Too Late for Regret (Annalise and Roger) novel Chapter 162

Laney’s POV

One year later:

If anyone told me a year ago that I would marry Seth Caldwell, I would have called them a liar. Yet here I stand, in a dress that Ana designed just for me, looking like a vision. I have been a bundle of nerves all day. Not about marrying Seth, but about standing in front of the entire who’s who of the city. They were all shocked that Seth was marrying me, a nobody. I looked in the mirror and was still shocked to see I looked like a princess, with my hair up in pinned curls and a jeweled headpiece. I had my hair up to show off the row of buttons on the back of the dress, as well as the lace and train.

Ana and Alicia have been in and out of the room all day. Primarily because they were both my matron of honor. Ana designed their dresses as well. They looked stunning. I didn’t really have friends. I had no time for them, and lost contact with most of them after college. I had to work, and I didn’t have the money to go out, and before I knew it, I was alone. I was okay with it; my brothers were always my highest priority. Ana and Alicia had stood up for me this whole time. It just made sense for them to stand up for me.

My life is completely different because of them and Seth. I loved him, and I’m glad that Alicia called me out. I had been dragging my feet and making excuses because I was scared. I was sure that Seth would get tired of waiting for me and move on. Except he didn’t. He waited patiently for me, and I was happy to become his wife. I was ready to walk down the aisle right now, but it wasn’t time to step out yet.

My dress was one–of–a–kind because Ana designed it for me, and it was stunning. Ana had created a mermaid for me; she wanted to emphasize my figure. I wanted to knock Seth’s socks off, so I agreed to it. I got to decide on the fabric and all the details. The dress was covered in lace from the high neck to my knees. Then it went to tulle and flared out. The top had a sweetheart neckline, but Ana had covered it with lace. The beautiful lace Ana let me choose was gorgeous and delicate. This dress showed just how much Ana truly wanted me to be a member of her family, and I loved that she did it for me. She has designed wedding dresses for herself, Emily, Gwen, and now one for me. I was alone and thought back to exactly how I got here a year ago.

FLASHBACK

“I know that my mother came here today. She threatened you, and I’m sorry. You don’t have to worry, Laney. I’m not going anywhere. You hold my heart in your hands. I can wait for you to be ready to move forward with me,” Seth had told me the minute we sat down.

“No, I needed to hear it. I was dragging my feet and blaming you for my father’s actions. I haven’t been able to trust any man, other than my brothers, for a long time. I used rumors to keep you away from me, but I was wrong. I was scared, but you’ve never given me any reason not to give you a chance. You’ve done nothing but support and care for me. I lumped you in as being the same as my father, and that was never fair to you. I’m willing to go out with you, Seth, and see where this leads. But I want you to be very serious about us. Please don’t toy with my emotions. I wouldn’t be able to bear it if you broke my heart,” I told him.

“I will never break your heart, Laney. I’m in this for the long haul. I’ve never felt like this for anyone else. I love you, and I want you. You’re it for me,” he replied.

We had our first kiss right after that under the gazebo, under a sky full of stars, and it was absolutely perfect. It is a treasured memory for me. A moment that reminds me that love still exists. Seth has made good on his promise. I know he loves me; he shows me every single day.

FLASHBACK ENDS

“I’m glad you gave Seth a chance, Laney. Alicia and I saw it first, the long, lingering looks. I still look at her like she hung the moon for me, too. I stayed out of it, not because I didn’t support you. But because I wanted him to figure it out for himself. Seth used to be incredibly selfish. He was good to his family and Holden, but not so much to anyone else. That was when I saw the change in him. He no longer cared about what was in it for him. He made serious changes. He grew as a person, and I love that the most about you two finding each other,” Reid Caldwell told me as we stood arm–in–arm outside the double doors to the cathedral, as we waited to enter.

“I appreciate Alicia telling me that you all approved of me joining your family. That had been a big holdup for me. The Caldwell name is important. I didn’t think I could fit in, let alone be accepted. I appreciate you standing in for my father today. My brothers were going to do it, but they had already told Seth that they would be his groomsmen,” I replied.

“It’s my pleasure. Seth adores you, just like Charlie adores Ana. I have a front row seat to see what Seth is going to do when he sees you. You look beautiful, Laney,” Reid responded with a low laugh.

I had heard about what Charlie had done. The whole city was talking about it for months afterward. It meant something as it was clear to everyone there just how much he loved Ana. I doubt anyone could top it. The doors opened, and my music started. I was so nervous. My heart was beating loudly as we started down the aisle.

If I had known that was going to happen, I would have got a job there myself,” another voice rang out.

Laughter filled the room as I saw them through the c***k at the door, standing at the sinks, freshening their makeup. There were four of them, and I decided to wait to come out. I didn’t like my odds. They didn’t look happy. I’m just going to let them talk and get out of here. That worked for about two minutes. Before they spoke again.

“You going to stay in there all night? We know you’re in here. We waited for you to be alone. We wanted to speak to you,” the first one spoke.

“Yes, you need to file for an annulment tomorrow. I can make it really hard on you and your family if you don’t. I was with him first, you can wait like I have for five years,” the second one said.

I could see that they’re all facing the stall I was in, and I wouldn’t be going far if I stepped out. They were here to cause me problems, but I don’t have to play along. I didn’t even know who they were.

“Is that all? I don’t plan on coming out with you four here; I’ll wait. I don’t think it will work out well for me in the end,” I replied.

“You don’t have a choice, we can wait you out. What’s Seth going to do? Come in here? Ee just want to talk. He’s talking to Holden, so he’s going to be a minute, their having drinks. It’s just us girls, what could happen?” she said with a laugh.

The two who were speaking didn’t look dangerous. However, the two women who had been standing silently behind them this whole time did look dangerous. I’m not coming out until they leave. Hopefully, someone will notice and come check on me soon.