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“I heard the baby diaper comments.” Missy gives me a playful side-eye while mine widen in shock.
She pulls me aside away from Mom and Olivia. “I know I’ve been a bit of a bridezilla these last few weeks; thank you for putting up with me. I’m just so excited to be marrying Nolan and wanted today to be perfect. I might have gone a little overboard.”
I motion my index finger and thumb to show about an inch apart, giving her a sly grin.
“You’re being kind,” Missy giggles. “Thank you for baking the cakes; they look wonderful. And if I forget, please tell Caleb thank you for coming through with the flowers. They turned out even better than the samples from the original florist,” she tells me as her eyes start to get watery, and she pulls me in for a hug.
“Be careful, you don’t want to ruin your makeup,” I say as she chuckles.
We pull apart, and I turn to see Mom and Olivia are gone.
“Probably wrangling our nephews. I don’t know how she does it with two active little boys,” she says shaking her head.
“Just wait. That’ll be you next.” Annie smiles at her.
“Can I enjoy marriage a little first?” she laughs.
“There was a tiny incident with the boys.” We both turn to see Mom walking into the barn.
Olivia comes in behind her with one arm wrapped around each kid.
“Is everything okay?” Missy asks, concern evident in her voice.
“We’re good now. This ain’t my first rodeo. Two tips: Always carry baby wipes and wait to get the kids dressed till the last minute.”
“Noted,” Missy and I say at the same time.
Olivia is killing it at being a mom. I know she gives me grief about working, but she really is the best mom to them. I can only hope to be half as great as her when I become a mother myself.
“You ready?” I ask Missy.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment for years,” she sighs.
I gather our bouquets and hand them to the girls as we head toward the door. Dad enters the barn, looking dapper in his slacks and button-up shirt.
“You look beautiful, honey,” he says as he kisses the top of my head, and I give him a tight hug.
I sneak a peek outside as the late afternoon sun casts a warm, golden glow. Rows of white chairs are arranged on either side of the aisle, leading to an arch covered by the same flowers in the table arrangements. As I scan the crowd, I catch a glimpse of the dashing young man who claims he’ll have his eyes on me all night. And he sure is dashing.
The music starts, signaling that it’s time for the groomsmen and Nolan to take their places. We line up in our designated order: Olivia as Maid of Honor, then Annie, then me.
“Here we go,” my father says with a smile as he takes his place beside Missy.
Olivia sets the pace as she walks the aisle. Then Annie goes next. Now, it’s my turn. One foot in front of the other. Don’t trip. Smile. I don’t think I’ve ever been this nervous. But then my eyes meet Caleb’s hazel eyes and all my anxiety washes away. He’s the most handsome man I’ve ever seen wearing a blue-collared shirt and slacks, along with a clean shave—which is a potent combination. I make it to the arch and all eyes turn back to the aisle in anticipation of Missy, all eyes except one pair—Caleb’s.
The ceremony is beautiful, and I couldn’t be happier for my sister. As Missy and Nolan make their way down the aisle as Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, we all follow behind them with big smiles on our faces.
While Missy and Nolan head off to take pictures, I help gather both sides of the family together for group pictures. I haven’t seen Gene or Caleb, but I know he’ll find me. The remainder of the guests head inside the barn for hors d’oeuvres and to find their assigned tables.
“You are absolutely breathtaking, girlfriend,” Caleb whispers in my ear sending shivers down my spine.
I turn to look at him. “I could say the same to you, boyfriend.”
He grabs both of my hands and his eyes graze over my one-shoulder burnt auburn dress. “This dress was made for you, and you looked stunning going down the aisle,” he says before pulling me in closer to him and gently kissing my forehead.
A throat clears. We both look over to see Gene standing there. “You look wonderful, Piper.”
“You look quite handsome yourself, Gene,” I reply with a smile.
