The Reluctant Bride (Arranged Marriage #1)(54)

It’s scary, having to go this alone and play the excited bride-to-be.

I make my way to the ballroom where our reception will be held tomorrow. Caroline Constantine put up a big fit, wanting the wedding to be held at her home in Bishop’s Landing, but my parents put their foot down. This is a Lancaster wedding, and my father wasn’t about to have my wedding happen in Constantine territory.

Despite the fact that he’s literally giving me away to them, I suppose he does have a few standards.

Once I find the ballroom, I’m instantly greeted by the wedding planner my mother hired after we became engaged.

“Charlotte, my God you’re positively glowing!” Miranda says, her eyes comically wide as she grabs my hands and gives them a quick squeeze. “Getting married is such a good look for you.”

I don’t bother telling her I went to a spa a few days ago and had a facial and was scrubbed to within an inch of my life. I’ve been waxed and plucked too, like I’m a freaking chicken.

But I do have to agree with her that my skin has never looked better. And that wild-eyed flushed expression probably has more to do with nerves than anything else.

“Thank you.” I smile.

She scans my attire, approval glowing in her eyes. “That dress is a masterpiece. You look as sweet as a wedding cake.”

I’ve worn more dresses these last six weeks since becoming engaged than I have in the last year, I swear. Tonight’s mini dress is nude in color, the fabric covered with tiny pink appliqued flowers and trimmed with pink lace, with a wide band wrapped around just beneath my breasts. The skirt is constructed of tiered tulle, drenched with more pink appliqued petals, as are the long, sheer sleeves. Nude patent leather stilettos with tiny straps around my ankles complete the look, and I grip the pale pink clutch Mother gave me tightly in my right hand.

My makeup is perfection, my hair pulled into a sleek, low ponytail. Giant diamonds from the Lancaster vault glitter in my ears, and my engagement ring is heavy on my finger, reminding me of what’s about to take place.

“Thank you,” I repeat as I glance around the room. There are tables and chairs already set up for tomorrow’s reception, and quite a few hotel employees are buzzing around, still working. “Looks like things are coming together.”

“Yes, they’ve been hard at work all afternoon, and will continue to work through tomorrow,” Miranda says, turning to watch them. “I know you’re going to be so pleased with how everything turns out. I’m so excited.”

“Me too,” I say faintly, not sounding excited at all. There’s so much being done, and a tremendous amount of money being spent on this wedding.

“Let’s go outside to the gardens where the ceremony is being held.” Miranda frowns, though her face doesn’t move at all. She must use Botox. “Where’s your fiancé?”

“He’s meeting us here. He should arrive soon,” I answer.

“Text him. Find out where he’s at.”

Miranda watches me expectantly, and I have no choice but to pull my phone out and send my beloved a quick text.

Me: Are you almost here?

He answers immediately, thank God.

Perry: Who is this?

We’ve never really texted before, even though we shared our numbers with each other. I should’ve expected this response. I bet he didn’t put my name with my number.

Turning so my back is to Miranda and she can’t see our messages, I hurriedly type out a reply.

Me: It’s your fiancée. I’m at the hotel. Miranda the wedding planner is eager to get things started.

Perry: Oh.

That’s all he says. Oh.

I could throttle him.

Perry: I’m on my way. Traffic is shit.

Irritated, I tap out my reply.

Me: How long until you arrive?

Perry: IDK. 30 min?

Taking a deep breath, I exhale loudly before I turn to face Miranda once more. “My fiancé is going to be late. Traffic is unexpectedly busy.”

“Oh dear. I wish he would’ve left sooner.” Miranda taps her index finger against her pursed lips. “Let’s go ahead and go to the gardens. I’ll make sure everyone in the ceremony will be routed out there. Where’s your maid of honor?”

“She’ll be here soon.” We realized at my dress fitting that I needed at least one person to stand up for me during the ceremony. Since I have no sisters and I’m not particularly close to anyone, Tinsley said she’d be my maid of honor.

Winston is Perry’s best man, and his brother Keaton is a groomsman. The ceremony itself is on the smaller side. We have a small party and only invited a select few to keep it intimate, is how my mother described it.

More exclusive, is what Caroline said.

It was just easier, keeping it small. The less people in attendance, the less questions are asked. And those who are going to the ceremony aren’t asking many questions at all. From what I understand, they all had to sign an NDA in order to attend.

The reception is an entirely different thing. Both families have invited so many people, I’m surprised it’s not being held in two ballrooms. Last I heard, approximately five hundred have RSVP’d. And more will most likely randomly show up.

Unbelievable.

Miranda walks with me to the gardens, and when we enter the space where I’m to be married tomorrow, I suck in a quick breath.