Bridesmaid for Hire

THE SUN IS BRIMMING JUST ABOVE THE HORIZON as local musicians start playing a beautiful acoustic remake of “My Girl.” The guests are seated in white chairs, facing the glittering blue lagoon. Banana leaves are lined up and have been strung together, forming a unique but stunning garland draped all around the ceremony space and along the inner aisle.

I stand at the end of the aisle, waiting for my cue to start walking, and I take it all in.

The resort was able to scrape together some flowers for the wedding, but they only dotted the ceremony space with them since Haisley truly wanted to stick with the more natural feel. But I will say, the light pops of white Tahitian flowers against the garland’s mix of greens is even prettier than I expected it to be.

My bouquet is beautifully wrapped and weaved together to look like a bundle of roses, when in fact, they’re leaves. It may have been my idea, but I’ve never seen anything like it. So stunning.

Speaking of stunning. Haisley has to be the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.

She chose an unstructured, gauzy dress with flowers decorating the bodice. It clings to her torso, showing off her shapely figure, while the bottom flows in an effortless way. She left her hair down with beach waves and clipped one side back with an antique hair clip—a family heirloom that her mother brought for her.

She has no inkling of the nightmare that was yesterday. She’s been happy, excited, and well taken care of all day.

She wore her robe and slippers and joked around with Margie on FaceTime. She sipped a touch of champagne, ate fresh pineapple, and sat patiently while her hair and makeup were done. And when it was time for the dress, she beamed with joy, knowing she was about to walk down the aisle to marry the love of her life.

It’s everything I love about weddings.

The joy.

The enchantment.

The romance of it all.

And yet, this is the first time I’ve ever attended a wedding where I haven’t felt the same euphoria rushing through the air. I haven’t been carried away by the magic of it all. Instead, I’ve felt dead inside, like the wind has been knocked from my lungs and I can’t take a full breath. I keep looking over my shoulder, expecting Brody to show up. I keep checking my phone, waiting to see if he’ll contact me. I keep holding my breath when Hardy walks into the room where we’re getting ready, waiting to see if he has a message for me.

But nothing.

Which confirms my fear.

What happened last night was real.

And that realization splinters me because…I think…I think I was falling for him.

No, let’s be honest, I don’t think—I know I was falling for him.

Hard.

The moment he told me he wasn’t going to hurt me again, I let all of these built-up, lustful feelings I developed for Brody over the years tumble out and wrap me up like a warm blanket on a cold winter’s day.

I allowed my heart to feel.

I allowed my body to grow familiar.

And I allowed my mind to imagine what could be.

I fell into the idea that this man was mine, that nothing could happen to us, nothing could hurt us. He was mine to touch. To kiss. To lean into for comfort. He was mine to protect and to have when we got back from Bora-Bora. I convinced myself that after such a long wait, I finally could hold his hand and start a future with him.

That…

That, I wasn’t going to be so lonely.

I was going to have a partner in this world…

How could it all just come crashing down in the blink of an eye?

“Maggie, you ready?” Sloane asks as she nudges me with her bouquet.

“Oh yes, sorry.” I tack on a smile and glance back at Haisley, whose eyes are brimming with tears of joy. “You good?” I ask her.

She nods and mouths, “Ready.”

I glance at the wedding planner, waiting for her cue, and when she motions for me to start walking, I position my bouquet right in front of my stomach and make my way around the bend of the bushes, which had been blocking us off from the guests, and onto the sand where the ceremony is taking place.

Jude is standing stoically at the altar in a pair of light-colored khaki pants and a simple white button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Bowie, Hudson, and Hardy are dressed very similarly, but their button-up shirts are all pastel shades of blue, just like the bridesmaids’ dresses. Nothing matches, it all just goes and it’s beautiful. The perfect beach wedding in my opinion.

And as I make my way down the aisle, I glance over at Hardy, who has been very kind to me since last night. He gave me space, didn’t ask questions, and made sure to get me to where I needed to be this morning. I told him that was all I cared about, and he went with it.

He nods, and I give him a smile before I move to the bride’s side of the altar, making sure there’s enough room for the twins.

Water softly washes up on the shore behind us, and the bright white sand was meticulously combed for anything out of place at least five times this morning, just to make sure it was in its most pristine condition. The sound of the ukuleles accompanied by the wind floating through the palms above us immerses me in a calming, yet romantic atmosphere that actually brings chills to my arms.

Sloane is next, followed by Stacey, and then, as the music changes to an acoustic version of “Wildest Dreams,” the guests all rise as Haisley appears with Reginald at her side. My eyes land on Jude. I watch as he continues to stand there like the gentle, levelheaded man that he is, but as she approaches, his eyes fill until one solid tear rolls down his cheek.

