Beauty from Surrender (Beauty 2)

I think of all the days we've spent apart, and I know she's right. "No. I don't ever want to be away from him again. Ever."

Our morning at the spa was so relaxing. I'll have to remember to give Jack Henry a special thank-you for that tonight.

I'm sitting on a barstool in the middle of the bathroom floor and Addison is applying my makeup. She's fantastic at it and could've been a makeup artist if she'd wanted to be. She's working on my blush when a smile comes to my lips. I'm thinking about tonight, and it reminds me of the lingerie I've chosen. He's gonna love it. It's hot and innocent at the same time—just the way he likes me—and I can't wait to see his reaction.

"Why are you grinning like the cat that swallowed the canary?"

"You don't want to know."

"You're thinking about tonight." Am I that transparent?

"Yeah. Do you think it's going to feel different because he's my husband? It's not like we haven't had sex in almost every possible way imaginable."

"I'm the wrong one to ask, honey. You should ask Emma."

As if on cue, Em comes into the bathroom. "Ask me what?"

I feel silly asking someone about wedding-night sex. "I'm curious about something. It's no secret that my marital bed will not be a virginal one. Can I expect tonight to feel different with Jack Henry as my husband?"

She lifts her brows at my question. "Are you suggesting I wasn't a virgin when I married Evan?"

I feel the heat in my cheeks. "Oh, God. I'm sorry, Em. I didn't even think of that."

"I'm kidding, Laurelyn. I had been with Evan every possible way by the time we got married. I think it's a McLachlan thing," she laughs. "It's different but obviously not in a physical way. It's emotionally different—I don't really have the words to explain it. I think it's something you have to experience for yourself to understand."

"I think I'm more nervous about the sex than I am about the wedding. I want tonight to be different and special, but I'm scared it won't be because we've…tasted the nectar so often."

"I don't know what a virginal honeymoon is like so I can't compare the two, but I don't think either of you will be disappointed. Don't let it worry you."

Margaret appears in the doorway and lightly raps against the open door. "May I disturb you for a moment?"

"Of course."

"I didn't want to say anything this morning until I was a hundred percent positive, but I have a surprise for you." She's beaming as she steps aside.

Behind Margaret stand my mom and dad. And Nana and Pops too.

I'm out of my seat and in my mom's arms instantly. As much as she's done wrong, I forget it all in that moment because she's my mother and I'll always love her. "I can't believe you're here. Thank you for coming." I look at my dad and grandparents. "And you too. I'm shocked. I wasn't expecting this at all."

"Margaret called me last week. She said some things that made me come to my senses, and realize there was no way I could miss being here for you. I'd hate myself if I chose to miss my only child's wedding."

I mouth "thank you" to Margaret over my mom's shoulder and spend a few minutes catching up with my family before Addison boots them out so we can finish my hair and makeup. When she's done, there's no doubt in my mind that I've never looked better.

"Addison, you are amazing."

"It helps when you begin with a beautiful canvas."

"Thank you."

"And the finishing touch," she says as she secures the champagne floral piece to the back of my hair. It's tucked and pinned into a perfectly romantic updo, just above my neckline. "I'm glad you didn't go with some goofy-looking veil hanging down to your feet."

"It didn't matter if it was a church or vineyard wedding—that so wasn't happening."

She gives me a mirror so I can see what the back of my hair looks like with the floral embellishment. "What you chose is perfect. Are you ready to get into your dress? The photographer is waiting and you don't want to be in a rush to finish your bridal portraits before the ceremony."

"As ready as I'll ever be."

"You want your mom and Margaret in here to help?"

It wouldn't feel right if they weren't. "Yeah, I do."

After Addison retrieves them, I stand in my robe by the bed as they work to remove my dress from the garment bag. My mom sighs when she sees it. "Oh, Laurie. It's beautiful."

It is the most beautiful wedding dress I've ever seen. The perfect in-between shade of creamy vanilla lace over champagne charmeuse—something I never imagined myself choosing. I always thought lace was old-timey, but not in this case. It's a modern sleeveless trumpet gown with a romantic plunging-V neckline. My favorite part, and probably the reason I chose it, is the thick champagne sash around the waist adorned with a floral embellishment that matches the one in my hair.

I step into my gown and Addison pulls it up. I suck in so she can zip me because it's a little snug in the waist. "Sweetie, your seamstress didn't cut you any slack here."

I work to situate my cle**age. "No, she didn't. I said that I wanted it to be fitted and she did exactly as I told her, so I can't complain." It's even a little tighter in the chest than I thought it'd be.

"Jack's going to be a huge fan of the boobage you have going on here. They look great."

"I just hope I manage to not pop one—or both—out during the reception when we dance."

She reaches up and bounces them. "Nah, you're good. Those puppies aren't going anywhere."

I do a spin around and look at my mom and Margaret. "What do you think?"

Margaret, being the courteous person she is, allows my mom to speak first. "You're gorgeous, baby girl. Never doubt how proud I am of you or your decisions. Jack is a fine man and lucky to be making you his wife."

"You're a beautiful bride. Jolie will always be your mum, but I couldn't be more thrilled about being your other mother. You're one of my own from this day forward. Today you become Laurelyn McLachlan, my son's wife and the mother of my future grandchildren." Margaret puts her arms around and squeezes me. "I love you. But please, don't make me wait long on a baby."

"I don't think you have to worry about that," I laugh.

I see the surprised expression on her face. "Are you pregnant?"

"Not yet, but we've been talking about it. A lot. Jack Henry's done a one-eighty. He told me he never wanted children after we first met, and now almost every other conversation is about kids."