Chasing Destiny by Nikki Rittenberry Page B

containing a chilled, unopened bottle of French champagne. A single red rose was arranged in front of it, along with a small card that read: Welcome home. Cassie brought the flower to her nose and inhaled its fresh aroma and then placed it back onto the tray. She was disappointed that she was occupying this romantic suite alone, but she had become quite accustomed to being deserted.
    Cassie removed her clothes from her luggage and hung them in the armoire. She studied her wardrobe closely and then finally settled on a black, long-sleeved dress and a pair of magenta pumps. The hem fell mid-thigh, revealing her seductively sculpted legs. She wore her hair back into a sleek, low ponytail and accentuated her large hazel eyes and voluptuous lips with a light coating of make-up. She felt an overwhelming ache in her heart as she stared at her reflection, uncertain if she was ready to face Jacob. Don’t be ridiculous, she told herself. You’re both adults. You’ve moved-on and he probably has, too. After grabbing her gray, croc-leather clutch, she traveled downstairs and sat behind the wheel of her rental car.
    The drive to Bailey Island had taken longer than she had anticipated, however she didn’t mind—the scenery was breathtaking. Once she left the interstate the road narrowed and drifted with the lay of the land. She finally happened upon a unique, slender bridge that barely appeared wide enough for two cars to pass simultaneously. This one of a kind bridge was constructed of granite slabs. They appeared to be stacked into a pattern that left openings for the strong current to flow through without restraint. She hesitated for a moment before finding the courage to continue and when she reached the other side she realized her worries were unwarranted.
    The road veered to the right and within moments, she spotted the two hefty , white lamp posts she was instructed to look for. They straddled the private drive, beckoning for her to follow. The two-story cottage was covered with weathered shingles and accented with vivid, white trim. She retreated from her rental car and followed the wrap-around porch to the back. She turned the corner and suddenly realized why Tanner had been so adamant about this location for the ceremony and reception. The backdrop was breathtaking and she felt as though she’d been cast into one of the picturesque postcards she’d seen earlier at the airport when she’d arrived.
    The expansive lawn was separated down the center by a substantial wood deck. At the end of the large deck was a small staircase that led to a smaller, more private deck which overlooked the steep, rocky shore. Both decks were lined with glowing tiki torches, illuminating the structure slightly and evoking an intimate aura.
    While absorbing the scenery, she was spotted by Emily and the two embraced on the covered, back porch. Emily was slightly taller than her, with deep auburn hair that gently brushed her shoulders and flawless, porcelain skin.
    “Oh my goodness—I’m so glad you could make it!” Emily exclaimed.
    “I wouldn’t have missed this for the world, Em.”
    Emily glanced over Cassie’s shoulder and arched her neck. “Where’s Landon? Is he parking the car?”
    Cassie looked down at her feet for a moment before answering. “Um, no… I came alone.”
    “What? I thought he was coming with you?”
    “Yeah, well… as usual, he has more important things to attend to.”
     “I’m so sorry, sweetie. I know how much you were looking forward to spending some time away with him .”
    “ It is what it is”, Cassie said, smiling to prevent her tears from cascading down her cheek. “Enough about me—tell me about the wedding. Where is the ceremony going to take place?”
    Emily pointed to the grassy area on the right side of the deck. “The ceremony is going to take place over there, with the ocean and sunset as our backdrop. We’ll have a brief cocktail hour here on the deck while the bridal party takes