He doesn’t bother wiping it.

Doesn’t even shake from the emotion he’s feeling.

Instead, he keeps his eyes fixated on Haisley the entire time, watching her float down the aisle, right into his arms.

And even though my life is a mess, I set that aside for this one special moment—the moment where the couple share an intimate conversation before the ceremony begins.

In my experience, it truly shows the couples’ personality and is one of my favorite parts of the entire ceremony.

Some joke and talk about how sweaty they are.

Some will nervously smile, unsure what to do in front of a crowd of onlookers.

Some will thank the parent for handing over their child in marriage.

And then my favorites are the couples like Jude and Haisley.

Jude steps up to Haisley and takes her hand before cupping her cheek and quietly saying, “I’m so fucking lucky.”

It’s a melting moment. It’s so clear how in love this man is, and he has no problem showing it.

He continues to hold Haisley throughout the ceremony, keeping her close, whispering to her how much he loves her. How beautiful she is. My mind—my traitorous mind—flashes to Brody and the times he told me how pretty I was.

It makes me think about all the times I caught him staring at me, only for him to compliment me and make me feel like I was so incredibly special.

It brings me back to our time in the bungalow, whenever he held me close, kissing my neck, never wanting to let me go.

It reminds me of the softer moments we shared, the almost unnoticeable touches, but touches that I can still feel now. They showed me that even when we weren’t talking, he was still making sure I was near him, next to him, never leaving his sight.

The possession.

The claim he had on my heart…

Damn it. I don’t want to be thinking about him, but it feels unavoidable as the ceremony goes on. With every wave that laps the shore, I’m reminded of the peaceful day we spent in the cabana. With every drop of the sun beneath the horizon, I’m brought back to the way he held me close on the yacht while I wore his sweatshirt. With the breeze through my hair, I’m reminded of the goofy grins he gave me as we walked along the beach.

It feels like torture, knowing that after this ceremony, I won’t be dancing with Brody. I won’t be going back to the bungalow where he’ll peel off my dress and make love to me. I won’t be waking up with him knowing that even though we have to leave the island, it doesn’t mean the end of our relationship, just the start.

When in reality, it’s all done.

Dead.

Completely over.

The rest of the ceremony goes by in a blur. My head isn’t in it after my mind started wandering back to Brody, and before I know what’s happening, the officiant is announcing Jude and Haisley as man and wife and they’re kissing.

I’m thrown back into reality by the guests cheering uproariously for the newlyweds. Jude dips Haisley back into a deeper kiss, giving the photographer the most epic picture with the lagoon in the background and the officiant off to the side. When he lifts her back up, he clutches her hand and they head back down the aisle, the bridal party following closely behind.

When it’s my turn, I smile at Hardy as I loop my arm through his and we make our way toward the photo area.

“You doing okay?” he asks quietly as we continue to walk.

“Great,” I say, plastering on a fake smile. “Such a beautiful wedding.”

“Really? Because it seemed like you zoned out over there.”

“Just lost in the words of the ceremony.”

“Also known as daydreaming about someone else.”

I sigh. “Please, Hardy.”

“I’m sorry, I’m just…I’m confused. I don’t understand what’s going on. If it’s because he drank too much last night, that wasn’t his fault.”

“I don’t need you defending him. I appreciate your concern, but it’s—”

“He checked out this afternoon. Left the island.”

That gives me pause as we reach the photographer, who is already gathering Haisley and Jude up for one of their first pictures as a couple.

“You didn’t know, did you?” he asks as he guides me off to the side. “I asked about for a room for you, and they told me that he checked out, but the night was covered if you wanted to return to the bungalow tonight. When I inquired if he left the island, they said he took the boat to the airport.”

Wow…okay, so he did what I asked.

I should be happy about that.

Thrilled.

Pleased that I don’t have to run into his handsome face as I try to navigate the resort. Or heaven forbid, be on the same flight home.

Nope, he’s gone.

Just…gone.

He didn’t even fight for me. What a fucking coward. He took what he wanted and fled. What a man.

“From the defeat in your shoulders, I’m guessing that’s not what you wanted to hear.”

I lift my chin and attempt to look composed and unbothered as I say, “Actually, it’s what I was hoping for.”

“Maggie, come on,” Hardy says. “Be real—”

“If we could get the bridal party over here for some pictures, I’d appreciate it,” the photographer shouts.

