Early Imprint [Book 3] ✔️

41 • Wedding Drama

QUIL'S POV

Claire was late.

Ten minutes to be precise, but late was late. My stomach twisted nervously as my mind began to run through different scenarios as to why she wasn't here yet. Illness...injury...car accident.

"Maybe she stood you up." Collin said as though reading my mind.

"Shut the fuck up." Jacob told him. The minister, who was standing near us, cleared his throat. Jacob looked over and grimaced. "I apologize."

We were standing in a half shaped huddle as we waited on the beach for Claire and the bridesmaids to arrive. The setting couldn't have been more perfect. The guests were sitting in white folding chairs talking quietly amongst themselves. The groomsmen, minister, and I were standing next to the arch that had been set up as an altar.

The arch was covered in white netting and flowers. Six tiki posts led up to the arch, each covered in the same material and flowers. Dozens of candlelit lanterns were placed on each side of the altar. The sun had just begun to set. It was the perfect setting for the wedding...we just needed the bride.

I knew that Claire wouldn't stand me up. I had no doubt about that, which was why I was now thinking about ditching the wedding to go find my bride. To distract myself from giving into that temptation, my eyes scanned the crowd.

"Where are Meena and Gabe? Weren't they supposed to be here?" I asked Jacob absently as I spotted Ness sitting with Charlie and Sue Swan and Leah and her husband Dylan. Leah, who was nine months pregnant, kept rubbing her belly uncomfortably.

"Uh...they had a little problem when they were hunting last night." Jacob replied in a tone so quiet I could hardly hear him. "They decided to go out this morning because Meena was starting to feel sick. Gabe can go a while without blood. Meena can't. I suppose they're out gorging themselves just to be on the safe side."

I glanced over and saw how still Nate had gone at the mention of Meena. I was about to comment on it when Jared's daughter, Hanna, suddenly began to play the keyboard that was setup on the other side of the altar. She was only 15 but was already an accomplished pianist and had agreed to play at our wedding. Jared, Kim, and Hanna's twin Hayley all beamed as they watched her play.

I was filled with an expectant joy as I heard the music. I knew it was the signal that meant Claire and the rest of the wedding party had arrived. The groomsmen and I got into place.

The girls were hidden by some boulders and trees that were nearby so I couldn't see Claire yet. First to appear was Claire's former roommate Jessica. Next was Gracie. Ryan didn't take his eyes off her. She met his gaze briefly and then looked away. Nate had told me earlier that upon hearing the news that she would be walking with Ryan at the wedding, Gracie had let out a resigned sigh and muttered "whatever."

After Gracie came Amber. I noticed her eyes were slightly puffy as though she had been crying. But she had a bright smile plastered on her face to mask her obvious pain. I could see Collin staring at her with a confused expression on his face. I wondered again why Collin could see Amber in focus all the time while the rest of us couldn't.

Next came Ashley who also had a fake smile on her face. I got a sense that she was pissed off about something. My sister, Kya, followed Ashley, and then Lindsey appeared. Collin smiled brightly at the sight of his wife. Her eyes connected with his and you could feel the love and affection that passed between them. Cora soon followed and then "The Wedding March" began to play. I held my breath until I saw Claire come around the corner on the arm of Ronnie. I felt like bursting with pride at the sight of her.