“Baby Brey, I got a serious question for you,” Em says with a devilish smirk, and I know that the question she’s about to ask is one I wish she wouldn’t. “Why do you have such a huge mirror right beside your bed? And why is there such a comfy rug right beneath it but not the rest of the room?”
My face turns a bright red as she begins to laugh, looking at me through the exact mirror she’s mentioned. Cecilia and Morgan also watch me with curious eyes, waiting for an explanation.
I clear my throat and break eye contact. “I’d rather not say.”
“Oh, you naughty girl!” She laughs harder. “Let me guess, you and Shane like watching each other while you do the dirty.”
I cover my face with my hands as it begins to burn while they all start laughing and cheering me on. “I am not answering that!”
“You really don’t need to, Brey. Your face gives you away.” Cecilia giggles as I turn and head for my walk-in where Ronnie is getting ready, leaving them to form their own opinions on the matter, even though they’re correct.
“Hey,” I say softly as I head over to her.
She’s all dressed and dolled up beautifully, with her hair running down her back in elegant curls. It’s a beautiful shade of aqua blue at the top, then gradually darkens into a dark blue. It fits perfectly with our dresses.
“Hi,” she answers in a voice that doesn’t sound like her own. She doesn’t even turn to look at me, instead fixates on her reflection.
“What’s wrong, Ronnie?” I ask with concern as I stand at her side.
“I’m scared…” she finally admits after a moment in a broken voice.
“Is this about Noah?” I know this is what’s been keeping her from setting a date. She’s afraid Noah will come to regret her marrying Gabe and not him.
She nods as a tear slips out, quickly gathering it with a tissue not to ruin her makeup. “What if he changes his mind? What if he starts resenting me for doing this with Gabriel?”
“I don’t think that will be the case. Noah loves you. He would have said something already if he wasn’t on board with this,” I try to reassure her as I pull out my phone from my dress, because yes, this dress has pockets and that has to be the greatest invention.
“I know, you’re right. I’m just… nervous. It will pass, just give me a few minutes. I’ll be okay.” She takes a few calming breaths, but I can still see the sadness and worry on her face.
I quickly shoot off a text to someone I know will be able to settle her worries in an instant.
Me
I think your girl might need a bit of reassurance.
His reply comes through immediately.
Noah
On my way.
I place my hand on her shoulder. “If you need anything, we’re right in the other room.”
She nods as I walk out and close the door slightly behind me, giving her some privacy. I find the other girls standing by, looking at me with an equal look of concern.
“How is she doing?” Morgan questions quietly.
I shake my head. “Not great. She’s having a hard time,” I whisper. “Noah’s on his way down.”
“Poor thing, I can’t imagine this is easy for her. If I were in her place, I’d probably have a hard time, too,” Cecilia says with watery eyes.
None of us truly know what it’s like for Ronnie, but we all understand that choosing to marry one and not the other is a hard decision.
A knock at the door grabs our attention as we all turn in time to see Noah slip into the room. “Where is she?”
I point to the door behind me as he heads for it. He walks through, leaving it slightly open like I had earlier. We all gather closely to hear what they say.
“Oh, Noh,” Ronnie cries.
