Chapter 3The Leftovers

The following weeks were a blur of wedding prep. Jimmy and I were busy with dress fittings, venue tours, and writing invitations.

Meanwhile, Aiden and Bree had gone on a trip to Seabrook, a coastal city. They posted a new photo every day, looking blissful.

While waiting for Jimmy to change into another suit, I found myself staring at a picture of them with the ocean sparkling in the background. A pang of something hit me.

I had actually planned a trip to Seabrook with Aiden a long time ago. I’d even told Bree about it. I’d seen a travel blogger's video of the city and sent it to her, gushing about how I wanted to go there with him for my birthday. But then Bree sprained her ankle a few days before, and I stayed to take care of her, so the trip was postponed.

I never imagined they would be the ones to go together.

"What are you looking at?"

Jimmy emerged in a sleek black suit, a faint smile playing on his lips. I didn't hide it, just turned my phone so he could see.

He was fastening the buttons on his jacket. As he looked up, I said, "Let me help."

Once the buttons were done, he’d seen the photo. He handed my phone back. "Do you want to go?"

I shook my head, then nodded. "Yes."

Even though Jimmy and Aiden were twins, once you got to know them, they were easy to tell apart. Aiden had this air of effortless disdain, always impatient and aloof. But Jimmy had his mother's eyes—they crinkled when he smiled, bright and warm. He was sunny and emotionally stable.

"It's not because they went," I said, my gaze firm. "I've wanted to go for a long time."

Jimmy gently guided me towards the full-length mirror. "Okay," he said softly. "I know."

In the mirror, we looked like a perfect match, a striking couple.

"You two make such a handsome couple," the sales associate offered at the perfect moment.

"What do you think of this one? Do you like it?" he asked, leaning down slightly.

I thought for a moment, chewing on my lip. "I don't know… it just doesn't feel… breathtaking." I held my fingers up, a tiny space between them. "It's missing that little something."

Jimmy chuckled, his eyes sparkling like diamonds under the crystal lights.

The store manager approached us. "Sir, Madam, have you found a suit and gown that you like?" She noticed our hesitation and added tactfully, "We actually have a new collection of gowns arriving from Europe in a few days. Would you be able to wait? I promise you, they are absolutely exquisite. We have the designer's sketches, and I can walk you through the concepts."

She gestured towards a private viewing area. "If you have a moment?"

I looked at Jimmy, and he nodded.

I smiled at the manager. "Yes, that would be wonderful."