My eyes prickle with tears as I look deep into her hazel eyes. “Not a single one,” I breathe out with a sentimental voice.
“All right! No making the bride cry yet, her makeup was just finished,” Em calls out as she comes over with Ronnie, both carrying a tray of champagne flutes, and one that is slightly off in color, which I’m guessing is some type of sparkling juice for me.
“Let’s all have a toast in honor of Aubrey starting a new chapter in her life.” She hands out the darker flute to me, then goes to pass a normal flute to Cecilia, but she blushes and shakes her head.
“Wait.” I grab onto her wrist. “Are you?” I drop my gaze to her flat stomach, then back up.
She nods with watery eyes. “Silas and I found out yesterday, but we didn’t want to take the attention away from you and your big day. We were going to tell you all after the wedding.”
“Oh my God! Dante’s going to be a big brother!” Emma exclaims with joy, setting down the tray and takes Cece into her arms.
“I’m so happy for you, sweetie.” Morgan comes in next as they hug each other.
Ronnie steps up, wrapping her arms around Cecilia. “God, now those two will definitely not leave me alone once they find out you’re pregnant, too,” she says, talking about her men. She looks at me over Cece’s shoulder and winks.
“Better double up if you’re still not ready. I wouldn’t be surprised if they find a way around your implant. Those boys are growing impatient.” Cecilia smirks.
Cecilia turns to me as I open my arms. She smiles warmly and steps into my embrace. “Congratulations. I can only imagine how excited Silas is.”
“Oh, he’s over the moon.” She sighs dreamily and pulls away. “I’m sorry, I know this is your moment.”
I wave her off and rub my belly. “Don’t be. This just makes this day even better,” I reassure her.
At that moment, there’s a soft knock on the door, seconds before it opens and my parents step in. “Oh, my baby girl… Look at you.” My mother rushes over with a sob.
“Mom, please don’t cry because then I’ll cry too.” I let out a wet laugh as she wraps her arms around me.
“Right, right. I’m sorry. It’s just…” She takes a deep breath, letting it out. “You’ve grown up so quickly. And now both my babies are off, creating their own families and starting their new lives.”
“Well, Greyson started his new life a little while back already,” I point out.
“Yes, well, he was long overdue.” She giggles as I join in and steps back.
My father comes strolling in, looking at all my friends. “Woo, is it me or is it getting hot in here,” he jokes and winks at the girls as he stops in front of me, and suddenly, all joking disappears in the blink of an eye as his own mist over.
“Oh, Dad…” I wrap my arms around his neck.
“My sweet, beautiful girl.” He lets out a shaky exhale. “I’m so, so proud of you, sweetie.”
“Thank you, Dad,” I whisper as my eyes flood with tears. I look up quickly, trying to blink them away.
“All right, well, it’s time to go, ladies. The men are already getting into place.” My mother claps her hands just as the coordinator steps into the room to collect us.
My father holds me by the elbows, looking into my eyes. “Let’s get you married.”
“Let’s get me married.”
SHANE
I pull on the sleeves of my suit jacket and straighten my bow tie, then take a deep breath before following my groom’s party out into the hall, where everyone waits for the ceremony to start.
I’m not nervous about marrying Aubrey. I’ve waited for this day for far too long. But after last night’s scare, I’m worried about her. She seemed like she was in so much pain, and there was nothing I could do to help. I hate that feeling. I just hope we can get through today without any complications so tomorrow we can just relax and focus on her.
Thankfully, Aubrey hasn’t had any major dizzy spells or complaining of feeling lightheaded lately, which is extremely reassuring. She’s still checking her blood pressure constantly and making sure to follow all the guidelines, but relaxing today will be hard for her to do.
I walk through the doors and step onto the white pathway. The work Eden did is phenomenal, and I know Aubrey will be in heaven once she sees it all. White chairs sit in rows facing the elevated platform where Aubrey and I will say our vows.
The walkway is lined with white mesh fabric, draping from one chair to the next. They go all the way to the front with deep purple bouquet attached along the way, preventing people from stepping onto the path. There are also lavender-coloredrose pedals scattered on each side of the path, and behind the officiant is an elegant square arch covered in white and purple drapes with more flowers.
