A REASON FOR MARRIAGE

She could open up to Vivian, Sara thought. She desperately needed to open up to someone about her careless fling with Simon Hamilton or she was going to explode, “You’re right,” Sara admitted, “We did have a fling… A one night stand as some people call it, but that was it. We’re done now and he’s not going to be my date to the wedding or anywhere else. If I don’t get someone else to come with, I can attend the wedding alone. There’s no rule that says that I can’t, is there?”

Vivian shook her head in response.

And if Simon wanted to bring some woman to the wedding as his date, he was free to do so as it was none of her business, Sara thought, but the thought of seeing another woman in his arms made her want to burst into tears.

____________

Sara set the crystal tiara carefully over Vivian’s topknot of dark curls, watching her reflection in the mirror to position this last piece of wedding finery with perfect precision.

“There!” she said with a satisfied smile, stepping back to fluff out the veil attached to the tiara. “You look fabulous! A princess bride if ever I saw one.”

Vivian’s eyes sparkled with happy anticipation. “I hope Scott thinks so too.”

“How could he not?” Sara’s gaze dropped to take in the heavily beaded and embroidered bodice of the wedding dress. It was molded to every feminine curve like a second skin. Little cap sleeves led into slow heart-shaped neckline, echoed at her tiny waist with a slight dip from which a many-layered tulle skirt frothed to the floor. It was pure romance and typically Vivian, “You’ll take his breath away.”

They shared a sisterhood smile.

“You look fabulous, too, Sara. That dark red suits you.”

It did. And the simple elegance of the strapless satin sheath was much more her style. Though Vivian had stuck her with a flower in her hair, a dark red rose nestled against the topknot of curls which were more unruly than the bride’s but hopefully fastened securely by pins. Her four bridesmaids were wearing their hair up like Vivian’s. At the moment, the other three, close friends of her Vivian, were out of the room, checking out the bouquets which had just been delivered.

Vivian took on the opportunity for a private chat. “You know what would really make me happy?” she pressed.

“I thought you were over the moon already, marrying the man you love.”

“if you’d just give Simon Hamilton a chance. I think he likes you. He’s Scott’s best man. As my chief bridesmaid, you’ll be partnered with him and…”Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Please…” Sara rolled her eyes in exasperation at Vivian’s matchmaking attempt, “… don’t start on that again.”

“But he’s really nice. All the times I’ve met him, he was nice. And he hasn’t picked up with anyone since he arrived into town,”

“You want to land me with a man on your wedding day of all days. You should be focused on yourself not me,”

“Now I’m beginning to think you’re being nit-picky. You’ve got to face it, Sara. Simon Hamilton is a very attractive man and you really like him too. The feeling is mutual,”

“And he and I are done. I’m beginning to regret telling you about our one night stand. I don’t need him or any other man. I have my job to keep me occupied,”

Vivian gritted her teeth. “Your job cannot take the place of a man in your life.”

“You’re right. They’re something else. Your job will keep you busy, especially if you love what you do. And you won’t get hurt if you focus on it… Unlike men like Simon Hamilton,”

“Now you’re being cynical.”

“Not at all. Just telling it how it is.”

“Jobs indeed,” Vivian scoffed. “Whoever heard of stuff like that. Anyways, at least it shows there’s some romance left in your soul,” she reasoned, returning to her pitch. “Simon Hamilton could be good for you.”

Sara shrugged, not wanting an argument today of all days. “Well, if he is, he is.”

“So you will give him a chance.”

“I’ll dance with him at your wedding if he asks and hope he doesn’t tread on my toes. Happy now?”

Vivian relaxed into a laugh which ended in a rueful grimace. “You two made such a striking pair when Scott invited you guys for dinner. Too bad you guys already screwed things up, but there’s still a chance to fix things,”

“Mmm…” It was the most non-committal reply Sara could come up with.

Vivian rattled on. “Scott says…”

The other bridesmaids erupted into the room, carrying the bouquets and exclaiming how beautiful they were, and any further talk about Simon Hamilton was abruptly dropped, much to Sara’s relief. She didn’t want to discuss him or anything about him. It was easier to keep him tucked away as a private memory.

Her stomach clenched at the need that suddenly clawed through her. Stupid, she fiercely told herself. Magic could never be recaptured, especially after the conversation they had the last time they saw each other. It would be different, a second time around. In fact, it might even spoil the memory she had of him. Better that he remained in the past.

The only problem was, she couldn’t get interested in other men, despite her best efforts to couple herself with quite a few reasonably attractive prospects. She still wanted to find someone to be her sperm donor, but she didn’t know why she was holding back now. Or maybe she did and just didn’t want to admit it to herself.

It was actually Simon Hamilton who was getting in the way, or at least the memories of him, making other men seem hopelessly pale in comparison.

She hadn’t even been tempted to pick up with Mark Forbes again, despite his abject requests for another chance to go out with her again.

Simon Hamilton had indeed wrecked any chance of her connecting to someone else who might very well be good for her… She wandered over to the window, knowing the vintage cars to transport the wedding party were due to arrive. The cars had been Scott’s idea, matching up to Wisteria House, where Vivian had chosen for the reception. lt was very romantic. As it should be on their wedding day. The weather had smiled on them. It was a lovely sunny afternoon. The ceremony at the church was scheduled for four o’clock and it was now three-fifteen.