Meant to Marry Me: Nashville Country Dreams Part 1 novel Chapter 43

Aware that Bree had arrived, Trent did his best not to look at her. He wanted to; he knew she looked gorgeous in that green dress without even turning his head that direction. But Monica didn’t need to know Bree had anything to do with his discovery of her cheating, nor did she need to know that he had feelings for Bree, that he’d been in love with her for at least a decade and wasn’t sure how he’d ever stop loving her, even if he did go through with the wedding.

Monica had made more promises in the last few hours than she ever had in the whole time they’d been dating. She had sworn she’d never, ever leave his sight again, if that’s what Trent wanted. He could trust her--she swore. It had only happened once. It was so long ago, she hardly remembered it. She’d been so drunk….

He’d given her the benefit of the doubt, though he wasn’t sure why. He wished he could get ahold of Hank to hear his side of the story. If Hank said something different, like it wasn’t that long ago, or it had happened more than once, he’d believe him. Monica had every reason in the world to lie to him, and Hank had none.

But he’d only gotten his friend on the phone for a few seconds before he’d hung up on him. All he’d gotten out was, “Hank, we need to talk. I know--” and Hank had dropped the call. Trent had tried to call him back a dozen times but gotten nowhere.

Then, he’d gone to talk to his parents. His mother had been honest like always, saying she’d never liked Monica and this was all the more reason why he shouldn’t marry her. His father had been a little more diplomatic, saying Trent needed to give it some thought. Of course, if he needed some more time, he should wait. He didn’t have to get married tomorrow, even if it did cost him a bit of money. He had money, after all. Money wasn’t the issue.

Monica was.

She’d lied and cheated. He didn’t know if he really loved her. He knew he loved someone else. Why was he still sitting here? He glanced around and saw all the people waiting for them to get started. Some would understand; some wouldn't. More people were on their way--coming in later that night or in the morning. What would those people think? He could pay them back for their travel expenses, but again, that wasn’t the point.

Everyone would want to know what happened, why he’d called it off. How embarrassing would it be to have to admit his bride was sleeping with his best man--and he’d had no idea? When people got a divorce, there were questions, but a simple, “We just weren’t getting along” was sufficient. In this case, people would demand details.

He heard a cheer go up in the back and turned to see Hank was there. Bree must’ve called him. She was the only one who could’ve convinced him to come. He looked like he’d been crying. Trent gave him a small smile, and Hank seemed to relax. Again, Trent should be furious with him. He should want to punch him in the face. He knew if Hank had slept with Bree, he wouldn’t ever want to speak to him again. But he didn’t care as much that Hank had slept with Monica--why was that?

He looked at the woman sitting next to him and knew the answer immediately. He didn’t love Monica. Maybe he never had. He ran a hand through his hair and turned to tell her he wanted out.

“Please, Trent,” she said through barred teeth, with tears in her eyes, before he could say anything at all. “Don’t do this. Not now, okay? Let’s talk about it again later. Okay? Let’s just… get through the rehearsal.”

Blowing out a deep breath, Trent nodded. The pastor was ready, and he stood, hoping to get this over with quickly so that he would have time to think. Marrying Monica just seemed wrong, but he had no idea how to get out.