Free Lucky Charm by Marie Astor Page A

kind of reasons? You can't just go off cancelling a wedding on a whim! Not after we made all these preparations! The caterers, the florist, not to mention the reception hall and the cake! ” Meredith looked to be on the verge of tears, as though it were her own and not Annabel's wedding that was being cancelled.
    “ Irreconcilable differences, Meredith, ” Mrs. Green voice grew firmer. “ Annabel doesn't feel like Jeremy is the right person for her to spend the rest of her life with. ”
    “ Well, when did she decide on that? ” Meredith demanded, as though Annabel were not in the room. “ Why did she suddenly realize it yesterday out of the blue? ”
    “ Because I saw him kissing his agent, ” Annabel blurted the words out before she could come up with a more discreet reason.
    “ Are you sure? ”
    “ Yes, Meredith . I sa w the two of them going at it in a sidewalk cafe. ” Reliving the memory, Annabel felt the tears welling up again. “ They were kissing and laughing and having a great time — the kind of time we no longer have together. ”
    “ Well, did you talk to Jeremy about it? Was it just a one-time thing or has it been going on for a while? Do you know if it's serious? ” Meredith took a seat in one of the kitchen chairs, gearing up to impart advice . A fter all, a husband ’s infidelity was her expertise.
    “ What difference does it make if it's serious or not? And yes, it's been going on for a while. ”
    “ You know, no relationship is beyond saving, ” Meredith announced authoritatively. “ Did you think about trying couples therapy? Maybe he's just getting pre-wedding jitters . T here's no need to call off the wedding because of a small fling. ”
    Annabel struggled hard to keep a smirk off her face . I n her opinion “ pre-wedding jitters ” was too strong a euphemism for Jeremy's shoving his tongue down Athena's throat. “I sho ved his clothes into garbage bags and threw him out of the apartment . I think it's too late for couples ’ therapy, Meredith. Anyway, it's done with and over. Now, can we please change the subject? ”
    “ And what on earth possessed you to do that? You just made it easier for the other woman . N ow, he is all hers. It's clear that Jeremy was not ready to leave you . H e was not the one to break things off, was he? And now you've made the decision for him. ”
    “ Now, Meredith, ” Mrs. Green interrupted, “ I think you're taking this too much to heart . R emember, this is Annabel's decision, not yours. ”
    “ Yes, it certainly is. I guess she likes the idea of spending the rest of her life as a spinster. ”
    “ Better a spinster than the wife of a cheating husband, ” Annabel snapped.
    Meredith gasped, her face growing red.
    Immediately, Annabel regretted her words . S he knew how hurtful they were, but then so was Meredith's “ spinster. ”
    “ Meredith, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it. I don't know what came over me .” Annabel tried to reconcile, but Meredith was already getting up from her chair .
    “ Meredith, I understand that you’re upset, but there’s no need to overreact. Annabel is certainly in no danger of becoming a ‘ spinster’. Personally, I thought this word was long out of use . I'm surprised to see that you're so much more old-fashioned than your aunt here ,” Mrs. Green attempted to lighten the tension. “ Well, the wedding is off, but there's no reason why we still can't enjoy this wonderful cake that you made . S hould I put the kettle on? ”
    “ Frankly, Aunt Jane, I don't see any reason for having cake . I t is clear to me that I'm not wanted here, so I'll be going, and I'll be taking the cake with me, if you don't mind. There is a cake show that I'm scheduled to be at tomorrow, and I'd much rather take my masterpiece there. ” Meredith shot Annabel a loaded look. “ Goodbye, Aunt Jane. ” Meredith hastily put the cover on her cake , and with a martyr expression on her face, walked out the kitchen door.
    “ I'll be