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He hugged her close. “Believe me, I’m not going anywhere.”
~ ~ ~
Lindsey and Lydia shoved Nicole into the shower, ordering her to scrub herself quickly but thoroughly. There was a lot to do, and they were already behind schedule.
She exited the shower ten minutes after she entered and was shoved down on a stool. They began drying her hair and fixing her makeup.
She didn’t ask questions, but she was beginning to figure it out on her own. When Audrey and Laura arrived a short time later, she knew she was on the right track.
Was Reece planning to marry her tonight? Was she finally going to be able to lay her fears to rest? There was still the chance he’d wake up, discover he didn’t want her after all, and call the whole thing off. She didn’t want to think about that right now.
She examined her mother’s reflection. “Do you think this is crazy, Mama?”
Lydia stopped twisting a curl around her finger. “Do I think what is crazy, Nicole?”
“Me. Marrying a movie star.”
Lydia put the brush down, staring back at her daughter. “Being an actor is his job, dear. He’s a man, just like any other. A good man, who happens to love my daughter to distraction.” She smiled.
Nicole smiled back. “Do you really like him, Mama?”
She tilted her head. “Would it really matter to you if I didn’t? I think he’s amazing, and I believe he’ll make you happy.” She sniffed. “Well, I already know he does. You light up from the inside whenever he’s near you.” She patted Nicole’s shoulder. “I used to worry about you, Nicole. You were always a dreamer, with your head in the clouds, but as much as you wrote about fairytales and happily ever after’s, I don’t think you truly believed in them until you met Reece. He brought you to life. He breathed light into your soul. You’ve been shining ever since.”
“I was shining even when I was hurting?”
“My love, the hurt you felt may have dimmed the light, but it was always there, ready to shine bright again. You’re very lucky to have found a man who does that for you.”
“Does Daddy do that for you?”
Lydia nodded. “Your father has been my best friend since before I can remember. He’s always been a part of my life. We’ve struggled.” She rolled her eyes to the ceiling. “Lord knows we’ve struggled. We’ve hurt each other, but our love has always been strong and true. You and Reece have that kind of bond. Don’t waste it, and don’t run from it anymore.”
“I won’t.” Nicole turned her eyes back to the mirror. “I can’t believe in a few hours I won’t be Nicole DeLancey anymore.”
“No,” Lydia said, hugging her tight, “but you’ll always be my baby.”
~ ~ ~
Nicole was waiting in the bedroom, fully gowned and coiffed. She had chosen a simple A-line design gown of ivory lace, with one shoulder strap and a sweep/brush train. The beading on the bodice was black, cascading around and down onto the skirt. She felt like a fairytale princess when she first saw herself in the mirror.
Her long red hair was swept up on her head in barrel roll curls, ringlets cascading along her neck and shoulders, with butterfly pins tucked throughout the coiffure.
She was willing and eager to take the next step in today’s journey. When the knock came, she called out, watching as her father opened the door.
Nicholas stood in the doorway, gazing at her. “You take my breath away, Coley.”
She stared in awe. She’d never seen him in anything but his jeans and flannels with a tool belt around his waist. But today, he was garbed in a tuxedo with tails. “Daddy, you look so . . .”
“Stupid?”
“No, distinguished. You clean up real well. I think you should wear that to the store.”
He grunted. “It’ll scare the customers away.”
She giggled. “How do I look?”
“You look like your mother.” He took a step into the room. “I never thought I would think anyone was as beautiful, but you, Coley, are stunning.”
“Thank you, Daddy.”
