Chloe raised an eyebrow.
“She must be devastated that her wedding-day hostage has escaped.”
I shook my head, though I couldn’t help smiling.
“Don’t answer her yet.”
At 6:10, the hotel corridors began filling with staff preparing for the day. Delivery carts rolled past our door. Somewhere downstairs, a pianist was rehearsing the songs for the ceremony.
The world was waking up.
I stood in front of the mirror while Chloe fastened my grandmother’s silver pendant around my neck.
“You look beautiful,” she said.
“I haven’t even put the dress on.”
“You don’t need the dress for that.”
I turned toward her.
“What if everything falls apart?”
“Then it falls apart with the truth in the room.”
I held onto those words.
At 6:42, my phone buzzed.
It was a message from Vanessa.
Good morning, bride-to-be! I’m coming up to check on your dress. Don’t let the nerves get to you. Today is going to be perfect.
