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Forever Love
Maia
Mymomtucksonelast strand of hair back into a pin, then sets a flower crown on my head. It’s small and simple with light coral and white flowers. It matches my bouquet, which is coral roses, white roses, and baby’s breath—just like the bouquet Vince brought me on our first date. We went with a light coral color for the bridesmaids’ dresses and groomsmen’s ties, which pulls everything together.
The coral accents of the flower crown also pop nicely against my dark brown hair—part of which is tucked back with pins to keep it out of my face, with waves cascading down my back.
And. My. Dress. It’s gorgeous. I shouldn’t have expected anything less with Leigh being the one to help me pick it out. We went for full summer vibes with a simple flowy mermaid-style spaghetti strap lace dress with a floral pattern. It also has a deep V down the back. It’s sexy but comfortable, and not over the top. And it fits me like a freaking glove.
“You look beautiful,” Mom says, leaning forward to kiss my head.
“That’s an understatement,” Leigh says.
“You excited?” Jenna asks, elbowing me.
I nod.Soexcited. My stomach is whirling like the butterflies had a little too much caffeine. They’re excited too.
What am I saying?
Not a clue. But now that I’m ready, I don’t want to wait. I want to go.Right now.
“I know you’re champing at the bit to go, but we have a little toast to make.”
My mom’s breath catches as she looks between Marie, Meredith, and Lara. “This was a tradition Ella started when I married your dad. It’s one we’ve kept up with for each woman who has gotten married since. We stand together, and we each say a toast to the bride.”
Everyone stands up as Mom and Lara pass around champagne flutes. Mom is about to speak when her face changes. “Wait. With this group, I think I need to ask—is anyone pregnant? Because this is real champagne.”
We all bust out laughing, but look between each other.
Thankfully, for once, no one is in the midst of an unplanned pregnancy.
Oh, how times have changed.
Mom lifts her glass again. “To my fierce, strong, loving daughter—I am so proud of the woman you’ve become. You have always been a force to be reckoned with.” She smiles mischievously. “I have no idea where you got that from.” We all chuckle at that. “Watching you grow, especially over these past two years, has been a beautiful thing. You are an amazing woman, daughter, friend, and mother. I can’t wait to watch you continue to grow as a wife. I love you, honey.”
“Love you, Mom.”
Lara goes next, talking about what a pleasure it’s been for her to be my bonus mom all these years. Marie toasts to me officially becoming a member of the Ardito family, while joking that I pretty much always have been.
Meredith smiles softly at me as she raises her glass. “Maia, it has been an honor to watch you grow. You are the daughter I never had, and I love you very much. You’ve given me the biggest blessing of my life with that beautiful girl of yours. And I couldn’t be more thankful for the family you’ve built around her. I look forward to celebrating with you today and throughout your life.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, feeling tears rising. I push them down. My makeup is already done, damn it.
Jenna goes next. “You’re crazy. But you’re my kind of crazy, and I love it. Your life hasn’t gone the way you wanted it to, but you’ve made it into something beautiful nonetheless. Even though I’m the older one, you’re constantly giving me examples of how to live—or maybe how not to.” We all laugh at that. “But holding out for what you deserve and allowing yourself to love deeply even after the pain you’ve gone through are two of your best lessons ever. I love you. Can’t wait to watch you marry your dream guy.”
More. Emotion. No.
I push it all down again. But then I look at Leigh. This is going to be the one that breaks me.
Leigh takes my hand and looks at me sincerely. “Maia Barone, you are the most badass woman I’ve ever known. You love deeply and give so much of yourself to the people you love. You are an incredible mom. But to me, more than anything, you’re the best friend I could have ever asked for. You have stood by my side through everything—the best, the worst, the heartbreaking, the crazy. All of it. And you’re a big part of the reason I’ve made it through.” We look at each other, both trying hard not to cry. “I love you so much. And no matter what happens, it’ll always bewe.”
“Always,” I whisper, then wipe at my eyes. “For the record, we should have done this before we did our makeup.” I clear my throat and look between them. “Thank you all for being my support, my tribe, the women who uplift me. I could not do this without you.” Harper, suddenly having realized there is life outside her tablet, toddles over. I scoop her into my arms. “And you, sweet girl.” I kiss her cheek as everyone raises their glasses.
“To Maia,” my mom says.
We allclinkand take a sip.
Once the toast is done, I look around the room.
