* * *
Tears are in my mom’s eyes, and she attaches the small veil to the top of my braid. “Your father would be so proud of you.”
“Ma!” I cry, looking up at the ceiling and touching the tears away as soon as they form in the corners of my eyes. “You’re going to ruin my makeup.”
“Nothing will ruin this makeup. It’s ultra-waterproof performance wear.” Daisy steps up to smooth my hair down my back. “You’re going to need a triple wash to get it off.”
“At least it won’t smear on my dress. I hate when that happens.”
“Spencer’s going to pop a boner when he sees you.”
“That’s the goal.” I wink, smoothing my hands down the thick white satin of my mini slip-dress.
The front has a deep V-neck that shows off my cleavage, and the back is also plunging, held together by a delicate string tied in a bow. Daisy helps me into the white blazer I’ll wear over it.
“When you two disappear, I’ll know not to go looking for you.”
The door to the dressing room suite opens, and Courtney sticks her head inside. “How’s it coming? You should see the guys out there. It’s like one of those cover-model calendars.”
“They do make an impressive lineup.” Daisy fastens a necklace with a round blue sapphire charm resembling the night sky with three diamond stars on me. “This is your something borrowed and blue. Scout found it at a museum auction last month.”
“Are the three stars the three of you?” I lift the unique pendant and study the circular pattern.
“Maybe…” Her voice trails off suspiciously, and my eyes widen.
“Are you?” Spinning around, I grip her wrists as she tries to act cool, which she totally sucks at doing. “Are you pregnant?”
“It’s your special day! We can talk about my stuff later.”
“Daisy!”
“The natives are restless, ladies.” Ms. Alice barges into the dressing room. “Let’s get this show on the road before Melody finds her football.”
I give my cousin a tight hug, holding her hands before leaning back. “We’re going to have the biggest party when I get back.”
Ma clutches my upper arms. “I’m out first. Love you, darling. You’re absolutely beautiful.”
JR escorts my mother to her seat, and Tom leads Courtney next. I’m so happy to have him be a part of our lives now that they’re dating.
Scout appears to escort Daisy, and from where I’m peeking behind the door, I catch his sparkling smile. He pulls her close and kisses her cheek, smoothing a hand over her stomach before starting for the front.
I’m so excited and happy for them, and looking around, I realize it’s my turn. Sliding my hands down my skirt and adjusting my veil, I pick up the bouquet I arranged to match the sculptures. It’s coral roses and oversized white peonies with thin white feathers cascading down the front.
Walking myself down the aisle was my idea. I read it was a dramatic statement of independence and doing what I want…
Now, I’m wishing I had agreed to let Miles escort me. Even if he’s shorter, it would be nice to have an arm to grip. I’m a squinky bundle of nerves.
The wedding march begins, and I clear my throat. I square my shoulders and head out to the crowd waiting beachside.
Everyone stands when I appear, and my heart beats faster. I fix my gaze on Spencer and focus on putting one foot in front of the other. When he sees me, desire smolders in his eyes. It squeezes my stomach, and I wish I could kick off these shoes and run the rest of the way into his arms.
As if sensing my anxiety, he leaves the front, meeting me halfway down the aisle and taking my hands. “I’ve never seen anything more beautiful than you right now.”
I blink fast to keep the tears away and clutch his arm, pulling my body securely against his. “Thanks for rescuing me.”
I lean in close, and he wraps an arm around my waist. “I will always rescue you.”
We’re at the front, and the minister begins with the traditional service.