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I giggle as I look myself over in the mirror. Yeah, he’ll like this.
The five of us pay for the dresses – them all picking different variations of a light teal – and make our way to the spa. When we get there, I find out we are to get anything we want. The receptionist has a judging look on her face, but she’s probably just jealous. Someone leaked the details of our nuptials to the media and now there have been fans from all over Hawaii coming to the hotel to catch a glimpse of Holden. Bree worries about me getting jealous, but he’s about to become my husband. I don’t have a care in the world.
Jo and I opt for massages first, while the rest go to get their facials. I’m glad for the time alone with her, because I’ve been itching to ask about Jason.
“Seriously, H is adorable for doing all this for you.” She tells me, lying face down on the massage table.
I’m sitting in a chair, unable to lie flat on my stomach. “He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
“Well, good, because I was prepared to force you down that aisle if I had to.”
The thought of her trying makes me smile. “I love you and all, but you’re little.”
She shrugs. “I’d get Jason and Caleb to help. They’re big.”
“Touché.” It goes quiet for a moment, and I can tell she’s thinking about him. “So, is this the first time you’ve seen Jay since your break up?”
“Kind of.” She sighs. “I saw him once after to give back some of his things, but other than that, yeah.”
“And? How do you feel now?”
“I’m really not sure. I mean my feelings for Caleb are gone, that’s for sure, but my feelings for Jason were always so much stronger.”
“Well, if it makes you feel any better, I’m pretty sure he’s still hung up on you.”
“He is?” She sounds surprised.
I nod. “He hasn’t so much as looked at another girl since September. Even at parties, it’s like they don’t exist to him or something.”
Her expression turns hopeful, but it’s only for a second. “He’s probably just afraid of Holden getting mad. He can be discreet when he wants to be.”
I’m about to fight her on it, but the look on her face tells me I better not. The last thing I want to do is make her upset when she needs to see him soon. The heights even align to where she is paired with him to walk back down the aisle. She needs to be as levelheaded as possible.
WHEN WE GET BACK to my suite, our dresses are all waiting for us along with the professionals to do our hair and makeup. Again, I trust my friends to do whatever they think looks best. They all decide on having it up in intricate buns. I, however, choose something I’ve seen so many times in my dreams – half up, half down, and curled.
For the makeup, we all remain as natural as possible – using just enough to cover blemishes and pronounce our best features, but not look like we’re trying too hard. None of us have ever really been the kind to cake on foundation anyway. Well, except for Bree during half of freshman year.
By the time we’re done, my mother comes in to see how we’re doing. She has John in tow, who looks like he’s going to cry, but he stays in the background. My mom doesn’t mask her feelings as easily. She thanks the heavens above for waterproof mascara.
“Mom, stop crying. You’re going to make me cry.”
She dabs her tears with a tissue. “I’m sorry, I can’t help it. You look beautiful.”
A worker for the hotel peaks her head into the room. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but you’re expected downstairs in ten minutes.”
“Okay. Thank you.”
My mom takes a deep breath. “John and I will be waiting in the front row.”
I look past her and at my stepfather. “No, Mom. You will be waiting in the front row. He has a bride to give away.” The dam breaks and all the emotions he was holding back come flooding out. I walk toward him and smile softly. “That is, as long as you want to.”
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“I would be honored.” He chokes out.
I STAND BEHIND THE tall wooden barrier, hearing the music play and watching my friends all walk out one by one. Just knowing Holden is on the other side, makes me want to knock it down and run up to him. I had expected my anxiety to be out of control, but I don’t feel it at all. The only thing I can think of is the fact that in a few minutes, Holden Rivers will be my husband.
“Are you ready?” John asks me.
