AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Thank you,” I whisper.
I wasn’t sure what my wedding day would feel like. I wasn’t sure if I’d be emotional and teary-eyed or maybe nervous, but what I’m actually feeling is giddy. I’m so freaking excited to marry Miles. I keep getting goosebumps when I think about it. I’m antsy and twitchy because I can’t wait to walk down the aisle to him.
“You know what the best part of that look is?” Rae asks.
I shrug a little. “Hm?”
“Your smile.”
A smile that gets bigger when she says it.
“Remember when we sat around your old apartment and you tried to tell us how crazy it was to feel as comfortable with Miles as you did so soon?” she asks.
“I remember. You told me it wasn’t crazy. It was right.”
Rae shrugs. “I could see it in your eyes then.”
“Yes, it was very seventh grade, but I wanted to sing you love him over and over,” Amanda says with a laugh.
“I was falling then. I was just afraid to admit how hard.” I squeal. Actually fucking squeal. “I’m so excited! When do we leave? Is it time to go?”
They all laugh, and Kara says, “This is how you know it’s right.”
“Oh, that’s so true,” Sarah says with a laugh. “I remember Rae wanting to bolt down the aisle. I did too. When it’s right, you want to run happily to your future.”
“I love that,” I say, scooping Emmie out of Katie’s arms. “I think it’s what we should teach them.” I look from Emmie to Chelsea, who is holding baby Brooke, to Rae and her giant stomach, and back to Sarah. “The next generation. We’ve all earned a lot of wisdom. These are the things I can’t wait to pass along.”
“Ah, crap,” Rae sniffs, wiping her eyes.
“I knew you wouldn’t make it to the ceremony without crying,” Dani teases.
“Shut up. I’m pregnant. And… me. This is what I do. I’m happy for you and Miles,” she says. “And happy we get to keep you.”
I laugh at that, then walk over to hug her. “I believe you told me you were never shaking me. I finally accepted it.” I rest my head against hers, looking around the room at the wonderful, supportive women here. Rae, Sarah, Dani, their moms, Kara and Sylvia, Dani’s sister, Olivia, Chelsea, Amanda, Hyla, and, of course, Katie. And now our newest girls, Emmie and Brooke. Addie and Jameson are here too, but they’re not into this display of emotions. One day they’ll get there. Maybe they’ll find a friend like Rae who yanks them into a cult of their own.
“No more crying. We’re not redoing makeup,” Hyla says with a smile. Then she walks over and wraps her arm around me. “Even though we’re all very grateful to have you in our lives.”
She kisses the side of my head right as there’s a knock at the front door. Dani smiles and hurries to open it. And screw Hyla’s proclamation not to cry.
My favorite nurse smiles at me as she wheels my mother into the room.
“Congratulations,” Noelle says as I choke back tears.
This is all I wanted. For my mom to be here today.
“Thank you,” I whisper, walking over to them.
I knew my mother would be at the wedding ceremony, but I didn’t know she’d be here now, and I didn’t know Noelle would be the one with her.
My mother smiles as she looks at me. She reaches for the soft tulle skirt of my dress, rubbing it between her fingers. “So pretty,” she murmurs.
“Thank you, Mom.” I squat down next to her chair and kiss her cheek. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“I’d never miss… this.” Her words are garbled, but it doesn’t matter. The joy shimmering in her eyes is all I care about.
Holding her hand, I rest my head against hers, breathing deep to keep from crying, mostly because I don’t want to confuse or upset her.
“I love you, Mom,” I breathe, soaking in every second of this.
