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Chapter 12
I fell asleep in Alivia’s big bed and didn’t wake up until I heard her voice.
“Hey, I have to start getting things ready, so I need to take you home,” she said.
“Okay,” I said, even though I hadn’t had enough sleep. I looked at the clock on the wall and did some calculations confirming that I’d be able to squeeze in a nap when I got home.
“Hey,” I said as I got dressed in my outfit from last night. “Thanks for everything. It was perfect.”
She came over to me and helped me zip up the back of my dress.
“It really was.” I leaned back into her and she put her arms around me, holding me close.
“You can come back here tonight, if you want. I can’t promise how awake I’ll be. I always pass out after a wedding and reception because they take so much energy.”
I didn’t care if we got back here and just went to sleep. I just wanted to be with her.
Last night hadn’t been enough. Not even close to enough.
In the back of my mind, I knew I was going against all those rules I’d been trying to make for myself, but at this point I didn’t fucking care. I wanted Alivia, and she wanted me, and I wasn’t going to think about things beyond that at the moment.
I was too tired from all the fucking.
* * *
Alivia snuck me out again and took me home. I went right to bed after setting an alarm that would give me enough time to put on the silky pajamas that Linley had gifted all the bridesmaids to wear when we got our hair and makeup done.
When I woke up, I did feel more refreshed, so I hoped that I could make it through this marathon of a day. Maybe I could sneak up to Alivia’s room during the reception for a break. I had the feeling I was going to need one.
My hair was a mess because I hadn’t had access to all my products at Alivia’s, but I didn’t care. I ran a brush through it and called it good as I slid into the silky pajamas and then got back in the car. I could have ridden over with my friends, but I wanted to have access to my own vehicle if I needed it.
Natalie and Em were getting out of Natalie’s car when I parked in the parking lot.
“Today is the day!” Em said, waving. They both had their pajamas and robes on and their hair looked as messy as mine, so I didn’t feel self-conscious. They both looked a little tired as well.
“Whoa, what happened to your neck?” Natalie asked, turning my head. Shit. I’d forgotten to put some cover up on the spot.
“Uhhh,” I said, looking anywhere but at Natalie and Em.
“Oh, you got lucky last night,” Natalie said. “Good for you.”
“Hold on a second,” I said, scrambling in my bag for the emergency concealer that I kept with me.
“Can you help me?” I asked her. Natalie put the concealer on my neck with a smirk on her face.
“I just don’t want to take anything away from Linley’s day,” I said.
“It’s fine. Don’t worry about it. There,” Natalie said. “What do you think?”
Em checked and stood back and checked again. “Looks good to me.”
“Thanks,” I said, putting the makeup back in my purse. The three of us headed inside the inn, where there was a special room set aside for bridal parties to get ready. Linley was already there with a mimosa in one hand and a croissant in the other.
“Hey!” she said, coming over to hug us. She was absolutely glowing already.
We all went for the food and started chatting as the photographer took pictures and we got set in our chairs to get hair and makeup done.
Martha was ordering everyone around and keeping us on schedule, as usual. Gray’s mom was busy helping Gray’s sister wrangle a fussy flower girl. The ring bearer, Gray’s nephew, was a little bit older, but was asleep in a corner in his suit. It was beyond cute.
