Until Then

9. Hayley

NINE

Hayley

More than one guy on the ranch whistles at me when I fumble out to my car. I feign a frown at each one. They laugh and tip the brims of their hats. I’ve known most of the men who work here since I was a kid.

They’re like a gaggle of rough-around-the-edges uncles.

Since Pops died, they’re nice to have. Truth be told, Justin, one of the burliest of the guys, cleaned one of his shotguns by the gate when Jasper kept trying to talk to me after the incident last year.

If Justin knew I’d be attending a wedding that apparently my ex-fiancé is also attending, he’d probably insist on going as my escort.

And no, he wouldn’t wear a tie. Not even for Briar.

A day after the dinner, Briar texted me in all caps.

Briar: HAZE I DIDN’T KNOW!

Me: Know what?

Briar: About Jasper. He’s Amberlyn’s plus one.

Me: And Amberlyn is?

Briar: Ty’s niece. My niece, I guess. I put him on the do-not-let-in list, and I’m pretty sure I’ve caused a civil war.

Me: What? Why?

Briar: Turns out, Amberlyn, bless her innocent heart, is infatuated. Along with Ty’s sister. They’re furious, and I’m sorry, but in all my fluster I let it slip that he’s a friend’s ex.

Briar: I didn’t say your name, but still, sorry. Anyway, they’re whining about it not being fair to punish one guest because of another.

Briar: I’ve got you, girl. So does Ty. Trust me, he doesn’t want Jasper by Amberlyn.

It took me a moment to respond after I read all her rambling. Then, I’m pretty sure I made a mistake. But this wedding isn’t about me.

Me: Don’t cause drama for me, Bry. Seriously, if he’s there, I’ll just avoid him. Don’t worry about me.

Briar: I don’t like him, though.

Me: Give him all your bridezilla glares, then. That’s good enough for me.

Briar insisted she’d still do what she could to keep Jasper out, but from what I gathered, Tyrell’s sister might cause heartburn for the day.

I’m not going to stand by and let it happen. Briar would do it, but the last thing I want is for her to have issues with her new in-laws from the start.

If anything, I have the vow that Briar will see to it Jasper is seated in the corner. By the garbage cans.

I start the ignition and pull down the long drive. It’s fine. If Jasper is there, so what? I can be an adult, I can ignore him, I can be there for my friend on the most important day of her life.

Honestly, the man I’m most worried about has nothing to do with Jasper and his wandering eyes.

A truce. Noah and I would form a truce and let the past mist away today.

He was hurt. I simply can’t decide if it’s an act to hide his bruised ego, or if he’s sincere.

The trouble is I’m leaning toward sincere. Briar, his brother, even Greer and her obsession with the word unicorn, keep building a strong case for Noah Hayden.

What’s the problem if it turns out the guy who knocked me off my feet almost a year ago turns out to be decent?

I’m convinced I’ll topple headfirst in love with a guy like him.

If my track record on dating is anything to go by, it would destroy me in the end.

Members of the wedding party are to arrive two hours before the ceremony for pictures and to help Briar and Tyrell get ready.

I’m one of the last to arrive. For a former model with an impeccable eye for fashion, Briar’s been chill over the dress of the wedding party. Don’t get me wrong, she gave us images of options for dresses, but as a woman whose mission it is to help the female population feel confident in their appearance, no matter the size or shape, she let us select the final style.

So long as it was black.

I opted for a form-fitting black cocktail dress with white-soled pumps. Mom had to help me with the low knot in my hair to fit the 1920s Kentucky Derby style hat. Beading and delicate lace cascade over my brow, shading my face.

A black and white wedding, old Hollywood style.

When Briar announced her theme, I wasn’t entirely sold, but once I walk through the flower-coated archway, I’m transported.

Elegant tables with black sashes are arranged with dainty chairs in the reception hall. Vintage black and gold fine china dishes settle over satin napkins. Towers of golden champagne bottles are place at every corner. Everything is pearls and delicate blossoms, old decanters with scotch and bourbon, and outside there is a polished, black 1940s Ford Coupe parked, waiting to drive the new couple away.

To doubt Briar Madden and her dream of a lavish, breathtaking wedding was a foolish thing to do.

“Bridesmaid?” A woman who barely reaches my chin, despite the four-inch heels she’s wearing, materializes in front of me.

I didn’t even see her coming.

She holds a large tablet, wears an earpiece, and has stylish glasses that are too close to her eyes for her false lashes to fit.

“Yes. Hayley Foster.”

She flicks through her screen, then uses one of her stiletto nails to tap a name. “Got it. Bridesmaid five, paired with groomsman five. I’m assuming you know who to look for?”

Another knot tightens in the place over my heart. “I know him.”

“Good.” She glances down at the screen again. “They’re gathering out in the gardens for group pictures, so perfect timing. Oh, hold on.” The woman rises on her tiptoes and brushes a stray curl off my brow, returning it to position in my knot with more security than my ten gallons of hairspray.

She does it all before I can even catch up.

“Just through that door.” With the stylus she gestures to an open, arched doorway. “I’m the wedding planner’s assistant, Tempest. If you need anything—deodorant, setting spray, hair pins—let me know. Also”—Tempest makes a gesture to her own chest—“your dress makes them look perfect.”

Then she’s gone again.

I preen a bit at her compliment and roll my shoulders back before hurrying to the back gardens.

A group of other women in black stand in the shade of a tall palm. Men in fitted suits with red roses pinned to their lapels found a shadow under a second tree. In front of a golden fountain, Briar and Tyrell are already tangled in each other’s arms, posing for the bossy photographer.

I’m not this girl. This world, maybe it’s part of my blood, but it’s not really me.

Soon, I might need to take Tempest up on her deodorant offer if I keep sweating. Chin lifted, I make my way to the other bridesmaids, and blow out a quick breath of relief when Briar’s older sister waves me over.

“Hayley, girl, I haven’t seen you since you moved away to school.” Charlotte pulls me in for a tight hug. “You look amazing.”

“Look at you.” I grin at her tiny baby bump.

“Oh.” Charlotte presses a hand to her belly. “Surprise baby number two. Our first is barely one.”

She makes a few quick introductions to the other women.

“You’re the one who stole him from me, then.” A woman with short black hair, slicked behind her ears steps through. “I’m Mia, Ty’s cousin. I was the one who got moved from Noah since apparently, I’m too short. I’m like an inch shorter than you.”

For a second, I don’t know how to take her. Soon enough she laughs, and I breathe a little easier. “I’ll never understand wedding planners,” I tell her.

“Facts.” Mia tilts a bottled water to her lips. “Don’t get me wrong, Bry’s nephew is plenty delicious, but Noah . . . he’s something else. And I’m starting to think I wasn’t shifted around because of height. I’m starting to think there is a master plan or something going on here to get you with him.”

Unbidden, I cough, choking on my own spit. “What? Why do you say that?”

Mia leans closer, a cunning grin on her face. “Because from the moment you came out here, Noah Hayden hasn’t taken his eyes off you.”