The plus one problem

1

Weddings are supposed to be magical.

Romantic.

A celebration of love.

Instead, this one feels like a countdown to my inevitable doom.

Because by the time the cake has been cut and the last dance has been danced, my fake relationship with Wes Hale will officially be over.

And I have no idea how to deal with that.

Especially because my cousin actually believes this relationship is real.

And worse? So does everyone else.
___________________________

I stand in front of the full-length mirror in the bridal suite, staring at my reflection.

My dress is stunning. A soft champagne-colored satin that hugs me in all the right places, with a delicate lace back and a slit that's just enough to be elegant but still a little scandalous. My hair is pinned up, strands of curls escaping around my face, my makeup effortlessly soft.

I look the part of a bridesmaid in a fairytale wedding.

But inside?

I feel like a fraud.

Because the person I'm supposed to be in love with?

The man I'm supposed to belong to tonight?

He's not actually mine.

And if everyone finds out I've been lying this whole time....

I grip the edges of the vanity, taking a deep breath.

"You okay?"

I jump, nearly knocking over a bottle of setting spray, and turn to see Jane standing in the doorway, still in her silk robe, her smile warm but knowing.

"Fine," I lie.

She raises an eyebrow, stepping inside. "That was the least convincing 'fine' I've ever heard."

I force a laugh. "I guess I'm just nervous about today. Big day, you know?"

She leans against the vanity, arms crossed. "Big day for me or big day for you?"

My stomach tightens. "What's that supposed to mean?"

She shrugs. "You've been acting different since you got here. And from the way Wes keeps looking at you—"

I freeze. "Wes kept looking at me?"

Her smile turns smug.

"Oh, sweetie. He looks at you like he's already married to you."

Before I can fully process that information, she places a hand on my arm, giving me the kind of soft, sincere look that only makes me feel guiltier.

"I'm just really happy for you, Hal."

My stomach clenches. "Happy?"

She nods. "I remember all the times we talked about love growing up. And how you were never sure if you'd find someone who really got you."

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out.

Because the truth is, I haven't.

At least, not the way she thinks I have.

I haven't found a forever love.
I haven't found someone who's mine.
I've just found Wes and this ridiculous, messy arrangement.

"I just knew the moment I saw you two together that this was it," she continues. "That he's your person."