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“Love you, Amelia.” Again, her words are garbled, but I feel them in my soul. These moments are fleeting and will only become fewer and farther between, so I’m enjoying them now, committing every moment to memory.
“How about some pictures?” Hyla calls, whipping her phone out.
“That’s a wonderful idea,” Katie says.
“So glad we used the ultra-waterproof mascara,” Rae says with a laugh.
I laugh too. Today is a day of joy and celebration. Even though I’m in my feelings, most of those feelings are happy ones. I smile for the camera, enjoying as we take photo after photo, not just of me with my mom, but also with the girls. I’m having the time of my life, but I’m also itching with anticipation because I’m so ready to walk down the aisle to my man and see the look on his face when he sees me in this dress.
Miles
“Stop messing with your tie. It’s tied perfectly, and you’re going to fuck it up if you keep messing with it,” Joel says.
Letting out a breath, I step back from the mirror. He’s right, but I can’t help it. I’m ready to do this. Ready to marry my unicorn girl.
For the rest of my life, I will be grateful I trusted my gut and walked back to her door that morning. It changed the course of my life in the best possible way.
“Oh shit,” Trev says with a whistle.
I turn to see Mackenzie standing in the doorway of the room.
We’re in a room above the barn where the reception is being held. They have a couple of rooms up here where the wedding party can get ready. Though the girls are at Dani’s, we decided to get ready here. Mackie was in the other room with her mom, getting her hair and makeup done and getting dressed. Today, she’s one of the guys.
She’s wearing a perfectly tailored maroon suit with black lapels and black booties to go with it. Her curls are shiny and perfectly styled. She arches an eyebrow as she walks in, clearly feeling as fierce as she looks.
“Damn, Macks,” I say, walking over to look at her. “You look hot. Hyla’s going to lose her mind.”
Her cheeks tint pink. This is the first official date she and Hyla have had in years, and it’s a big deal for her. She looks at me, not losing an ounce of her sassy demeanor.
“That’s the idea. Honestly, I’ll be surprised if anyone notices you at the altar, between me, Dani, and your gorgeous bride.” She gives me a wicked grin. “And yes, I’ve seen pictures of her in the dress today.” I cross my arms over my chest, instantly grumpy about that. Mackie laughs. “They’ll be here soon, so we should probably get you a blindfold.”
“I can behave for a few more minutes.” Joel, Aaron, Trevor, and Jesse all laugh.
“Whatever you need to tell yourself,” Mackie says with a wink. Then she steps closer. “For the record, you do look very handsome.” Her face softens, and she steps closer, wrapping me in a hug. “I’m proud of you, and I can’t wait to watch you marry your unicorn girl. I love you.”
“Damn, Macks.” I shake my head. “I love you too.”
“You know, I think it’s about time for a toast,” Aaron says.
Jesse grabs the beers we brought and hands them to everyone. Usually, we toast with whiskey or bourbon, but something about today has a beers with my friends feeling, so that’s what we’re going with.
Aaron lifts his beer. “To Miles. The last of the guys to get married—that alone is a little crazy. We’ve come a long way together, and the adventure isn’t stopping anytime soon, but I think we can all agree, it’s been a beautiful season watching you and Amelia fall in love. We’re lucky to have you keeping our shit together and showing up for all of us, and you’re lucky as fuck that Amelia ever gave you the time of day.” I laugh at that. “Here’s to you on your wedding day. Allow me to pass along the most sage advice any of us have ever gotten…”
Aaron glances at the guys and together they say, “Don’t fuck it up.”
Mackenzie laughs. “Best advice ever. Keep growing together with Amelia and working hard at your relationship and you never will. Happy wedding.”
“Cheers,” the guys say, and we all clink our bottles together.
A car door slams outside and my gaze darts to the window.
“Anyone have an extra tie? I was serious about the blindfold,” Mackie says with a laugh.
I turn back to them, my hands held up in front of me. I’m doing my best not to look, but I can’t help it. I’m ready to marry the girl of my dreams.
I’m a fidgeting mess as I step up to the altar. Wooden screens are set up at the far end of the aisle so I can’t see anything beyond them—like my bride.
I wasn’t naive enough to think I’d be calm now. I watched my friends get married—the tears in their eyes as they saw their loves and said their vows. I expected some nervousness today, but I haven’t felt any. Anticipation is the strongest thing I feel, with a mix of excitement and love simmering inside me, that I’m certain will explode the moment I see her. If I don’t explode first from all this waiting.