“Just drop it, Hardy,” I say and then put on a happy face, because if anything, I’m professional and I’ll be damned if I let anything or anyone get in the way of that.

“Where’s Brody?” Haisley asks, coming up to me after she’s made her way around the reception room, greeting everyone.

And what a task that was. The reception room that opens up to the lagoon is large enough for what seems could be a five-hundred-person wedding. Almost at one with the surrounding nature, the ceiling is thatched, native trees surround the outer rim while strung up bulb lights provide the ambience for the evening. It’s a beautiful, simple space, not too fancy—just perfect for Jude and Haisley.

“Oh, he wasn’t feeling good, so he went back to bungalow to rest up,” I say, letting the lie slip so easily off my lips. I prepared the lie because I knew she was going to ask. She’s been so thoughtful and kind this entire week, always including us, so of course she’d want to know where Brody is.

“Oh no. Is he okay?”

“He’ll be fine,” I say. “I think he just had too much to sip last night and too much sun earlier today.”

“Well, if he needs us to have the resort staff send anything over to him, we can.”

“That’s really sweet.” I pat her hand. “But you just focus on having the best night ever.” I smile at her, and she smiles back, taking my hand in hers.

“Seriously, Maggie, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You truly filled the missing hole in this wedding, and I’ll forever be grateful. Margie is really grateful too.”

“It was my pleasure, Haisley. This was such a beautiful wedding to witness—I almost feel like I owe you for letting me be a part of it.”

“How about this, when I get back from my honeymoon, we meet up for lunch? Because now that I’ve spent a week with you, I don’t want this friendship to end.”

“Me neither.”

I bring her into a hug, grateful for this woman. And yeah, maybe my intentions started as selfish, but once I got to know Haisley and the beautiful human that she is, I truly wanted to be a part of her special day.

And this friendship, I want to continue it as well, not because of some professional partnership on the horizon, but because she’s a like-minded human. She started a business on her own just like me. She has put all of her time and energy into that business and has set goals for herself. I haven’t met many like her, and it’s freeing to finally encounter someone who has the same mindset.

“Why are you creeping up on us, Hardy?” Haisley asks, as her brother appears to my right.

“I’m not creeping up,” he says. “Just looking to see if Maggie wants to dance.”

“You realize her boyfriend might not be here, but that doesn’t mean he won’t kick your ass if he catches you hitting on her.”

“I would never,” Hardy says. “Give me more credit than that.” He nudges his sister, causing her to laugh as she takes off, leaving me alone with Hardy.

I know exactly why he wants to dance. He wants to continue questioning me. Frankly, I just want to leave, but I know turning his dance down and retreating would be rude on both accounts, so I put on another smile and take his hand as he leads me out onto the dance floor.

One hand goes to my back while his other clasps mine and he slowly starts turning me to the gentle music.

“I had the resort staff move your things back to your bungalow,” he says quietly. “You can return whenever you want. Now that the main part of the wedding is over, I know Haisley and Jude are probably just going to stare at each other for the rest of the night, so you don’t have to be here if you don’t want to.”

“Do I look that miserable?” I ask.

“No, you’re masking it well, but I know you must be in pain.”

“As if I’d let a man cause me pain.”

He lifts my chin, so I’m forced to look him in the eyes. “Maggie, you don’t have to be so strong. You can allow yourself to hurt.”

I feel my lip wobble as I say, “If I give in to the hurt, Hardy, then I won’t be able to recover. I have to put this mask on.”

He nods. “Okay, then wear your mask.” He continues to guide me around the dance floor. “But I want you to know, we’re here for you.”

“And I appreciate that, I do.”

“May I cut in,” Reginald asks, startling both of us.

Hardy looks at me and then back at his dad, but Reginald doesn’t give him a chance to decide because he moves his son out of the way and takes me in his arms.

An immediate sweat breaks out on the back of my neck as I feel Hardy’s eyes remain fixed on me while Reginald steers us in the other direction.

When we’re cleared away, he quietly says, “Beautiful wedding, don’t you think?”

Something doesn’t feel right about this…

“Very beautiful. Haisley and Jude are a perfect couple. Thank you for letting me be a part of it.”

“We were pleased you said yes to helping us out. I know Regina is quite happy with how everything turned out.”

“That’s great.”

His hand on my back tightens. “Now, what’s this I hear about you sneaking off into Hardy’s room last night?”

Oh God.

How would he know…

Unless…

The man has eyes all over this resort. I’m sure someone on his staff saw and reported it back to him.

“Just some complications with Brody,” I say. “Nothing to worry about.”

“Interesting.”

Why do I find that “interesting” to sound so calculated?

