Page 117 of Worth the Chase

“It looks like it was made for you.” Sandy beamed proudly.

“At this point, I feel like it was,” I said because we’d had multiple fittings by this point. I hadn’t meant to keep losing weight, but even a couple of pounds made the dress baggy and look awkward in places.

“Ready?” she asked.

I gave myself one last look in the mirror before walking out.

“Oh my gosh, Bella.” Brooklyn started crying instantly, waking the baby, who also started crying.

“You look so beautiful, my darling.” My mom stood up and grabbed me, hugging me tight. “The red suits you.”

Addi was close behind. “Turn around,” she demanded.

I tried to spin, but the material at my feet pooled, and I was afraid I might step on it and trip. Or worse, rip it.

“This is the sexiest wedding dress I’ve ever seen,” Addi added.

“What does sexy mean?” Clara asked, and we all grew instantly silent.

“It’s a grown-up word. But it basically means that Aunt Bella looks really beautiful,” Brooklyn explained.

“I like the red,” Clara said. “So sexy.”

“Clarabel.” Brooklyn’s voice was stern. And she’d used her full name.

“Sorry, Mama.”

“Think he’ll like it?” I asked, meaning Matthew, but they all knew who I was referring to without my having to say it.

“He’s going to lose his mind.” Addi shook her head. “I’m losing mine!”

“He’s definitely going to cry,” Brooklyn added with a smile.

“He’d better.”

And on our wedding day, as I walked down the aisle on our private island toward my husband, cry he did. He didn’t even care who saw, and he didn’t try to stop the tears. He’d be crying even more later because I’d found out that I was pregnant right before we got on the plane.

There was about to be a whole lot of little O’Gradys running around Sugar Mountain. And I couldn’t think of anything that sounded better.

THE END