“I know, but that’s another thing. He wants kids.”
Posey eyes me, running her hand along her growing belly. “What do you want?”
“I don’t know. When he said it, I wasn’t ready. But I keep thinking about it. Maybe having kids now would be smart, so we’re not old when they leave us.”
My mom smiles. “But when they leave, will you have the chance to be on Broadway again?”
I think that over. “Well, I’m sure you could still have a spot if you wanted.”
“If I wanted. I don’t,” she says, her eyes locking with mine. “Do you want it or not? That’s the question.”
“I do,” I answer almost automatically. “But I also want Aiden, and I want to make him happy.”
“But you are. You do. Look how supportive he is, Shelli. I mean, I cried watching him sing to you,” Amelia adds. “He’s in it for you, whatever you want. He loves you—all of you. I don’t think that will change with distance.”
“It didn’t the first time,” my mom supplies, and I meet her gaze. “Did you tell him you’re feeling like this?”
“I did, but he was like, you committed, you’re going, and you’ll kill it. He wants whatever makes me happy, but I don’t want to make him unhappy in the process. I regret not feeling this way before. And now, here I am, about to walk down the aisle, and I’m freaking the fuck out.”
I cover my face, fighting back the tears. When my sister wraps her arms around me, I lean into her, needing her strength.
“It’s all becoming really real,” she whispers against my hair. “We went from planning this huge-ass wedding to, holy shit, being here. You’re just feeling everything right now. Aiden loves you. He supports you. You’re going to New York, and you’re going to be the best damn Eliza ever, while being the best damn wife and best damn aunt, because you don’t do anything mediocre.”
I swallow hard as tears run down my face before I look up at her. “I don’t.”
“You don’t,” she agrees with me, cupping my face. “Shelli Adler shines, but Shelli Brooks is going to blow us all away because she’s married to her happily ever after.”
My lip quivers. “I feel complete. Like all my dreams are coming true. But I’m also scared it’s all going to crash and burn.”
Mom squeezes my hand. “They can’t when you have the support of a great man like Aiden Brooks and your family behind you.”
She’s right; they’re all right. I move my head up and down, hugging my sister close before whispering, “I’m so thankful for you guys, and I love you so much for always supporting me.”
Amelia and Posey hug me close, their love abundant on their faces. My mom leans in, kissing my cheek. Her lips rest there as she says, “And I always will. No matter what, I’ll always be your biggest fan.”
Talk about being in my feelings, and talk about being one lucky girl.
Best family, though they are crazy, and soon-to-be best husband, with an added crazy family.
But like Posey said, I don’t do anything mediocre.
After a beautiful brunch, full of remembering the past and discussing hopes for our future, with all my favorite foods and ladies, it’s time for hair and makeup. I sit in a chair with my legs up against my chest as they work their magic on me. Posey, my mom, and Amelia are in chairs too, getting just as gorgeous. “Where are the kids?” I ask Amelia anxiously. I’m shaking with nerves, with anticipation, as she side-eyes me since the girl is fixing her hair.
She pats my hand, noticing my stress. “Chandler has them. He’s going to bring them up when it’s time for them to get ready. We don’t want them underfoot, I promise.”
I’m so excited to see my babies in their little flower girl dress and ring bearer suit. Emery is going to pull the kids down in a wagon, which is going to be so adorable. “Have Ryan and Sophia gotten in yet?”
Mom shakes her head. “No, Sophia had her optional girls’ competition last night, so they’re coming in from Gatlinburg. But Ryan promised they’ll be here before the wedding.”
My heart is in my throat with nervousness. I just want everything to go smoothly. I know Grace has it, but still, it’s a big ordeal. Lots of variables. “Do you have your speech ready, Posey?”
My sister grins at me. “Pretty sure you’re still mad at me for the group dance, so I went all out on my speech.”
I shoot her a look. “Good. Because I am.”
Amelia snorts. “Shelli, be kind. We’re pregnant.”
I give her a dry look. “I didn’t ask for that.”
“It isn’t about you,” Posey throws at me. “We are living our best lives.”
I side-eye, jokingly saying, “You’re lucky I want to be an aunt to all these kids.”