While Ainsley strolled down the aisle to music played by a harpist, Cara stood behind a wall covered with flowers—gorgeous, colorful blossoms that kept her hidden from the guests. Most importantly, they concealed her from the groom. She didn’t want Brody to see her until she was heading toward him. Clutching her bouquet of white and pink roses, she couldn’t believe she was marrying her best friend today after only being proposed to yesterday.
Well, proposed to for real this time.
Standing next to her in a tuxedo, her father wiped his eyes. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to apologize enough.”
“I’m just happy you and Mom are here today.”
Cara was. Her parents had called after they’d learned the truth from Caitlin. It still upset Cara they’d taken her sister’s side so readily—that hurt would take time to heal—but she realized people weren’t perfect, including parents. Despite everything, she wanted them at her wedding. She wanted her dad to escort her down the aisle. And Caitlin…
After footage from the wedding rehearsal had been released last night, her “new” publicist had released a statement from Caitlin, one that Cara had read so many times she’d memorized the words:
To my dearest fans, especially my beloved Braits. I can’t tell you how much your support these past two weeks has meant to me, but I must put an end to an elaborate publicity stunt for my new movie TROUBLE IN TULLE that has spiraled out of control. What I said about my sister, Cara O’Neal, and Brody Simmons were lies concocted by my now-former publicist and PR firm. My sister never stole Brody from me, nor is she pregnant. Brody never cheated on me, either. He and I broke up two and a half years ago, but we were advised to remain a “couple” in order to help our movie franchise. Being desperate for success, we followed this misguided advice. I’m sorry for deceiving you, but I couldn’t allow the lies to continue and hurt others. That’s not who I am. I hope you will find it in your hearts to forgive me. Love to all of you, my darlings! Yours, Cait.
Caitlin had also sent a text to those closest to her saying she was taking a much-needed vacation, but she hadn’t mentioned the location. As Brody had said, Caitlin was an adult, and this was her choice.
Cara agreed. She was making her own choice—to forget everything else and make the most of her wedding day.
The harpist played another song. Sariah motioned Cara forward. “It’s time.”
Her dad extended his arm. “You’re a beautiful bride.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
As Cara stepped from behind the wall, she gasped. More flowers in her favorite pastel colors had been added to the gazebo, so many she could barely see the wood. Rustic ladders on either side held lovely posts overflowing with flowers. Helium-filled balloons in pastel colors had been covered in tulle and then tied with ribbons and flowers. Petals covered the aisle runner in between smaller pots of flowers lining the edges.
Forget what she’d imagined inside the Bay View House on her first visit.
This was her dream wedding, and Brody…
He stood at the front of the aisle in gray pants, a white shirt, and a coordinating vest and bow tie. So handsome. She didn’t think her pulse could race faster. She was wrong.
Matthias stood next to him.
She’d never seen such happiness radiating off Brody’s face. His anticipation matched the way she felt.
Cara let her dad set the pace; otherwise, she might move too fast.
She couldn’t wait to be Brody’s wife.
Each step brought her closer.
She recognized some of Brody’s friends. His family took the front row on the right. Geoff, Renee, and Moe sat together on the left side of the aisle. Cassie and Troy sat in front of them. Ryland had postponed his flight to Portland when he heard there would be a wedding and sat next to Troy. Cara’s mom and the security team were in the front row. Lex had a package of tissues. Jackson kept surveying the perimeter. Kai adjusted his tie. Rizzo held Loki’s carrier so he could attend the wedding, too.
Joy overflowed. Happy tears stung.
Cara reached the front of the aisle where her father kissed her cheek, placed her hand in Brody’s, and then left them to sit with her mother.
Brody leaned closer. “You’re stunning.”
“So are you,” Cara whispered.
“Ready?”
“You have no idea.”
They faced forward so Shelley could begin the ceremony, but Cara couldn’t help but sneak a peek at Brody.
From a little bit engaged to a happily ever after.
Dreams really could come true.
Hers and Brody’s had.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Thank you for reading A Little Bit Engaged. If you’d like to read skier Ryland “Ry” Guyer’s story, click here. If you missed Cassie and Troy’s story in Book 1 or Laurel and Brett’s story in Book 2, click here.
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