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Cole sends Amanda an air kiss.
"But," Bella adds, "I told Nick the same when he was dating Emma. If you hurt Alisha, I'll cut off your balls and display them at one of my art exhibitions."
"Uh, okay. I'll remember that, Bella. Thank you for looking out for the wellbeing of my fiancée," he says, placing a kiss on top of my head.
Sweetawsounds leave my friends’ lips.
"You two are perfect. Did you set a date?" Amanda asks.
"No, I need time to find a wedding dress."
Amanda claps in her hands. "Oh, yes. You're going to be the most beautiful, fashionable bride in the world. I'm going to clear my agenda."
We chat for a while, and when I hang up, Emma and I join our men who are drinking Cole’s exclusive beer to celebrate in the living room. Cole pulls me closer to his side, and a deep sense of contentment fills me when he places a hand on my knee. I glance up at him and grin at my inner dialogue.
I'm getting MARRIED!
47
ALISHA
"You're breathtaking,honey. Your beauty will knock the air out of Cole's lungs," my mom says with watery eyes. She opens her arms, and I hug her.
"I love you, Mom. But please don't break down. If you cry, I will too, and then I'll have to redo my makeup."
"I know, so give me a moment." She sniffles while tightening her hold on me. My parents are the best. I couldn't have wished for better role models than them growing up. They taught me to stick with being who I am and love myself, no matter what other people think. This life lesson helped me to become the strong person I am today. A woman who accepts who she is, inside and out. And I'll pass it on to Samantha for sure.
"Are you ready to see yourself?" my mom says as she steps back.
I nod and turn. A flutter awakens in my stomach as I stare at myself in the full-size mirror. This sexy wedding dress with sheer open back is superb! It has a modern lace pattern mixed with a sleek and chic crepe skirt. The sheer organza on the bodice joined with French lace causes the lace details to stand out. It forms gorgeous straps and develops to an open keyhole back. For an extra added pop of elegance, fabric-covered buttons line the length of the train. I brush a hand through my loose, wavy curls.
"Oh, I'm smoking."
An abrupt knock gets our attention.
"Can we please come in?" Amanda asks.
I laugh at the impatient murmurs coming from my friends standing on the other side of the door. My mom grins as she strides over. The second it opens, a colossal outburst ofohsfollows the ladies as they burst inside.
"Alisha, you're... I will not cry," Amanda says, sniffing as she comes my way. "This finished look is extraordinary."
Bella and Emma are waiting in line to give their opinion. "My god, you take being a bride to another level. Your soon-to-be husband will need to pick his jaw off the ground when you appear," Bella says with a grin.
"His self-control will be tested today," Emma adds with a mocking wink. "Bet he can't wait to get you alone after he slides that ring on your finger."
"You girls look remarkable too," I say, while taking in my three best friends. They are wearing romantic and elegant chiffon spaghetti strap bridesmaids' dresses, with a featuring v-neck.
"Are you ready to claim your man?" Emma says with a grin.
Butterflies swirl in my stomach at the thought of my personal Thor in a suit. I can't wait to touch him. Last night I stayed at my parents’ house, and he stayed at home with Samantha and Brian. Cole and I agreed on wanting to hold the wedding ceremony and the party in the place that carries meaning for both of us: Six-Pack. It's where we first met and where our adventure began. When we asked the Brian if that was possible, he beamed and said, "Hell, yes. We'll turn it into your dream venue."
I glance up and my eyes get teary at seeing Carmen walk in with Samantha and Charlotte. Both girls' dresses have a featured satin higher v-neck top, thin shoestring straps, and an effortless chiffon skirt. I stop before Sam and grab her hands.
"You are one gorgeous lady."
"And Dad will drool when he sees you."
Everyone laughs, and I give her a massive hug. "Ladies, it's time," my mom says. The room is quiet, and seven pairs of eyes glance at me.