“Well, I wanted you to be one of the first to know that we’ll be moving on without Brody and his proposal.” Oh God, why is he telling me this? “Not sure where you two stand, but it seems he used the company and my family for his own gain, and we don’t take that lightly here at Hopper Industries.”

What does that mean? Has Brody been fired?

And once again…why is he telling me this? Is he alluding to the fact that I did the same thing?

I swallow hard, hoping and praying that he doesn’t see right through me and my initial intentions, because yes, they started off selfish, but they ended with me wanting nothing more than to support his daughter.

“I, uh, I haven’t spoken to him,” I say, trying to remain casual. “I’ve been entirely too focused on Haisley and making sure she has everything she needs for the day.”

“Probably smart to distance yourself from him. He doesn’t seem to be going anywhere in his career.”

Even though I’m furious with Brody, I still feel defensive. He might have ruined my career, but he’s a good man, a smart one, and his proposal had a lot of merit.

But I’m not in a position to stand up to Reginald. It’s neither the time nor the place.

“You know, I’d be interested in talking to you about possibly working together in the future.” He turns us around and I nearly lose my feet trying to keep up with him.

“You…you would?” I ask as I feel all my hopes come screaming to the forefront of my mind. This is what you wanted, Maggie. A chance to work with Hopper Industries and the opportunity might very well be there. But at what cost? Because even though the possibility might exist, a voice in the back of my mind whispers that Reginald is not going to offer me the world. He’ll be using my concept, not that he knows it’s mine, so there’s not a lot more I can offer him. Nope, there’s something he wants.

“I would, you see…”—he lowers his voice—“losing my daughter to her own business wasn’t easy for me to swallow. I don’t like the fact that she went off on her own and created a separate venture. If you haven’t noticed, I’m very much a family man and want to keep my family close, protected from people who want to take advantage.” His grip on my back grows tighter.

Oh fuck, he knows.

He knows all about me.

“I, uh, I can understand that,” I say.

“Haisley has mentioned some of the exceptional ideas you have when it comes to helping her business grow, especially when it comes to weddings, and I’d like you to help me convince her that those ideas would best be situated under Hopper Industries.”

“What?” I ask, confused.

“You see, Maggie, we’re starting a new branch of Hopper Industries that’s focusing on cornering the wedding market in the San Francisco area. As a small business owner like yourself, I can see how you’d fear being toppled by the big guy.” I gulp. “Well, we’re the big guy, and we’re gunning for your industry. You can either be with us or against us—and I’m going to tell you right now, you won’t last three months if you’re against us.”

I feel my body start to slow, my mind whirl…all the hope and fantasy of cooperating with a big name like Hopper slowly trickle away. Because what he’s suggesting, this is…this is blackmail.

“From your silence, I’m guessing you’re either shocked or willing to be compliant.” This man hasn’t talked business all week, and he chooses now, on the dance floor at his daughter’s wedding to do something? “Here’s the deal, Maggie. You either help me bring Haisley back to Hopper Industries with your new ideas on branding her properties, or I make sure you never throw another event in San Francisco ever again.”

“You…you can’t do that,” I say, my heart racing.

“Maggie.” He chuckles sardonically. “I’m Reginald Hopper, I can do whatever the hell I want. And don’t for one second think that I don’t know what you and Brody were up to the minute you showed up at the welcome reception. The only reason I went with along with your plan was because Haisley needed someone. Thankfully, you’re actually a decent, helpful human being, unlike that boyfriend of yours. But I have no problem exposing you if that’s the way you want to take this.”

What a fucking snake. Why did I ever want to impress this man?

He pulls away and meets my gaze, a crooked smile spreading across his lips. I’m in the arms of the devil right now.

And I have a choice—I either accept the deal or walk away from the one business that I’ve spent years growing.

“So, do we understand each other?” he asks. “You bring Haisley back, or you can kiss your business goodbye. Your choice.” When he pulls away and tucks his hand pompously into the pocket of his suit jacket, he says, “I look forward to working with you, Maggie.” And then he takes off, walking right over to a group where he shakes some hands, acting as if he’s not in the business of ruining lives.

And as I stand here, all by myself in the middle of the dance floor, the weight of my business, of my future, of my morals resting heavily on my shoulders, all I can think is that it’s all been for nothing.

“You either help me bring Haisley back to Hopper Industries with your new ideas on branding her properties, or I make sure you never throw another event in San Francisco ever again.”

I’m going to fail. Magical Moments by Maggie is going to fail.

And what’s worse? I unwittingly gave the power to ensure my failure to the most deplorable monster I’ve ever met.