“What do you want, Logan?” She reeks of alcohol, which doesn’t surprise me. “I don’t have any other daughters for you to—”
“Cut the crap, Melanie,” I say harshly, cutting her off. “You need to call Layla and tell her you’ve come to your senses, and you’ll be at our damn wedding tomorrow.”
“You really think banging on my door in the middle of the night is going to change anything?” she snarls, her eyes flashing with anger. “Why should I listen to you?”
“Because you’ll regret it if you don’t go, I promise you.” I sigh, realizing that riling her up isn’t going to do anyone any good. “Look, I’ll be honest with you. I don’t give a damn what you do, but for some reason I don’t quite understand, Layla is really upset you’re not going to be there. Even with all the shit you’ve put her through, she still wants you in her life. If you miss our wedding, you might lose your chance to make amends. It’s about time you did something to put her first, don’t you think?”
I stalk off before she can react, climbing into my car without looking back. If there is one thing I know about my ex-wife, it’s that she is as stubborn as they come. Even if she realizes she is in the wrong, her pride will get in the way of making things right. I doubt me confronting her has made any difference, but I had to try.
For Layla’s sake.
* * *
The next morning,I stand next to the celebrant in front of all our guests, waiting for Layla to arrive. I didn’t sleep much last night, a mixture of nerves and excitement keeping me awake. All I could think about was how fucking lucky I am to be marrying such a beautiful, amazing woman.
I scan the crowd again for Melanie, like I’ve been doing since I got here, but I still don’t see her. My little talk with her obviously did nothing. Again, I’m not surprised. In our twelve-year marriage, she made a career out of ignoring every damn thing I ever asked of her. Why should this be any different?
Layla’s better off without her.
I glance up the aisle again, just as the white limo pulls up. My heart races as I watch Zoe gracefully step out first. I nearly fall over when I see the next person climb out. It’s Melanie, followed by my stunning, soon to be wife. The long white silk gown she’s wearing clings to her body, highlighting every damn curve. As amazing as she looks in that dress, I can’t wait to tear it off her. She’s fucking perfect. My eyes meet her tear-filled eyes. She smiles at me, her expression telling me everything. She takes a deep breath, then as the music begins, she makes her way down the aisle, to me, toward our new life together.
“I’m the luckiest man in the world,” I mutter when she reaches me, after what feels like an eternity.
My heart thumps in my chest as I stare at her, in awe of how beautiful she looks right now. She takes my hand and beams at me, her eyes overflowing with tears.
“I have no idea how you did it, but thank you,” she whispers.
“I’d do anything for you, Sweetpea.” I give her a shit-eating grin and tug her closer to me. “You’re my princess now.”
The End