A Cold Wife, Sweet Husband

He smiled at her and patted her hand. ―I know. He did know. He could tell how she felt just by looking at her. She took comfort in that. She followed his lead and allowed him to lead her down the aisle. Her face grew hot from the awareness that everyone was watching her. She hadn't been the center of attention before and found that it made her nervous. She could barely concentrate on walking. By the time she reached the altar, she could barely hear what the preacher was saying. It was hard to focus when she could feel everyone staring at her. Her father took her hand and put it around Leo's arm.

For the first time, she took a good look at Mr. Monroe. It suddenly occurred to her that he was a handsome man. It was odd that she hadn't noticed that he was so attractive before. He was smiling at her. The preacher began talking and her heart beat faster and faster with each word he spoke. Soon it would be her chance to say that she wasn't going to marry Leo. When the preacher expects me to say, "I do," I'll say, "I don't." She took a couple of deep breaths, hoping to calm down enough so she could concentrate on what was going on around her. Just forget that a room full of people are listening and watching. Unfortunately, telling herself that didn't make it that easy. The preacher stopped talking and looked at her. Startled, she blinked.

―Miss Allen? he gently asked. She cleared her throat. She hadn't realized that the ceremony had progressed so quickly. Say no! She glanced at Mary who looked as if she was silently pleading for her to say

―I do. Julie didn't seem to be paying attention. Leo looked worried. Nathan looked concerned. Brad gave her a warning look. Just say no! She tried to speak but the words wouldn't come out of her mouth. Maybe I can talk to him after the reception when no one is watching.

―I do, she finally said. Mary, Leo, Nathan, and Brad looked relieved. After the ceremony was over and they had eaten their lunch, it was time for dessert. She hadn't touched Leo since the ceremony, and since Nathan and Brad sat at their table, he spent most of his time answering their investment questions. She, in turn, talked to Mary and Julie.

She noticed that Julie was acting strange, though she didn't know exactly why or how. It seemed that Mary knew the reason but chose to act as if nothing was wrong. Jessica knew both of her friends well enough to understand that something wasn't right. Fifteen minutes after dessert, it was time for the first dance and Leo and Jessica had to be the first ones on the floor. Her nerves had settled during the lunch since people were no longer watching her, but as she joined Leo on the dance floor, her anxiety returned.

―Forgive me if I step on your feet, he softly told her so that no one would overhear. His words helped to ease her fear of dancing in front of everyone. She accepted his hand. She was four inches shorter than him and she thought it was a pleasant difference. He wrapped an arm around her waist and gently held her hand in his. She didn't want to enjoy being so close to him. Embarrassed, she couldn't bring herself to look at him. ―You're the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on, he told her. She accidentally stepped on his foot.

―I'm sorry, she immediately said. He smiled. ―I don't mind. I'm just glad I'm not the only one who's not very good at dancing. She chuckled despite herself. ―I always hope no one else notices. ―I'm the same way. She looked at him. ―You don't like to be in the spotlight? ―No. I know my job requires it on occasion, so I have to force myself to talk in front of a group of people. To be honest, I'd rather just sit back and watch someone else give the presentation.