AllFreeNovel
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Nicky swept into the bridal suite, carrying a bottle of fizzy lemonade and a handful of flutes. “High fives for the best groomswoman in history!” She poured four glasses and handed one to each of us, keeping one for herself.
I took it gratefully and sipped. All the citrus around me reminded me of Sidney and relaxed me.
Luna high-fived Nicky with her free hand. “Done! Why are we high fiving?”
“Well, for one, I got the florist to agree to stay as long as we kept ‘Druncle’ Ted away from her. Luca escorted him to his hotel room, and I bribed the florist with a box of chocolates I stole from here and a generous tip. And, for two, I have our moms guarding each other so neither of them get into trouble bothering the bride or groom.”
“Damn.” Luna laughed. “Someone’s efficient. You even thought of sugar instead of alcohol for our girl so she doesn’t stumble down the aisle with a tummy full of champagne.”
“I need her stone-cold sober when she becomes my sister-in-law.” Nicky beamed. “You gotta enter the Marino family with both eyes open.”
“I still can’t believe you’re getting married.” Luna sighed wistfully and snuggled up against my back. “I know you’re already bonded but still. All this ceremony and fanciness is really highlighting my singledom.”
Nicky barked a laugh. “Do not complain about being single anywhere near my mom or she might load Luca into a trebuchet and launch him at you.”
“Oh nooo. However would I cope with having an adorable beta land in my lap?” Luna fake-swooned and I almost snorted lemonade up my nose.
“Listen, you don’t want to catch mom’s eye,” Nicky warned. “As we speak, she’s probably scanning every remotely attractive guest for bondbites and wedding rings and keeping a tally so she can casually trip me into her top choices at the reception.”
“I knew there was a good reason for us to get ballet flats,” I said. “You’ll be much sturdier without the heels. You could also just stand really close to me the whole time. She wouldn’t risk tripping the bride.”
“My noble protector.” Nicky giggled and settled into one of the plush chairs. “So, what’s up with the cuddling? Did Meg finally tell you that the videographer has food poisoning?”
“What?!” I shoved away from Meg, but Luna caught me by the wrist and directed me into the chair next to Nicky, starting up fanning me again.
“We’re breathing, remember?” Luna said. “Inhale the good vibes; exhale the urge to strangle any of the bridal party.”
I snorted. “No strangling urges. I just wanted cute videos of the wedding.”
“We’re getting everyone to take videos on their phones and have them send them to me,” offered Meg. “I can edit them into a cute wedding montage.”
“The important thing,” declared Nicky, “is that you look gorgeous as fuck and my brother is going to simply pass away when he sees you.”
“He’d better not.” I laughed and settled more comfortably. “He’s stuck with me forever, so there will be no passing away from how cute I look.”
“I guess that means passing out is also out of the question.”
“Mhmm. I need him to be conscious to sign the papers.”
Even though I was wearing the dress, had my hair and makeup done, and was sitting in a bridal suite, it didn’t quite feel real yet. I had thus far managed to avoid crying, but the day was still young and the love of my life was waiting to make me his in front of all of our friends and family.
A knock at the door stole my attention, and Luna scampered over to answer it. The venue staff member who had gotten us situated in the suite earlier that morning poked her head in. “The officiant is all set up, guests are seated, and the musician is going ham on that Pachelbel song. We’re ready to start your entrances in fifteen minutes.”
Excitement and anxiety flooded my system and I slurped a panicked mouthful of my lemonade. It was time. There were going to be so many eyeballs staring at me. What if I tripped? Or forgot how to speak English? Or someone protested the wedding? A thousand possibilities slid through my brain until Meg pulled me toward her again and drowned out my anxiety with a rush of lemon balm and grapefruit.
“I guess that’s my cue to head back to the boys.” Nicky slapped the arms of her chair and hoisted herself up. She leaned in to kiss me on the cheek. “You’re going to do fine. I’ll see you at the other end of the aisle.”
I waved as Nicky departed. It was all so close. I was about to get married.
“I can’t believe you hogged up all the suave in this family and have the nerve to show it off like this.” Nicky straightened my bow tie and brushed away a stray bit of dust from my crisp tuxedo. “You’re making the rest of us look bad.”
I grinned at her. “Listen, I’ve got to compete with my bride here.”
“Oh, there’s no competition.” Nicky laughed. “I just came from the bridal suite, and she looks incredible—real Marilyn Monroe meets Hedy Lamarr vibes. She’s going to knock your socks off.”
“She does that every time I see her.” The mere thought of Allie warmed me through. We’d spent most of the last year planning today, going through the minute details, celebrating each milestone with our friends and family.
Nicky playfully whacked my shoulder. “Quit being a sap. You’re going to make me envious, and Mom will be able to tell and start harping on me about finding someone, too.”
