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“Ow!” I rub my arm where Quinn pinched it.
“Hussy, pretty sure he’s the lucky one. I’m a hot commodity.”
“Oh lord.” Michelle hangs her head in embarrassment. “Poor Dean.”
“Mom!”
“Anyway, Jamie,” I go back to her, “you aren’t an old maid.”
“Well, congratulations, Crystal. Your ring is beautiful.” Jamie flashes a sincere smile.
“How about some champagne?” Sheila starts pouring before anyone answers.
“Okay, girls, time to get Devon dressed.” Mom comes back in.
We do a quick toast, and Mom goes into the bedroom to help me. Once the dress slides down into place, Mom starts to cry. I try to comfort her, but she throws her arms out, stopping me.
“We can’t mess up your hair and makeup,” she wails, putting her head in her hands.
“Quinn! Mom’s finally lost it! It’s time!”
The door swings open, and Quinn busts through with our emergency bag in her arms. The rest of the women are on her heels. When Sheila’s eyes land on me, she immediately starts to sob, too.
“Ladies, let’s have a seat.” Crystal ushers them to the bed, fully aware of our crisis plan.
Quinn lays out tissue, a handheld fan, an additional make-up bag, shot glasses, and a bottle of tequila.
“Karen, come here. Close your eyes and stay still.”
Quinn uses the handheld fan to dry my mom’s tears and blots her cheeks with the tissue, careful not to remove all of her makeup. When Mom’s face is dry, Crystal takes the fan and repeats the same process with Sheila.
Jamie starts reapplying their make-up, and I notice Michelle biting her lip, holding in laughter.
Mom’s eyes well up again when she looks at me, and Quinn spins her to the mirror. “Lock it down, Karen! We don’t have time for this. Remember, we’re on a strict schedule here… and God knows, if Devon starts wailing because of your emotional outburst, we’ll never have a wedding.”
Michelle can’t hold it in anymore and drops her head, trying to shield her giggle. Mom shoots her an evil glance, but then her face softens.
“Okay, Quinn Jackson. You drive a hard bargain, but we can’t have Devon break down and ruin months of planning.”
“Hey!” I protest, “I’m innocent over here.”
“Well, you were, but let’s see what happens now.” Jamie hands me the gift Crystal brought in.
I open the card first with shaky fingers.
Devon,
I’ve told you a million times, but I’ll tell you again. You own my heart. Today, my own fairytale comes true because you are giving me the greatest gift ever… you. Thank you for that gift. I will treasure it until my dying breath.
You will always be my compass.
All my love,
Bryce
I flip open the small box and suck in a deep breath, feeling all eyes on me. Inside is a diamond and pearl encrusted compass pendant on a delicate silver chain.
The room is silent, no doubt waiting for my reaction. My heart swells so big my chest hurts, but I force back the tears.
