Bronwyn is a beautiful bride.
And seeing her this happy should be simple. Glorious. Instead, it stirs up every sore place inside me that still craves the kind of certainty she's making a reality for herself today.
I'd been third in the seat, getting my hair and makeup done, and gone to dress while Bronwyn settled in for her special treatment. Dani had been first in the chair, getting her hair curled for her walk down the aisle as flower girl. And because Bronwyn didn't want Madi to feel left out, she'd asked Mads to be a bridesmaid. Which added Sully to Gabe's side as a groomsman.
Madi takes the very excited little girl to show her daddy her special hair and lip gloss, and I move to the sliding doors of Bronwyn's bedroom to stare out, watching the wedding planner do her thing below. Despite the short time frame from engagement to wedding date, Eliza Bellefonte-Hayes had done an amazing job pulling the details together.
The flowers are all white intermixed with greenery that goes well with the deep teal ribbons trimmed in shimmering gold. My dress and Madi's are that same breathtaking dark teal, the V-neckline modest on Madi and bolder on me simply because of my pregnant state and the fullness of my chest.
Since Bronwyn's bookstore and her loft condo above have oceanfront access, Eliza has set up reception tables both outside on the sand in back of the building, facing the Atlantic, and inside in the bookstore for those wanting to escape the afternoon heat. But the sun has already shifted enough that the buildings provide shade to the tables below, and they'll be fully shaded by the time the ceremony is over.
"All done," I hear the stylist say.
I turn and get teary when I see Bronwyn looking bridal perfect. "You're stunning. Gabe is a lucky man."
Bronwyn's gaze meets mine, and I see a hint of nerves. "Are you okay? Do I need to grab my keys for a getaway?" Bronwyn laughs, but I'm dead serious. I like Gabe a lot, but I'm here for her. If she wants to bolt? We bolt.
"No. I'm just so excited that I feel like I'm kind of coming out of my skin. No getaway car needed, though."
Bronwyn stands and moves toward me, and I shake my head in awe. "He's not going to know what hit him. Girl, that dress."
The silk dress is as simple as could be, but it has the wow factor in spades. Spaghetti straps at the shoulders, draped material over her chest, then falling to the floor in a cascade of white. It's form fitting but not too tight or elaborate, but that's what makes it so beautiful, just like the woman wearing it. "You are a sexy bride."
Bronwyn's face flushes a bit, and I grin. "And a blushing bride to boot," I tease.
The stylists smiles as she packs up the last of her equipment and heads out after both of us thank her for her amazing work.
Bronwyn stops in front of me and inhales, and I sense she's about to say something…serious. "What is it? Is something wrong?"
Her expression changes as a smile lights up her features.
"No, no. Not wrong. I just want to say how grateful I am for you."
"Me?"
"Yes, you. Your support. Your love. I'm so glad you decided to move here, Lindsey. You have no idea. And I want you to know that. Things between us could have been very bad after Jason's death. Especially when…"
Her words trail off, and I nod. "Ah, I get it. When he told me you'd had divorce papers drawn up."
She nods, her expression sad.
I stretch out my hand and tuck the end of a curl back into place. "The one thing I have never doubted is how much you loved Jason. Truly. You gave up years of your life to care for him and see him to the end of his."
Her eyes sparkle with tears, and I shake my head. "No crying. I mean it. Think of Gabe in his Big Bad Wolfe apron and no clothes."
She laughs as I intended, and I nod. "That's better. And I am the one who's grateful for you. Because I know no matter what, you're here for me and the baby. And that? It means everything to me."
"Does that mean you won't mind when I steal him or her away for auntie time?"
Bronwyn wants a family so badly, and I pray she and Gabe are able to make that happen. "Not at all. Everyone should be so blessed to have you love them."
She draws me into a hug just as Eliza comes into the bedroom.
"Okay, it's almost time. Are we ready?"
Bronwyn draws back and gives me an intense stare.
"Don't give up on Kace yet," she murmurs, "but don't settle either. You deserve to be happy. Just know I'll kick his butt if he hurts you."
