It was my turn to be happy.
A knock on the door brought me out of my thoughts, and I smiled as Deanna stepped into my room. For a second, she stared at me, shaking her head as if in awe.
“Sorry,” she said, laughing. “I can’t deal with how beautiful you look. My almost daughter-in-law.”
My heart swelled in my chest. “You look beautiful too, Dee.”
She really did. She wore a knee-length sheath dress in navy blue. The top was made of elegant lace, leading down to a satin skirt. For an older woman, she was absolutely stunning.
“I have a gift for you from Radeigh,” she said.
“He’s here?”
Deanna burst out laughing. “Don’t sound so surprised. Of course he’s here! Mitch said he’s been up since five this morning.”
“Oh no! I hope he doesn’t fall asleep during the reception.”
“Not a chance. He’s too wired to sleep. He can’t wait to see you.” Deanna opened up her hand to reveal a small red velvet box. “He said to tell you that, if it doesn’t ruin your outfit too much, he’d like you to wear it.” She grinned, and I could just imagine him laughing as he said it.
Taking it from her, I lifted the lid and smiled. Inside was a silver locket. The front was diamond encrusted, and when I opened the locket, tears sprang to my eyes. On one side was a photo of me and Radleigh. One of the first photos ever taken of us as a couple when we were in London. On the other side, engraved into the silver, were the words, “More than words can say.” The memory of the words I’d said to him in the hospital made me bite my lip to stop the tears from falling.
I turned the box around to show Deanna, and her eyes welled up too. “Oh, that boy of mine. He might play the tough guy, but he’s sappy, just like his father.”
I smiled. “Thank you, Deanna. You and Mitch raised the perfect man for me to spend the rest of my life with. I love you both so much.”
“We love you too, Leah. But you are the one who turned Radleigh into the man he is now. Without you, he might have continued to go through his life without ever really loving a woman again. I’m so glad he found you.”
“I think we found each other.”
Deanna nodded. “I think you’re right.”
Stepping forward, I hugged her tight, still trying to get a grip on my emotions. I was going to be exhausted by the e
nd of the wedding from all these feelings I was trying to keep in check. As we let go of each other, I took the necklace from the box.
“Please can you help me put this on?”
Deanna nodded, and I placed the chain around my neck, turning so she could fasten it for me. My change of position had me facing the mirror, and I stared at myself for a moment. I hadn’t realised anything was missing, but with the necklace in place, I was ready. Outfit complete.
“Is this really me?” I asked, chuckling. I never had a confidence problem when it came to my looks, but something about me looked different. Better.
“It’s you,” Deanna said. “And if you’re wondering why you look different… take a closer look at your eyes.”
I squinted slightly. “Bree did a great job with my mascara…”
Deanna shook her head, laughing. “They’re sparkling. The way they do when you’re really happy. Not just every day happy, but so happy you could burst. That’s what’s different today. You had that look when Jessica was born. I’ve seen it now and again when I catch you and Radleigh looking at each other when you think nobody is paying attention.”
I turned to her. “I am happy. So, so happy.”
“I know.”
Another tap on the door broke our moment, and this time it was my mum and dad who entered. “Sorry,” Mum said. “We can come back.”
“No,” I said, quickly. “Please, come in.”
Deanna gave me another hug. “I’ll leave you to it. See you soon, honey.”
A little shiver ran through me knowing the next time I saw her would be when I walked down the aisle. As she left the room, Mum and Dad came farther inside, and they both stared at me, just like Deanna had. Mum had already seen me in my dress, but Dad hadn’t, and his eyes misted over. Seeing him overcome with emotion made a lump form in my throat. Dad didn’t really do emotion. He was quiet. Not quite browbeaten by my mother, but he certainly preferred the peaceful life.