he understood. Its not going to be the same.
That doesnt mean it has to end
You make it sound so easy.
Its not hard to get from Nashville to New York. Its, what a two-hour flight? Its not like Id have to walk there.
And youll come see me? Ronnie heard the tremulousness of her own voice.
I was planning on it. And I was hoping youd come to Nashville, too. We can go to the Grand Ole Opry.
She laughed despite the ache she felt inside.
He put his arms around her. I dont know why all of this is coming up now, but youre wrong. I mean, I know its not going to be the same, but that doesnt mean it cant be better in some ways, too. My sister lives in New York, remember? And its not as though school goes year-round. There are breaks in the fall and spring, another around Christmas, and then its summer. And like I said, its an easy enough trip if we just wanted to make a weekend out of it.
Ronnie wondered what his parents would think about that, but she said nothing.
Whats going on? he asked. Dont you even want to try?
Of course I want to try.
Then well find a way to make it work, okay? He paused. I want to be with you as much as possible, Ronnie. Youre smart and funny and youre honest. I trust you. I trust us. Yeah, Im leaving and youre going back home. But neither of those things changes the way I feel about you. And my feelings arent going to change simply because Im going to Vanderbilt. I love you more than Ive ever loved anyone.
She knew he was sincere, but a nagging voice inside her asked how many summer romances actually withstood the test of time. Not many, and it had nothing to do with feelings.
People changed. Interests changed. All she had to do was glance in the mirror to recognize that.
Yet losing him seemed unbearable. He was the one she loved, the one she would always love, and as he leaned in to kiss her, she gave herself over to him. While he held her close, she ran her hands over his shoulders and back, feeling the strength in his arms. She knew hed wanted more in their relationship than shed been willing to offer, but here and now, she suddenly knew she had no other choice. There was only this moment, and it was theirs.
When he spoke, his voice was at once tentative and urgent. Do you want to come with me to my dads boat?
She could feel herself trembling, uncertain whether she was ready for what was coming next. At the same time, she felt a powerful urge to move forward. Okay, she whispered.
Will squeezed her hand, and she had the impression that he was as nervous as she felt as he led her toward the boat. She knew she could still change her mind, but she didnt want to stop.
She wanted her first time to mean something, to happen with someone she cared deeply about.
As they drew near the boat, she only vaguely registered her surroundings; the air was cooling, and from the corner of her eye, she could see guests moving on the dance floor. Off to the side, she saw Susan talking to the elderly man whod been watching her earlier and was again struck by the nagging thought that she knew him from somewhere.
That was such a sweet speech, I wish I could have recorded it, she heard someone drawl.
Will flinched. The voice came from the far side of the dock. Though he remained hidden in the darkness, Ronnie knew exactly who it was. Blaze had warned her something like this might be coming. Marcus stepped out from behind a pole and lit a fireball.
I mean it, Richie Rich. You really charmed the pants off her. He grinned. Almost, anyway.
Will took a step forward. Get the hell out of here.
Marcus moved the fireball, rotating it between his fingers. Or what? Youll call the cops? I know you better than that.
Will tensed. Marcus had somehow struck a nerve, though she didnt know why.
This is private property, Will said, but he didnt sound as sure of himself as he should have.
I love this part of town, dont you? Everyone down here is so country club chummy, they built this nice walkway that follows the water from one house to the next. I just love coming out here, you know? To enjoy the views, I mean.
This is my sisters wedding, Will hissed.
I always thought your sister was beautiful, Marcus said. I even asked her out once. But the tramp turned me down. Can you believe that? He didnt give Will a chance to respond before he motioned to the crowd. I saw Scott earlier, up there acting like he doesnt have a care in the world. You gotta wonder about his conscience, huh? Then again, yours isnt so clear, either, is it? Ill bet you havent even told your mommy that your little hooker girlfriend here is probably going to jail.
Wills body felt as taut as a bowstring.
Ill bet the judge is setting her straight, though, huh?
The judge
Suddenly, Ronnie knew why the older man had looked so familiar and now the judge was talking to Susan
She felt her own breath catch in her throat.
