Cupcake Explosion (Cupcakes 4)

“They’re beautiful, thank you,” I said as I took them one at a time and put them in my ears.

“Something new,” Carmen said, giving me a sea glass necklace that almost perfectly matched my ring from Cade.

“Carmen, it’s gorgeous,” I cried, as she walked around me to clasp it around my neck.

“Something borrowed.” I turned my head to see Amy May pick up a box off of the floor.

I gasped and reached greedily for it.

“Oh my God,” I cried as I pulled out her Jimmy Choo Ivory Lotus Sandals, which I’d been lusting over since she’d bought them.

I hurriedly put them on, then held up my skirts and pointed my toe out so we could all admire them.

Good thing Clarice had also painted my toenails.

Once I’d looked my fill, I let my skirts fall to the floor with a happy sigh.

“Well, those are pretty hard to follow, but, here’s your something blue,” Bea said, holding out her hand to offer me a blue garter.

“Thanks, Bea,” I said, giving her a quick hug. “Really, thank you all so much. You guys are so sweet and amazing. I’m so happy I have you all in my life, and that you’re here to share this day with us.”

Once I was sure my somethings, and everything else, were in place, I looked at my friends and said, “Let’s go get married.”

MY HEART WAS pounding with excitement as I descended the stairs and walked through the cabin.

Once we got outside, Shannon, Bea, Carmen, and Cade’s mom all went to find their seats. Elin was waiting for us and looked dapper in his tux.

“Oh, sweetie, you look great,” I said when I saw him, and my eyes wanted to fill with tears again, but, dang it, I couldn’t mess up my makeup.

“You look beautiful, Mom

,” Elin said, and held out his hand for mine.

We all walked together down to just before the clearing where everyone was waiting, then Amy May gave me a smile, and started off to be the first one down the aisle. She was carrying a pretty bouquet of Hawaiian flowers, which matched the bouquets that were waiting for Lena and me.

A few moments later, The Wedding March started, and I looked at my twins and asked, “Ready?”

They both grinned and nodded, and together the three of us walked to where the ceremony was being held.

We paused at the end of the aisle, then began to walk toward Cade.

He was glorious, with his black tux, hair tied back, and beard trimmed and neat.

Cade was watching us with intensity as we drew near, then stepped down to meet us and together the four of us walked the rest of the way up.

Elin went to stand in between Cade and Chris, while Lena moved between Amy May and me.

Cade took my hand and said, “You look gorgeous.”

“So do you,” I replied, my heart so full it was close to bursting.

I turned my head to look out at the crowd, since on the walk up I’d only been able to see Cade.

His family, our friends, and his brothers filled the seats. There was no his side and my side, because let’s be honest, my side would have, like, five people in it, while his side would be full. Instead, we’d decided since we are all friends and family, it really didn’t matter who sat where.

They were all here for us.

I smiled at everyone, then turned my attention back to Cade and tried to keep it together.