The Temporary Wife - By Jeannie Moon Page 0,18
meant as much to him as she did to Meg, and now that they were taking on the raising of Molly together, there was a bond between them, but it was very, very new. “I don’t know what else to say. I hope you’ll come to the wedding.”
“Of course I’ll be there.” Jill swallowed, looking for a way to show some support, but this was not going to be easy. “Tell me about your dress.”
Her dress. That was still kind of a mystery.
“I have an appointment today at a boutique in Cold Spring Harbor.” Meg needed to go for it. She just needed to ask her. “I was kind of hoping you and Charlotte could go with me.”
Surprisingly, Jill’s face bloomed at the idea. “I’d love to go. What time?”
“Really?” Relief washed over Meg. Having her friends at her side, supporting her decision—even if they didn’t understand it—meant everything.
“Of course,” Jill said. “Do you have something in mind?”
“I want to keep it simple. Especially since the wedding is in three weeks.”
“Cold Spring Harbor? Are we going to Emma’s? Because if we are, finding something ‘simple’ might be a challenge.”
Meg nodded. Jason had made the appointment and set up an account at the most expensive bridal boutique outside of New York City.
“Hmmm . . .” Jill was grinning. “I’m guessing your groom has taken care of everything.”
“He’s very generous.” That was the truth. Jason didn’t have any problem spending his money on other people. The redecorating of the house was costing tens of thousands of dollars. Jill took her hand and examined the ring once again. “It really is stunning.”
Going with it, and allowing herself to get a little bit excited, Meg agreed. “If you think this is nice, you should see the house he bought.”
“I think a field trip is in order.”
“Where are we going?” Their friend Charlotte Bolt entered the room. Charlotte was the school’s art teacher. She was nearly six feet tall, with striking black hair that she kept tied back in a ponytail. She wore little makeup, but today sported a smudge of aqua paint on her forehead.
“We’re going bridal gown shopping and then to Meg’s new house.”
“Seriously? A new house?” Charlotte grabbed a handful of candy and tossed a few in her mouth. “Good times.”
***
Emma’s in Cold Spring Harbor was the destination for brides on the North Shore. Situated in an old house in the quaint village, women shopped for dresses, by appointment only, with a bridal consultant. Champagne was served with fresh strawberries and chocolate while brides and their attendants tried on designer gowns. Meg wasn’t as excited about buying a dress as she should be, but it had to be done. The wedding was going to be at an east end winery in Cutchogue in a little more than two weeks, so she had to find a dress today.
They were greeted when they entered by a perfectly turned-out young man who was manscaped within an inch of his life. He walked them to the private salon, and Meg burst into tears when she saw her mother and sister were waiting for her. The last time she talked to them, her mother hadn’t been sure she could support Meg’s decision and her sister was livid, but when it came down to it, they were the ones she could count on. Her husband-to-be might be a big question mark, but her family, her friends, would save her every time.
Her mother rose from the sofa and wrapped Meg in a hug.
“I’m glad you guys are here,” Meg said, so comfortable in her mother’s warmth.
“I couldn’t miss this, even if I do think it’s going too fast. You’re my baby.” Mom’s hand touched her cheek.
With everyone settled in, Meg let herself be enveloped by the dream and started to try on dresses.
***
Jason didn’t have a lot of close relationships in his life, but Owen Kent and Nate Bayard had been his best friends since the three of them found themselves sitting in the same English class their first day of prep school. They had played hockey together, drank beer behind the field house, and talked about girls. The three of them were now business partners, with each contributing to the success of the operating system Jason developed called Reliance.
They worked insanely long hours, and as a result were self-made billionaires in their early thirties. Jason felt lucky he had them, for a lot of reasons. He might have been the one who developed the software, but without his