I chose my royal cathedral veil because I saw someone use theirs as a crib canopy for their future children. I loved the idea of it and had to have it. Also, I can take it off after pictures so I don’t trip on it. As my mom attaches the veil to my bun, she spreads it out over my shoulders, the tulle stunning and shimmery with more crystals and lace that matches the lace of the bottom of my dress. A sob is stuck in my throat at the sight of myself, and when I meet my mom’s gaze, she’s full-out weeping.
I hear the click of the photographer’s camera as Posey and Amelia gush over me. Soon, I’m doing the same. I look like a damn queen. My hair is up in a huge bun, a diamond-encrusted crown perched on top of my head. My lashes are long, and my makeup is glittery and dramatic. My lips are a dark purple, and with every move of my jaw, I shine.
Never in my life did I think I could be this beautiful.
My mom slowly lowers my veil over my face, and my lip quivers at the sight.
I’m a bride.
I’m Aiden’s bride.
My dream has come true.
“Oh, Shelli,” my mom says, her voice breaking with a sob.
Posey hands me my bouquet of white peonies that have crystals, lace, and pearls hanging from it, and I’m in wonderment as I gaze back at myself. “Okay, it’s really unfair how perfect you are,” my sister admits.
My lips wobbles, and then I catch the reflection of my father in the mirror. I look back at him just as his hand comes to his chest. The camera is clicking like crazy as he shakes his head. “My God, you’re stunning.”
My lips move up in a smile as he holds his hand out for mine. I take it, coming off the little raised platform as Amelia and Posey adjust my veil and train so I don’t trip or step on them. They promised me that since they didn’t do the group dance, they wouldn’t let me die from tripping over my dress.
My mom soon wraps me up in her arms, giving me an air kiss that has us both giggling. Though, I feel it’s to hold back the tears. I meet her gaze as she whispers, “I love you, my sweet girl.”
“I love you,” I say, kissing her cheek once more.
Next, I hug and kiss Amelia, but we don’t get to say anything because she’s trying to herd the kids around. I almost feel bad for Emery as she tries to wrangle them, but she did almost get me in trouble by taking her out with a fake ID. When Posey wraps me up in her arms, I close my eyes, hugging my sister hard. She pulls back to kiss my cheek and then flashes me a wide grin.
“You ready?”
I give a nervous laugh. “I’m terrified.”
“Why?”
“What if he doesn’t like the dress? I’ve made such a stink—”
“Oh, Shelli, he’d be an idiot not to love it. And to be honest, you could walk down naked and he’d be ready to marry you.”
My dad makes a sound of distress. “Ew. Dad here.”
Posey and I give him a look. “You should have heard your mother the other day!”
“And at my wedding,” Posey adds, shaking her head, but Dad wants no part of it.
“Nope. Don’t want to know—”
“Okay, it’s time!” Grace says as she suddenly appears. Her eyes soften at the sight of me. “Oh my God, Shelli. Perfection.”
My body trembles as I say, “Thank you.”
“Okay, let’s go.”
I take my dad’s arm, just as he grabs me, and my stomach is doing flip-flops. My heart is beating like crazy, and I feel like I may pass out. We walk together as Amelia and Posey try to make sure my dress is in order. Slowly, with everyone’s help, we get me down the stairs and then set up in front of the barn doors. It’s all a blur, and I’m thankful for my dad. He’s my pillar. As he always has been. I hold on to him as I watch my mom being walked in by Owen and Evan. Quinn went in first with my grandma, so I missed him, but I’ll see him soon. Amelia goes next, and after flashing me a wide smile, Posey walks toward the altar. I can’t see Aiden because they shut the doors after each person’s turn. I wonder if he is nervous or beyond excited. I don’t know what he’s feeling, but I’m feeling every emotion known to man.
When the doors open for the kids and Emery to go, my dad squeezes my arm. I look up at him, and tears are falling down his cheeks, gutting me completely. “When I walked Posey down the aisle, I said I was ready for this, that I had been preparing to walk you down this aisle since Aiden asked for your hand. But my God, Shelli, I’m not ready. I don’t want to let you go.”