“That’s why we’re here. I don’t doubt he loves and cares deeply for you, but I just wanted to make sure this wedding is what you want.”
“I want to marry him,” I say as excitement bubbles up inside me.
“I can tell by that beautiful smile lighting up your face. You’re glowing,bella(Beautiful).”
“I’m glowing because I’m pregnant,” I blurt.
“Porca miseria(Holy crap)! You’re pregnant? Congratulations. Now it all makes sense,” she says, wrapping me in her arms. “I was wondering why Dominic was so insistent that the nuptials go ahead sooner rather than later. It never crossed my mind that it was a shotgun wedding.”
“Am I really getting married today?”
“Yes.”
“I wish my mum could be here.”
“Hold that thought,” she replies, lifting her open hand and placing it beside her ear. “Do you hear that?”
My eyes widen. “Is that another helicopter?”
She leans in, kissing my cheek. “Your man covered everything. He wanted it to be special for you. Change into your dress, I’ll be right back.”
My hands tremble as I pull down the zip of the garment bag, revealing the white dress inside. A smile starts to spread as I lift the hanger out and turn it to get a proper look.
It’s not an over-the-top gown. It’s simple and perfect for an outdoor wedding. It’s light and flowing. The soft fabric features delicate lace details on the overlay. It is effortless, elegant, and completely me.
I don’t waste a second, tugging the elastic out of my hair, peeling off my clothes, swapping my black bra for a white one, before slipping the dress over my head.
After smoothing it down, I open the cupboard door, turning slightly from side to side as I look at myself in the mirror. My smile widens as I do. It fits perfectly. I can’t believe Dominic has done all this for me.
I’ve seen a completely different side to him on this trip. He still has the odd moody moment, especially when we get an unexpected flat tyre in the middle of the outback, but his grumpiness is never aimed at his niece or me. The gentler side of him, the way he is with us, shows more and more every day.
Living in a confined space together all the time, for months on end, would test any relationship, but somehow it’s only managed to bring us closer.
I tug open the storage drawer below our bed, trying to find the perfect shoes to complement my dress, and wincing when the best I come up with are silver flat sandals. It’s not like I can wear heels out here.
I freeze for a second. Are we getting married here at the Bight? Or are we being whisked away somewhere else? I hope not. This place is beautiful, and I don’t want to leave our van or Babooshka behind.
I’m pulled from my thoughts when there’s a knock on the door. “Come in,” I say, standing to full height.
Lucia re-enters with another two garment bags and a small suitcase, dragging behind her.
“Are you moving in?” I ask, amusement slipping into my voice.
“Ha ha. No. I’ve got my bridesmaid dress, Lil’ Peach’s flower girl dress, and everything we need for hair and makeup. It’s not every day a woman gets married, so you need to look your best.”
I plant my hands on my hips. “Bridesmaid?”
Her eyes narrow at me. “I’m your best friend, Emily, so I better be your maid of honour.”
And just like that, my day is made all over again. She considers me her best friend. “If I had a choice, I’d pick you every time.”
“Aww,” she coos, hefting the suitcase up with a grunt and dropping it onto the bed. There’s a genuine smile curving her lips when she glances at me over her shoulder. “That dress is stunning on you.”
“Did Dominic really choose this? Or did he ask you to handle it, like he did with the furniture for the house?”
“He sent me a screenshot and the link,” she replies, crossing her finger over her heart.
I glance down at the dress and somehow love it even more.
