“Jessica, honestly you shouldn’t have,” Lily says, her cheeks flushing as she pulls on the ribbon.
“You can change them if you want.”
Avery tuts. “We will be doing no such thing.”
“You have the same, but different,” I say nervously.
Lily gasps as she pulls hers out of the bag. It’s a simple Return to Tiffany bracelet, but each of the heart tags are a different colour.
“It’s gorgeous,” Lily says as Avery and Mia pull theirs out too.
“Are you sure, if you’d prefer something else?—”
Avery cuts her eyes to me. “Not going to happen.” She holds it up. “Mia, can you help me put it on, please?”
Mia helps her with the clasp and then raises her wrist. “I want to wear mine too,” she says.
“Can you give me a hand with mine after?” Lily asks.
I’m touched at their genuine reaction. “I can help.”
But she shakes her head. “With that fresh manicure. I think not.”
I contemplate arguing with her, but as I look down at my nails, I know she’s right. If I can make it through the day without chipping them, I’ll be surprised.
“Yeah, you’re probably right,” I say, admiring them. Simple and yet classic. “What about Avery’s nails?”
“Here,” Mia says as shecomes over to clasp Lily’s bracelet.
“Hey, shouldn’t we be the ones giving you a gift on your wedding day?” Avery says as she pulls out a bag from behind her back and passes it over to me. “It’s as though we’re all best friends and share the same brain.”
My cheeks heat as I take the bag. “You didn’t have to get me anything.”
Avery raises an eyebrow, and I shake my head. “Yeah, okay, touché.” I peek inside the bag.
“Go on,” Mia says, as she bounces on the balls of her feet, her excitement palpable.
I pull out a small box and open the lid.
“Oh my gosh, it’s beautiful,” I say, picking up the charm. “I love it, thank you so much.” I sniff back tears, refusing to cry before my wedding.
“You like it?” Mia asks, her smile contagious.
I nod. “I really do.” I hold up my wrist. “Can you help me put it on?”
Mia doesn’t hesitate and I smile as she makes quick work of unclasping my bracelet and adding the black rose charm and then fastens it just as quickly.
I shake my wrist, loving how the addition fits perfectly. I don’t think they realise just how much this means to me.
And just like that, I’m crying.
“Shit,” Avery says, snatching a tissue from the box and handing it to me.
I do my best to try and stem my tears.
“Sorry, this means so much, thank you.” I try to wipe under my eyes. “Shit, I’m ruining my makeup,” I say as I glance over to the mirror.
“It’s okay,” Mia says, her hand on my back. “I can touch up your make-up.”
