FOURTEEN

2 Days later.....

James stupidly went on with the wedding plans while Nick  just sat around disappointed in his dear friend. Who plans a wedding alone? With no one to help him? Not even his Godfather, Clinton was aware. And Merlin? He hasn't seen her since that day at the hospital. No one was invited - Merlin decided that.

Nick  gulped hard. This was just too much. He was going to be there anyway and joy volunteered to come too. Now Nick  felt like it was his fault - maybe I shouldn't have taken to the club house. If only he punched me in the head and reversed the car..... He wouldn't have met Merlin. I can't take this anymore... James is marrying a stranger.... someone he just met a few weeks ago?

That evening he sat with James at the balcony, hands on his lap. This is it. James should better listen before taking actions.

"So .... you're really proceeding with this arrangement? Don't you think it's too early? ..I mean.." Nick  tried convincing him again.

"Not now, Nick . Tomorrow is my wedding, let me have some rest," James replied, a frown in his face.

"Aren't you even concerned about Suzanne? You don't care where she is at the moment? Did you even call her?" Nick  continued with his questions. He knew James felt something special for Suzanne. He just didn't like the way he hurt her - giving her false hope.

"I don't want to talk about her. Just don't remind me of my rudeness. I have Merlin, my wife." James tried hiding his feelings. He almost stood up but then sat down again sighing.

Nick  chuckled at the sound of 'wife' from James's mouth. They aren't even married yet.

"And Mr Clinton? Won't he be mad? You should tell him about this."

"Whose wedding are we talking about here? Mine or Clinton's? Huh?" James spoke in a harsh tone. "It's my wedding, I invite whomever I choose to invite." He pointed out.

Nick  stared at him irritably. Is this really James?

"Suzanne must have told him. I can imagine the look on his face..."

"Just stop it... I don't care anymore. Shouldn't you just support me?" He yelled pointing a finger at Nick .

"Chill man.... I'm just worried. We've been friends for too long. I can't watch you jump inside an ocean." Nick replied, calming him down. He handed him a cup of water.

James relaxed. "I love Merlin okay? She's always on my mind. I know I will be happy with her." He defended as he drank the whole content.

"I hope so too. Where is she? Cause it seems like you are planning a wedding alone." Nick  tried not to sound offensive.

James raised an eyebrow. "She's busy. And….we are planning the wedding together,"

Busy with what? Nick felt like shouting. But then he took a deep breath. "If you say so. Aren't we having a grooms shower this night?"

"I don't want to invite anyone. It's my wedding after all." James lied. In the real Sense, Merlin suggested that.

"Seems like you're hiding your own bride." Nick  muttered.

"Did you say something?" James asked with a stern look on his face.

"Nah.... mouth zipped." Nick said, demonstrating closing his mouth. "James.....can you not get married?"

James looked at him again. This time no harsh expression. His eyes were blank and he felt like he wasn't sure of what to do anymore. He wanted the wedding so bad but then.... He felt something was missing.

"It's just that, I have met different ladies but then.... I've never met one like Merlin... Her attitude is strange and my spirit doesn't connect with hers,"

James blink away and smiled devilishly," well... My spirit connects with hers" he stood up to leave.

"Are you even ready for this?" Nick asked with a worried look in his eyes.

James just walked away.