Forgetting the Past
By Brenda Kennedy
Dedicated to
Christina Badder
I will cherish our friendship, forever.
Copyright 2016 by
Brenda Kennedy
The Forgotten Trilogy
Book One
Forgetting the Past
Books One and Two end in Cliffhangers
Prologue
Ava
“Ava, do you take Connor to be your husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”
With a shaky voice I say, “I do.” Connor stands tall and confidently in front of our many friends and family. He smiles and winks at me. I smile back as I slide the wide platinum, diamond infinity wedding band onto his finger.
“Connor, do you take Ava to be your wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?”
I watch as he slides the diamond infinity platinum wedding band onto my ring finger. “I do,” he says clearly and without reservation. I blink through thick lashes and watch as the flawless diamonds reflect the light from the unity candle. It’s stunning.
“From the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” I look up at my now husband who takes a small step towards me. “You may now kiss your bride.” Connor smiles and licks his lips before he bends down to kiss me. I stand on tiptoes to return his soft kiss.
After the kiss I look out into the crowd at our friends and family. We had over one hundred guests on our wedding list and every single person came to witness Connor and me exchange our wedding vows. I am sure that most of them came because of Connor’s success and prestige.
“I would like to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Connor Brantley Emerson.”
Our friends, family, and colleagues clap and shout with cheers.
During the reception, we listen to the speech from his best man, Chase, and my best friend, Skylar. Chase is an attorney at the same law firm Connor works at, and we have been great friends ever since. Skylar is my best friend from high school. We are both R.N.’s at a local hospital. I’m blessed that the four of us all get along. Chase and Skylar are both single and vow to stay that way, forever. I would like nothing more than for the two of them to date each other.
“Could I have one last dance with my stunning wife?”
I take Connor’s hand and stand from the white linen table. He escorts me to the dance floor where he leads me to the song “Mad” by Ne-Yo. Connor is graceful, handsome, and powerful. My father introduced us and he was thrilled when we announced our engagement two years ago. As we dance, I stare out onto the dance floor at the many couples dancing with their spouse or significant other. No children are in attendance at our wedding. Connor and I argued about this. Some of our friends and family have children, and I wanted our wedding to be open to families, not just a guest plus one. He didn’t want children to be present at such an elegant gala. I thought it was odd that he would call our wedding a gala. He said that kids would be disruptive and his father agreed, so we didn’t invite children. We didn’t even have a flower girl or a ring bearer in the wedding party.
“You look stunning this evening.”
“Thank you.”
With one arm around my waist, he holds my hand in his and says, “I was thinking that after this song, I could carry my bride to our room and help her out of her wedding dress.”
“I think your bride would like that.”
“Good, I was hoping she would.”
After the dance I walk in the direction of Chase and Skylar, who are still sitting at the table. I just want to say my goodbyes while they’re sitting there together. The music is getting louder and the reception is kicking off in full gear. Several people stand and rush to the dance floor when a fast-paced song comes on. Someone grabs my arm and it’s painful. Spinning around, I’m surprised to see Connor standing there.
“Where are you going?”
He’s never touched me like this before. I jerk my arm away and say, “Ouch! You’re hurting me.”
“I’m sorry.” He tries to smile, but there’s something in his eyes that I’ve never seen before. “Where are you going?” he asks in a much softer tone.
“I’m going to say goodbye to Skylar and Chase.” I turn to leave and he grabs me again.
He leans down and whispers into my ear. “I don’t want you to talk to him again. Let’s go.”
Wait? What? Chase is his best man; he’s our friend and Connor’s business associate. He can’t be serious. I smile and start to walk away reaching for his hand to come with me. “Come on, Connor. Let’s say our goodbyes first, and then we’ll leave. We can’t be rude.”
“Ava?” he says sternly. “Did you hear me? I said, let’s go!”