“And whose fault is that?”
She wrinkled her nose. “Sometimes I wish I were more like you.”
“What do you mean?”
“You came to the big city when you were a teenager, took the leap. I was always too afraid to get out of my comfort zone.”
“But you’re happy with your life, aren’t you?”
My siblings had all left Montana for college and were now spread throughout the country. Unfortunately, none moved to New York. I was still hoping to convince them to join me one day.
“Most of the time, yes. But don’t let me spoil your big day with my soul searching.”
I wanted to ask her for more information, but she changed the subject, focusing on Hunter.
The next few hours were simply crazy. Never in my life had I undergone so many beautification processes in so little time.
Nothing was just something when you were a bride.
Makeup included a thirty-minute face massage as a first step. Hairstyling was preceded by a three-step care process.
Since the bridal package lasted two hours longer than a regular one, the rest of the party left before I did.
I would change into my dress at the hotel, as that made the most sense. Hunter and I couldn’t very well both get dressed at the house. What if he saw me?
It seemed silly to care about all these superstitions, and yet I couldn’t help it. I wanted to do things the right way, even though...
No negative thoughts.
No imagining what my actual wedding would be like. Truthfully, it couldn’t measure up to this one.
My Dad was in the lobby when I entered the hotel, pacing around.
“Dad, what are you doing here all alone?” I asked.
“Wanted to look at this place. Stay with me for a few minutes? I’ve got a feeling this is the only time I’ll get you to myself today.”
“Sure.”
We sat in a corner of the lobby, drinking coffee.
“My girl is a grown woman,” Dad murmured.
“Still a Daddy’s girl, don’t you worry.”
“You were always such a happy kid. We did well, didn’t we? Your mom and I?”
My heart squeezed. “I had the best childhood.”
Why would he have doubts? The wedding was bringing out emotions in all of us.
“You left when you were so young, and we didn’t have much to give you.”
“Daddy, I’m happy. I’ve always been happy.”
He watched me carefully, sipping his coffee.
“So, your future husband spoke with me today.”