Hometown Heartbreakers Collection, Volume 1 by Susan Mallery

Author:Susan Mallery
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2019-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 9

The bride’s dressing room in the back of the old Glenwood Christian church was big enough to accommodate a formal wedding party, including a bride in a gown with a cathedral train and a host of bridesmaids. Rebecca felt a little lost standing there alone. Her tea-length ivory gown didn’t require petticoats or extra space. It hung straight from her shoulders and was fitted to just below the waist where it flared out, ending a few inches below her knees.

She turned around slowly, wondering if the ghosts of past brides would be friendly and wish her happiness, or if they would mock her solitary state. Maybe she’d made a mistake by not inviting some friends from town to be with her. It had been an impulsive decision made when Austin had told her to invite whoever she liked. As she listened to the silence and felt the presence of the ghosts, she finally admitted why.

She was afraid he wasn’t going to be there.

In her heart of hearts she fully expected to walk up the center aisle of the church by herself and find the minister standing alone. It would be easier for her if only one or two people were witness to her humiliation.

Even as she tried to talk herself out of her negative thoughts, that insistent voice way back in her head whispered she was going to be abandoned at the altar. Austin would change his mind. He didn’t really want to marry her. A man like him didn’t want a woman like her. He could have anyone. Someone beautiful and talented, witty and comfortable in sophisticated surroundings. They would travel the world together, maybe on a yacht. Drink champagne and eat caviar. She’d never even seen caviar and, frankly, preferred it that way. Why would anyone want to eat salty fish eggs?

A sob caught in her throat, but she trapped it there. She wasn’t going to give into the emotions raging inside her. She couldn’t. If she started to cry, she might never stop. Then where would she be?

She glanced down at her watch. The slim, gold timepiece had been a graduation gift from her parents. She’d already written the telegram she was going to send them, informing them about the wedding. They would be shocked, but in time they would understand. She’d promised to bring her new husband home to meet them for Christmas. Of course if there wasn’t going to be a wedding, then she wouldn’t have to worry about her folks’ reaction. See, she thought, there was good news in even the worst of circumstances.

She crossed the large, empty room and sat in front of the vanity. On the table in front of her was a floral headpiece, a bouquet and a small jeweler’s box. She picked up the headpiece. Small, delicate ivory orchids formed a fragrant circle. She looked straight ahead and met her own apprehensive gaze in the mirror.

Her eyes were big, wide with nerves. Make that terror, she thought, trying to lighten her mood.

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