Brittany's Dream Wedding: Book 5 (Completed)

Chapter Seven

I entered the room and quickly took my seat in the second row. The crowd was starting to gather and I wanted to get the best view.

I saw Kai standing at the front shifting the weight between his feet. There was a time that I thought I had strong feelings for Kai and at one point I may have even thought I loved him. How different things could have been if I had continued to pursue a relationship with him. It might have been me walking down the aisle right now.

Zac looked gorgeous as best man. He was standing at the front with Kai, full of confidence. I could just imagine Zac standing there at our own wedding. It made my heart burst with pride.

Then Ronnie appeared flanked by four bridal attendants. She looked radiant in a strapless white dress, skin lightly tanned and her golden hair piled high on top of her head. She was the epitome of a beautiful bride. Kai and Ronnie looked like they belonged on the cover of a bridal magazine.

As Ronnie approached the altar is was clear that Kai only had eyes for her. Zac looked at me and gave me a special smile. I knew what he was thinking. That we would be next.

The reception was held in a local restaurant which had been decorated to suit the occasion. Flowers of various pastel shades adorned every corner. The lights had been softened to create a gauzy effect.

Zac pulled me onto the dance floor and held me tight.

It reminded me of our first high school dance. The one where he gently kissed me in front of the school declaring his love.

In a funny kind of way, it felt the same. Except this time we were engaged to be married. We had truly weathered the storms together.

Zac whispered tickling my ear in the process.

"How about we get out of here. Get some alone time together."

"Zac we can't. Didn't you forget that you have to do the best man speech?"

"I don't care about that. I care about you."

He then spun me out causing me to laugh in excitement. I knew I was in the right place. I knew I was home.

My short holiday time passed quickly. Soon enough I was driving back to the airport.

Zac and I had a tearful farewell although it was softened by the knowledge that I would return in a few months at the end of my contract to become husband and wife.

These were the thoughts that kept me going as I boarded the plane and headed back to London.

Arriving back at my Canary Wharf flat I felt a wave of nostalgia. It was strange. When I was in London I thought this was the place to be. When I was back home I thought that was the place to be.

I had made my choice. I had chosen Zac. There was no way I could be married to him and live here in London. Not in the long term anyway.

"The intrepid reporter returns!"

Harry was excitable when I returned to the office. I could tell he missed his partner in crime.

"By the way, Ms Williams wanted to see you first thing when you came back."

Great I thought. I had only just stepped into the office. I was getting in trouble already.

"Brittany. Glad to see you've returned. Please sit. There is something I'd like to discuss with you."

I felt my face get hot. Why did her opinion still matter so much to me. I mean I was finishing up in a few months. It wasn't like intending to extend my contract. My future had been mapped out.

Yet I felt oddly I proud of my achievements here and rightly so. I had learned from Ms Williams about determination and grit. She showed me a world I never thought I'd belong to. I'm others words I was grateful to have the chance to experience life in the fast lane.

"I have to say Brittany. You've exceeded my expectations during your time here. Believe me, I'm not one to throw around compliments. I trust you have enjoyed working here over the past several months."

"Yes Ms Williams. I'm grateful for the opportunity. I've learned so much. In fact, dare I be bold to say. You have been a big influence in the career too and I have a lot of admiration for you."

Ms Williams gave me a steely look. Oh no. Did I cross the line. Me and my runaway mouth!

Then the smallest hint of a crinkle appeared at her eyes. It was the most emotion I had seen in Ms Williams the entire time.

"Well, I called you in here to discuss your contract. As you know your original contract is coming to an end and we discussed at the beginning about a possible extension."

I held my breath. My heart started to pound. I started wringing my hands. Damn it. Why was I so nervous.

"You have a proven track record. You are diligent and hard working..."

I wish she would get to the point. I thought I would pass out with anticipation.

"So the newspaper has decided to extend your contract for another year."

My heart soared. I had taken on a challenging role and proven myself. I felt alive.

However I knew I couldn't take the position. I had made a commitment to get married to Zac in a few months. What was I going to do? Get married then say see you later Zac. I'll be back in a year. No it wasn't going to work out was it.

"Ms Williams. Whilst I appreciate the offer, I cannot accept. I've made a commitment to get married. I'll be leaving London in a few months and I won't be returning. However I'd just like to say thank you for giving me the chance in the first place."

I stood up quickly and ran out of the office before the tears started to fall leaving Ms Williams calling out my name.

I just couldn't turn around. I couldn't show my weakness. I ran straight into the bathroom and closed the door.