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During the course of the hairstyling, Maizy discovered that Danielle was the stylist Chaz was dating—or had been up until recently. At one point in that lively conversation, while arranging Maizy’s sparkling hairpins, Danielle giggled and said, “Honey, it’s such a shame when a man peaks at the age of eighteen. After I’d heard that story about the football championships regurgitated for the tenth time, I gave his goofy ass the boot. Life is too short for that bullshit.”
Right then, Danielle earned a client for life as she and Maizy commiserated over the hazards of dating men like Chaz.
Once they were all done with hair and nails, had a light lunch, and then had makeup done, they used Madeleine’s large dressing room to get ready for the wedding. It was warm outside and they didn’t want to change clothes once they got to Grace’s, chancing ruining hair or makeup. Madeleine helped them with buttons, zippers, and last-minute touch-ups and then stood back as they gazed at themselves in the large mirrors. “You’re all perfect, ladies.”
Madeleine was Lucy’s former employer, before she’d become self-employed, and it was obvious that she was close with Lucy as she placed her hands on Lucy’s lace-sheathed upper arms. “You’re stunning, Lucy. I’m glad you invited me to your wedding because I can’t wait to see the looks on your men’s faces.”
Lucy smiled at Madeleine, blinking rapidly as she fought tears, and patted her forearms. “Thanks, boss.”
Madeleine turned to the whole group with shiny eyes and said, “Ladies, I can’t wait to see how the whole assembly reacts to you. It’s nearly one o’clock.”
Grace gasped and said, “We’d better hurry. Don’t want to be late for your wedding.”
Lucy eyed her wedding dress and shoes in the mirror one more time, that same confident smile and fierceness lighting her pale blue eyes from within. “I think they’ll wait.”
Maizy was a little awed by her about-to-be sister-in-law sometimes. She was tall and usually exuded a confidence that made Maizy think of an Amazon warrior woman. She was exactly what Patrick and PJ needed. And the good Lord knew she was exactly what Beck needed, too.
“I’m ready.”
A few minutes later, they caravanned down the long driveway at the Divine Creek Ranch. Near the house, the grassy area on both sides of the driveway was lined with long rows of vehicles belonging to the guests. A pearly white Escalade was parked nearby, already decorated with streamers and strings of cans, and “Just Married” emblazoned in white shoe polish on the windows.
Jack Warner and Charity Connors came out of the front door to greet them as they exited their vehicles. Maizy and the girls enjoyed their reactions as their jaws dropped and their eyes got big.
“Holy crap, Lucy! I like your style,” Charity said in genuine surprise as she got a good look at Lucy’s wedding dress.
Jack said, “Ladies, you’re real stunners.” He gave Grace a very warm, appreciative look as he slid his hand around her back. She looked up at him and sighed happily as she stroked his cheek.
Like Maizy and Jayne, Grace was clad in an off-the-shoulder summer dress made from gauzy linen and lace in a vivid violet color. Despite their disparate hair colors, eye colors, and complexions, the brilliant shade of blue was perfection on all three of them.
The shirred bodice on the dresses was formfitting and flowed down to a lace-covered gauze skirt that reached just past midthigh. The lace extended beyond the gauze hem another few inches, giving a peek at their legs. They were all wearing matching violet satin platform pumps with chunky four-inch heels.
Jack escorted the ladies in the house as he said, “Patrick and Beck are already at the front with the minister. Just about everyone is situated. Rachel said we can get started when Lucy is ready.”
“Good. How’s Rose Marie doing?” Grace asked as she put up her purse and keys.
“Adam has her and PJ upstairs playing. She’s dressed but she didn’t want to keep the tights on, baby. When Adam helped her use the potty, she took them and her shoes off and refused to put the tights back on.”
Looking resolute, Grace turned to them and said, “I’ll go get the flower girl and the ring bearer and be right back down.”
