The One Left Behind (The One Series) (49 page)

I’M STANDING BEHIND the closed doors waiting for them to open. I take a final glance down at my dress to make sure everything looks okay. My hair is curled and half up half down with the butterfly comb Pierce gave me pushed in where the top half of my hair is gathered. My fingertip length veil is pushed back behind my head and away from my face. I wanted a clear view of Pierce as I walked down the aisle and didn’t want the veil to hinder that in any way. My dad hands me the most beautiful bouquet of white peonies. I’m about to walk down the aisle and marry a man who loves me. All my bridesmaids have made it toward the altar and I know that it’s almost my time to walk. I wrap my arm through my dad’s and take a big breath.

The doors open and everyone in the church stands. There are probably 300 guests in attendance and all their eyes are on me. I wasn’t nervous until that moment when all the attention was directed at me. My dad and I start to make our way down the aisle lined in white rose petals. I’m looking straight ahead at Pierce who has the biggest smile on his face. His smile gives me butterflies and I return the gesture. His tuxedo is perfectly tailored to his body giving me a hint at what lies beneath. He mouths “I love you” as I get closer and I mouth the words back to him. That small sentiment instantly calms my nerves.

I start to look at everyone who has made it out to watch me marry the love of my life. I glance to my left and blue eyes catch mine. I look at the person who has gone from being a stranger to being my friend. Colin gives me a sad smile and I try to return it. His blue tie catches my eye and I do a double take.

“I wanted to get you something for your new job but I wasn’t sure what. Then I saw this tie and it reminded me of your eyes. Needless to say, it’s my new favorite tie of yours,” I said to Colin.

“Well then, I will be sure to wear it on every special occasion that occurs in our lives,” he said back with an appreciative grin on his face.

Suddenly, everything hits me in a rush. I feel slightly light headed as all these memories come rushing back as I stare into his sad eyes. I can see us meeting for the first time at the bar. Our first date. Our first kiss. The first time we made love. Helping him study for the bar exam. Late night cuddle sessions. The instant love we shared.

His proposal.

My answer.

It’s then that I realize I have stopped walking and my dad is whispering in my ear asking me if everything is all right. I don’t know what to say to him as anguish starts to set in. I’m now familiar with the feelings I had for Colin and it kills me to think of what I’ve put him through.

I look ahead at my awaiting groom and can see the panic in his eyes. I can hear the murmuring from all around the church but I could care less right now. It is in this moment that I remember everything. My dad asks me again if I’m okay. Hot tears prickle my eyes and all I can say is, “Oh, my God” as I bring a shaky hand up to my mouth and look back at Colin, “I remember.”

I WOKE UP this morning without a care in the world. I was marrying the woman who had stolen my heart, but now as I am standing at the end of the altar waiting for Addison, I see her suddenly stop. I can hear her tell her dad that she remembers everything and I see the panic and pain on her face. For the first time today, fear rushes through me. I’ve never felt pain like this before. I can feel the weight of the situation crushing me and my heart has a deep ache that makes it hard to breathe. When I first met Addison, in the back of my mind I always knew this was a possibility. As time went on, it became less of a worry for me. I didn’t think her memories would come back, especially on the day of our wedding. I leave the altar and walk down the aisle to meet Addison. Once I reach her, I take her hand in mine.

“Addison, are you okay?” I know she isn’t. “Whatever it is, it will be okay. We will get through it together.” I assure her, pleading with my eyes for her to follow me to the front. I can hear the rising panic in my voice as I see the confusion written all over her face.

Addison looks up at me with unshed tears in her eyes as she says, “I can’t do this. I need to go. I’m sorry.” The tears start streaming down her face as she turns around and runs out of the church.

I see Colby and Morgan running after her and I am frozen in place still in shock. I look to my right and lock eyes with Colin. I can see he is just as shocked as I am. His face has drained of all color as he stares back at me. I can tell he doesn't know what to make of this situation either. My mother walks up to me and places her hand on my shoulder.

“Pierce?” she says.

“I have to go after her.”

I take off through the church not sure where I am going or what I am going to do.

All I know is that I can’t lose Addison.

I need to find her.

I need to fight for her.

To our husbands, Scott and Steven, for all your support and encouragement and giving us the push to pursue our journey. A special thanks to Scott for watching our kids for endless amount of hours while we were editing. You really helped us out given that Steven was deployed and unable to lend a hand leaving you with double the diaper duty. We know the kids gave you a run for your money and we wanted you to know it didn’t go unnoticed.

We want to give a thank you to Heidi McLaughlin for pointing us in the right direction. We had endless questions for you and you always answered them quickly even with a hectic schedule of your own. You are always so nice and never make us feel like an inconvenience. For that we are forever grateful.

To HB Heinzer for the beautiful book cover you designed for us.

The biggest thank you to Fallon McCullough for all your time and hard work. Through all the beta reading, editing, and endless questions about formatting you have the patience of a saint. We can’t tell you how much we appreciate the time you gave into helping us put out the best work we could. You are a rock star. Thanks again, Sugar Plum.

To all the bloggers who were willing to take a chance on an unknown author by reading and reviewing our book. Without your support we wouldn’t be able to reach the amounts of readers that you are able to expose us to. We appreciate it more than you will know.

Last but not least, to all the readers. Without you none of this would have been possible. Your love for reading is what encourages people like us to want to make stories for you. We hope you enjoy this book as much as we enjoyed writing it.

Book two coming early 2014

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