“Do you think he'll say yes?”
It hadn't occurred to me that Eamon might say no. And that was when I truly understood how much of a blow it must have been when I'd turned him down. He’d probably never seen it coming. “I can only hope that he loves me and forgives me enough to say yes. But if not, we'll figure something out.”
Fiona let the final curl go and spritzed my entire head with a cloud of hairspray while I covered my face with my hands. “There. Done,” she proclaimed.
I peeled back my fingers and turned my head to check out my hair—long perfect spirals of blonde. I had to admit the nine-year-old had done a much better job with the curling iron than I ever could have. “It's perfect. Thank you so much.”
“I’m excited you’re going to ask Daddy the big question. I’m rooting for you. Just so you know.”
“I appreciate that, sweetie. More than you know.”
Fiona and I walked back into the bride’s room to see Amy in her dress. I was so glad for that day at Vera Wang, when I'd completely lost it and sobbed like an idiot. It saved me from messing up my makeup now. “You look amazing.” Standing behind her, I placed my hands on her shoulders and kissed her cheek.
Amy looked back at me through the reflection of the dressing mirror. “I do look pretty good, don't I?” She ran her hand over the double strand of pearls. “Thank you for getting the necklace. It wouldn't have been right if Mom wasn't here in some way.”
I swallowed hard, not wanting to cry. Later, maybe tomorrow or when she and Luke got back from Peru, I would tell her that Mom had absolutely been with me when I fixed the flowers. I was pretty sure she’d been watching over Amy’s bouquet, too. “She’s here. In the best possible way.”
Dad poked his head into the room. “Ladies. They're ready for us to line up.” He caught sight of Amy and his lower lip started to tremble. “You are the prettiest bride that ever was.”
Amy popped up from her seat and wrapped her arms around him. I followed and hugged them both at the same time. I was not about to miss out on this moment. None of us said a peep. I sensed that we were all fighting back the tears. Today was a big day and not only because Amy was about to get married. Today showed how far we had come. We were a family and we were stronger together. That was all that mattered.
Fiona started to worm her way into the middle of the huddle. “Guys. Make some room.”
Dad laughed and stepped back. “I will always make room for you. But first, we need to have a wedding.”
“Showtime.” Amy took a deep breath, then led us out into the hall and down to the ballroom entrance.
“You go sit up in the front row next to Julia, okay?” I said to Fiona. “Grandpa Mark will come and sit with you after he gives Amy away. Dad and I will be standing right there at the front.”
“I know how weddings work, but thanks.” She marched up the aisle on her own, greeting guests as she went, admiring one woman’s hat and getting a bit flirtatious with a good looking guy sitting at the end of one of the rows.
The bridesmaids were gathering when I spotted Luke’s mom, Cindy, heading in. I knew I had to say something, but what do you say to a woman who has just learned that her husband is sleeping with her sister? I tiptoed over in time to see her tucking a silver flask into her beaded bag. “Hey, Cindy. I wanted to say congratulations and well done.”
She unleashed a wry smile that made me wonder exactly how long she’d suspected her husband was having an affair. “Thank you for saying something nice about the wedding, rather than treating me like I've been struck with an incurable disease.”
“Of course.”
“You know, I have never liked my sister. She has always felt this need to outdo me. I guess she outdid me in the ultimate way this time.” She shrugged. “Be glad you have your relationship with Amy. It's special.”
“Thank you. I love her a lot.” I went in for a hug. Cindy needed more than a pat on the shoulder today. “And thank you for being so kind to me. You've raised some amazing kids.”
“I did, didn't I?” A wide pink lipstick smile crossed her lips.
“Yes, you did.”
I rushed back and took my place right in front of Dad and Amy. I took the chance to straighten Dad's boutonniere. “You two ready for this?”
Amy nodded and kissed Dad's cheek. “I love you, Daddy.”
“Me, too.” I stole a kiss on his opposite cheek.
He blushed, smiling with his eyes. “You girls are the best. I love you both more than you'll ever know.” There was no telling how many more teary moments we would have today, but I had the distinct sense that we were all cherishing every one.
The music started and we snapped to attention. One by one, the bridesmaids began their march, sashaying in silvery satin. When it was my turn, I set my sights on Eamon, standing one away from Luke, with his hands behind his back. He was more than my salvation. He made me my best. It wasn't that I'd only beenSunny Girlbecause I'd kept my past from him. I wasSunny Girlwhen I was with him. And I had to make sure he knew how much that meant to me. Today. No more waiting.
I reached the front and he winked at me, sending a tidal wave of warmth through my body. Did he know what he could do to me with just a glance? He probably did.
I turned and watched Amy walk up the aisle. My heart, in all its patched-up glory, was so filled with love it was almost impossible to understand. And to think I'd spent so many minutes worrying about this day, fretting about whether or not she would be happy or safe without me. Now I knew she could find her own happiness, and she'd done a damn fine job of it, too.
