“I know that this trip to Hawaii is going to be a little difficult for all of us, just because we barely know each other. But I do hope you can enjoy it, and the time you’re getting off from work.”
Admittedly, time away from work was nice. “Hawaii will be gorgeous, Mom. And so will this wedding. We can focus on relationships and the whole new family after everything has settled when we’re back in the city.”
She brightened with a big smile. “Thank you a thousand times, my sweet girl.”
I gave her a hug, and then I left the room and headed out into the hallway. Down at the end of the hall, stood none other than Damien. I wasn’t sure if I should go over and say something to him or turn around and act like I never saw him at all. Then, for some reason, I heard a little voice in my mind telling me to seize the moment and enjoy life even if only for one day. Who cares what we did or if it were to happen again? As wild and unpredictable as it was, I enjoyed myself more than I could explain.
So, instead of turning away and running for the nearest exit, I held my chin high and strutted right up to him. I gave him a tap on the shoulder, and as he turned to face me, I put one hand on the table and the other on my hip. I gave him a seductive bat of the eyes, smiling devilishly as though I wanted more of what he showed me the other night.
“Yes?”
I laughed at him.
He looked around for a moment, then his eyes came back to me, squinting and scanning me over. “Do I know you?”
“Do you...” Was he serious? “I mean, the pub was really dark, but I didn’t expect you to forget about me entirely.”
As he stared over me, brow wavering in thought, I started to notice how his sideburns and stubble were a little longer than I remembered. Sure, most guys could grow that pretty fast, but in only two days?
He started to grin, and I didn’t see any dimples. My first thought was whether I was in a twilight zone episode. Thankfully, he explained to me pretty quickly what had happened.
“You must have met Damien.”
I crossed my arms. “And that’s not you?”
He started to laugh. “Nope. And you’re not the first girl to think so. Damien is my identical twin brother. He prefers to keep himself clean shaven, which is why I don’t. Too many people have confused us on too many occasions. Also, I have a birthmark just below my hip.” He motioned to the top of his buttocks with a sly grin. “You know, just in case you want to be real sure.”
I shook my head. “Okay, I get it. So, what’s your name?”
He reached out his hand as his brow arched. “My name is Dax. And you are?”
“Parvati.” I shook his hand and told him it was nice to meet him, but then I had to go and help get things ready for the ceremony.
He released my hand gently and gave me a kind smile. “Yes, I was just heading back to see the groom. I hope to catch up with you later on.”
I couldn’t believe myself, but my first thought was about the things I could imagine doing with Dax as I had with Damien. I didn’t know what had gotten into me, but who could blame me? Damien was gorgeous and charming, and he had a twin brother! It was like hitting the jackpot. Damien was every bit alluring as one would imagine a charming wealthy man to be. Dax, on the other hand, happened to be more grounded and sweeter. There was something about him that screamed “boy next door,” and I was just as eager to see him later as I was to meet up with Damien. Maybe I was right when I told my mother that it was possible to fall for two different people in the same lifetime.
3
PARVATI
The wedding ceremony was incredibly gorgeous. My mom still looked pretty nervous as she walked down the aisle by herself, but she held it together perfectly. Her satin dress was a little off-white to complement the natural tones of the lilies she’d chosen. She also had a lace overlay from the bodice to her feet with lily imprints all throughout.
Aside from the white flowers, she carried baby’s breath and a few other green stems to balance out the look. Danforth had asked her about fall colors since it was late September, but my mom was insistent on keeping it white and green.
A pianist and a cellist played while my mom walked down the aisle. The runner was dusted lightly in white petals and a silvery glitter that made the whole place sparkle. The rows of seating were decked out in white and green flowers as well, and there were some hung overhead up front where my mom and Danforth would stand.