Listen to Your Heart(43)

“Funny, she wanted pastel pink two months ago. What changed?”

Everything.

“She thinks black will look elegant. I’ve already contacted the bridal shop to see if a color change is even possible. They said they’d do it, but we have to get the order in this week.”

I’m almost to the door when Lynsey reaches for my arm. Her eyes are full of hurt.

“Why, Skye? Why are you doing this?”

I blink back tears. It seems I’m not so brave when I’m not in Caleb’s arms. We’ve spent every night together this week, and while I feel loved and reassured at night, I’m having trouble keeping my sanity during the day.

“Later,” I whisper, hoping she’ll let it go for now so that I can get through this meeting.

To my great relief she does.

Lynsey heads to her office, and I force a smile as I walk down the hall and toward the small conference room. Through the glass wall, I see Robyn pouring coffee. She’s already placed a giant book of swatches on the table.

“Tea for you, Skye?”

“Yes, thanks.” I smile and sit down next to Juliana. “Good morning. Would you like a muffin or danish?”

She nervously clears her throat. “No, thank you. I don’t think I could eat if I tried.”

Same here.

“I hope everything’s okay. Your mom’s home, right?”

“She is. The memory loss is . . . well, it’s still there. But otherwise she’s doing okay.”

“I’m glad.”

“Can I get you anything else?” Robyn asks.

“I think we’re good. Thanks, Robyn.”

Juliana waits until the receptionist is out of the room before turning her wide eyes to me.

“Skye, I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything. This was my decision.”

“I couldn’t believe it when Caleb called. I don’t know if I could do what you’re doing. You’re planning my wedding, for heaven’s sake. It seems . . . cruel. I don’t want to be cruel. To Caleb or to you.”

“This was my decision. I’m at peace with it.”

It’s a lie. She knows it’s a lie, but she thanks me, anyway.

I open up the book of swatches. “I talked to the bridal shop. They’re willing to let us change the color of the dresses, but we have to decide today. I’ve marked a few I think you might like.”

“Skye, you know I don’t care about any of this. I’m just here to keep up appearances. Why don’t you just pick the one you like?”

“I’ve done enough of that. And this is not my wedding.”

Her eyes brim with tears.

“Skye . . .”

“I’m sorry. I . . . really think you should choose. Your mom will ask. I’m sure she’ll want to know the fabric and style. You would assume black is black, but there are various shades and textures.” I’m talking too fast. My hands tremble as I turn the page. “I . . . I would recommend satin or chif—”

“Skye, are you okay?”

“Or . . . maybe . . . maybe chiffon?”

My chest tightens and my vision blurs. What’s wrong with me?

“Excuse me,” I whisper shakily.

Rushing out of the conference room, I race through the lobby and out into the cool Nashville air. I close my eyes as I try to control my breathing, willing my body to calm down. After a few minutes, my heart rate slows and my muscles unclench. I blink rapidly, trying to make sense of the panicky feeling that vanished just as quickly as it appeared.

When I feel steady enough, I walk back into the office.

“Skye?” Robyn asks when I pass her desk.

“I’m fine.”

She nods and I head back to the room. Juliana’s still there, watching me closely as I walk over to the table.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Just needed some air, I think.” I smooth my skirt and sit back down next to her. “So, what do you think?”

“Skye, this is ridiculous.”

“Please just pick one.”

Keep it together, Skye.

Juliana eyes me strangely and points to a random swatch.

“Great.”

I make a note of the item number just as Lynsey walks through the door. Behind her is a tall, broad-shouldered man with surfer-blonde hair. A portfolio is tucked beneath his arm.

Juliana springs out of her seat. “Deacon!”

Deacon?

Lynsey smiles brightly. “I am so sorry to interrupt, but Deacon saw Juliana through the glass and just had to say hello.”

But Juliana and Deacon are totally ignoring us. He drops his portfolio on the table and swings her into his arms like they’re long lost lovers.

“What are you doing in town?” she asks excitedly. “I thought you were on assignment in London?”

“We wrapped earlier than expected. I arrived in town last night.”

Juliana’s practically bouncing. “My roommate and I just watched a documentary you shot in the Australian outback. It was amazing.”

Roommate. Not fiancé.

Interesting.

“Thanks,” Deacon says with a wide grin. “I’m headed to the Smoky Mountains, but I wanted to stop by and show some samples to Lynsey. I couldn’t believe it when I saw you through the glass.”