Page 20 of Claimed By The Other Brother

"It's a rehearsal dinner, not the actual wedding."

"True." Jane tosses it aside and reaches for another option.

"How about the emerald one?"

I examine it. Sleeveless, knee-length, elegant but not overdone.

"That could work."

"Try it on," Sarah commands.

I slip into the dress, and Jane zips me up. Theemerald fabric hugs my curves perfectly, the color bringing out my eyes. I turn to face the mirror, and both of my friends make approving sounds.

"That's the one," Jane declares.

"You look stunning."

"Miles won't be able to take his eyes off you," Sarah adds.

I smooth my hands down the fabric, studying my reflection. Tomorrow is my wedding day. Tomorrow I become Miles's wife. The thought should fill me with joy, but that same restless anxiety from last week creeps back in.

"Come sit." Jane pats the chair in front of my vanity.

"Let me do your hair."

I settle into the chair while Jane works on pinning my blonde hair into a loose updo, leaving a few strands framing my face. Sarah handles my makeup—natural but polished, emphasizing my eyes.

"So," Sarah says as she applies mascara with careful precision,

“Are you nervous about tonight?"

"A little." I keep my eyes closed while she works.

"It's strange. Everything's happening so fast now."

"That's how it always feels right before a wedding," Jane says, securing another pin.

"But tomorrow is going to be perfect. You and Miles are going to be so happy."

I want to believe her. I want to feel the certainty in her voice reflected in my ownheart.

"You'll finally meet Dax tonight," Sarah mentions casually.

My eyes open. "Right. Miles's brother."

"The mysterious media mogul," Jane adds with a smile.

"I'm curious to see what he's like in person."

I am too, though I'm not sure why. Miles has barely mentioned him over the years. An older brother he's not close to, living a completely different life in New York.

"Okay, makeup done." Sarah steps back to admire her work.

"You look gorgeous."

Jane finishes with my hair and spins the chair so I can see.

"What do you think?"