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“I’ve been missing you too.”

“I can't wait to watch you walk down the aisle in a few hours.” He whispers against my ear. A jolt of nerves runs through my system.

“Don't remind me, I’m terrified.” I chuckle.

“Just go out there and don't pay any attention to the crowd. If you do get nervous, just look at me and know I’m there with you.”

My brows crease. “Why does that sound vaguely familiar?”

“Because that's what you told me to do when I was nervous about the UCLA scout coming to my game senior year.” He beams.

“How do you remember that?” I chuckle, intertwining my fingers with his.

“Because I've always held onto the memories I have of you,” he whispers, bringing my palm to his lips, placing a gentle kiss to the back of my hand. My heart picks up speed at the small, intimate gesture. I cup his jaw in my hands, needing his lips back on mine. I open my mouth to him as our tongues tangle around each other, wishing this moment could last forever.

The door to the suite flies open, and Candace stands there, eyes wide, mouthing the words ‘I’m Sorry.’

“Cami, get your cute butt in here, I want my present!” Ivy yells from inside the room. We both chuckle, staring at each other.

“I’ll see you out there,” I say, giving him one last peck on the lips.

Ivy is brushing tears away as she reads aloud the handwritten declaration of love Cooper wrote for her, while the photographer snaps pictures of the tender moment. She opens the small white gift bag, and inside is a velvet box with beautiful pearl-studded earrings. Her face beams with joy while small tears streak down her cheeks. She opens the box and carefully puts on the earrings. My heart turns into a sappy puddle. I’m so happy for my brother and Ivy. I couldn't have asked for a better person for Cooper, and I can't wait for her to officially become my sister-in-law. I’m wiping away my happy tears as I sit down for the makeup artist to get started.

I stand in the bathroom, slowly stepping into my floor-length olive green satin dress. The soft fabric glides over my skin, and the moment I get it in place, I know it is easily the most elegant thing I have ever worn. It hugs my curves seamlessly, with a classic V-neckline held up by two impossibly thin spaghetti straps that reveal a completely open back. Inching closer to the mirror, I add the final touches, slipping on a few pieces of delicate gold jewelry. After drawing in a deep breath, I take one last look at my reflection in the mirror. I remind the girl staring back at me that she is beautiful, confident, and capable. I smile, impressed with how amazing I look. I swing the bathroom door open and join the other bridesmaids as we wait for Ivy to finish getting dressed.

The door to the walk-in closet quietly opens, and Ivy steps out, her mother a steadying presence at her side. We all collectively gasp as we take in the sight of her. She is absolutely radiant, the epitome of a bride. She is draped in a fitted strapless white satin dress with a deep slit running up her leg and a matching white scarf that loops around her neck and falls loosely against her back. Her blonde hair has been swept up into a low, detailed bun, perfectly displaying her new pearl earrings. She looks like she belongs in a bridal magazine. Ivy steps over to the floor-length mirror and checks out the final look. She starts fanning her eyes with her hands as the sheer weight of the moment hits her.

“You are stunning, Ivy,” I tell her as I blot the corners of my eyes, trying to hold back tears and not mess up my makeup.

“You’re perfect.” Candace chimes in.

Ivy’s sister steps forward to wrap her in a mindful hug, not wanting to wrinkle the dress.

There's a light knock on the door. The wedding planner peeks her head into the suite, with a practiced smile on her face. “It’s time, are you ready?”

Ivy takes one last deep breath, locking eyes with her reflection before turning toward the door. “Yeah. We’re ready.”

“Let's get you married!” Candace sings, and the entire room breaks into excited claps and cheers as we grab our bouquets and head out the door.

We are all gathered in the front lobby of the estate, lined up in order as we wait for the heavy wooden doors to open up to the courtyard. The violinist has already started playing the melody we rehearsed with yesterday. Cooper and the groomsmen have made their walk down the aisle, and are in position.

I find myself bouncing anxiously on the balls of my feet, my palms suddenly sweating against the white ribbon of my bouquet as I grip the stems tightly. The reality of this moment is crashing down on me. Walking down that long aisle entirely alone, with over a hundred and fifty pairs of eyes watching, makes my stomach turn sour. I want to hide and take a quiet moment alone, but that's not possible. You just need to make it down the aisle, Cami. I take a deep, shaky breath, trying to center myself as the wedding planner steps up to the doorknob.

The first bridesmaid is instructed to go, then the second, and the third, until I am up next. I take one last, deep inhale, squaring my shoulders and forcing a bright, elegant smile onto my face.

“And go.” The wedding planner whispers.

I step onto the lush green grass, navigating the path strewn with fresh white petals left by the flower girl. A gentle breeze sweeps across the courtyard, cool against my bare shoulders, providing fresh air to calm my buzzing nerves. The sun is starting to dip toward the horizon, reflecting pink and gold across the lake.

Keeping my head high, I avoid looking at the crowd in my periphery. Instead, my eyes lock straight ahead, finding Cooper first as he offers me a reassuring smile. But then, my gaze drifts to the man standing right next to him.

Drew.

He looks incredibly handsome in his tailored black tuxedo, his beard freshly groomed. The moment our gazes meet, a small tug pulls at the corner of his lips. His eyes glisten with raw emotion beneath the golden-hour light. The way he is looking at me, pure and unwavering, makes the rest of the world fall away. He has never needed words for me to understand what he’s thinking. It’s always been that way between us. The nerves start to settle, and the noise around me disappears. My eyes stay glued to his, quietly helping me get through my walk down the aisle.

My legs carry me the rest of the way, as I step into my place in line, taking a deep breath. I smooth down my satin dress as Candace makes her way down the aisle. I risk another look across the altar. Drew is already watching me. He holds my attention as he slowly mouths the words ‘You’re beautiful’

A rush of heat rises up my neck as I look down at my bouquet, my heart hammering against my ribs.