Oh God
The realization came in the same instant that Will let go of her hand. As he charged toward Marcus, Marcus threw the fireball at him and leapt from the dock to the walkway. He scrambled up into the yard, near the corner of the tent, but he was no match for Will. Will easily closed the distance, but when Marcus glanced over his shoulder, Ronnie saw something in his face that told her this was exactly what hed wanted from Will.
She had barely a split second to wonder why before she saw Marcus diving toward the ropes that supported the tent
She lunged forward. Dont, Will! Stop! she screamed, but it was already too late.
Will crashed into Marcus, entwining them both in the ropes as the pegs tore loose from the ground. Ronnie watched in horror as a corner of the tent began to collapse.
People began to scream, and she heard a sickening crash as one of the ice sculptures toppled over, the guests scattering and screaming. Will and Marcus were struggling on the ground before Marcus was finally able to extricate himself. Instead of continuing to fight, he burst free from the commotion and leapt back onto the walkway, vanishing from sight behind the neighbors house.
In the ensuing pandemonium, Ronnie found herself wondering whether anyone would even remember seeing Marcus there at all.
They certainly remembered her. Sitting in the study, she felt as if she were twelve years old. All she wanted to do was get as far away from the house as possible and crawl under her covers at home.
As she heard Susan shouting from the next room, she couldnt stop replaying the image of the collapsing tent.
She ruined your sisters wedding!
No, she didnt! Will shouted back. I told you what happened!
You expect me to believe that some stranger crashed the party and you tried to stop him?
Thats what happened!
Why Will never mentioned Marcus by name, Ronnie didnt know, but there was no way on earth she was going to add her two cents. Any second she expected to hear a chair go crashing through the window. Or for the two of them to come charging into the study, so that Susan could berate her.
Will, please even assuming your story is true, why was he here? Everyone knows about all the security we have! Every judge in town was at the wedding. The sheriff was monitoring the road out front, for goodness sake. It had to have something to do with that girl! Dont give me that I can tell by your face that Im right And what were you doing with her at your dads boat, anyway?
The way she said that girl made Ronnie sound like something disgusting Susan had stepped in and couldnt scrape off her shoe.
Mom
Stop! Dont even try to make excuses! It was Megans wedding, Will, dont you get that?
Her wedding! You know how important this was to all of us. You know how hard your father and I worked to get everything ready!
I didnt mean for it to happen
It doesnt matter, Will. Ronnie heard Susan let out an explosive sigh. You knew what was going to happen if you brought her here. You know shes not like us
You havent even given her a chance
Judge Chambers recognized her! He told me shes going to court later this month for felony shoplifting! So either you didnt know and shes been lying to you, or you did know and youve been lying to me!
There was a tense silence, and despite herself, Ronnie found herself straining to hear Wills response. When he did speak, he sounded subdued.
I didnt tell you because I knew you wouldnt understand.
Will, honey dont you get that shes not good enough for you? Youve got your whole future ahead of you, and the last thing you need in your life is someone like her. Ive been waiting for you to figure it out on your own, but obviously youre too emotionally involved to see the obvious. Shes not good enough for you. Shes low-class. Low! Class!
As the voices escalated, Ronnie felt physically sick; it was all she could do not to vomit.
Susan wasnt right about everything, but she had guessed right about one thing: Ronnie was the reason Marcus had come. If only she had trusted her instincts and stayed home! She didnt belong here.
Are you okay? Tom asked. He was standing in the doorway, holding his car keys.
Im really sorry, Mr. Blakelee, she blurted out. I didnt mean to cause any problems.
I know you didnt, he said. Despite his sympathetic response, she knew he had to be upset as well. How could he not be? Though no one was seriously hurt, two guests whod been knocked over during the commotion had been taken to the hospital. He was in control of his emotions, and she was thankful for that. Had he even raised his voice, she would have burst into tears.
Would you like me to drive you home? Its pretty chaotic out there right now. Your dad might have trouble getting to the house.
Ronnie nodded. Yes, please. She straightened her dress as she stood, hoping she could make it home without throwing up. Would you please tell Will that I said good-bye? And that I wont be seeing him anymore?