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My mother zips her cosmetics bag with a sigh.
“Are you sure about this? I need about two more hours and a professional makeup artist.”
“Me too, but, I’m sure. We’re only ten minutes late and we’re going to make it…” I usher her back out through the restroom door.
The sound of both of our heels clicking against the wooden floors follows us toward the event room.
I helped Maggie and Trent with decorations, so I know exactly what it will look like inside. But still, when I pull the doors open, I’m filled with awe.
The room’s done up in twinkling lights, green vines, votive candles, and gauzy white ribbons. And every single chair seems to be filled. An acoustic guitar is playing, and the minister is standing up at the front of the room, near an arch decorated with more flowers.
He’s alone up there. The guests seated before him converse in hushed voices that mingle with the guitar music.
We’re only a little late, and I’m hoping they delayed the ceremony for us. It doesn’t seem to have started yet…
I spot my Gigi and Grandpa Ray, up in the first row. Blue’s standing in the aisle near Grandpa Ray, fluffed and clean, with a neat little leash around his neck.
“What are they waiting for?” my mother, at my side, whispers to me.
“I think—I think they’re waiting for us.” I glance to my left and spot a glimpse of fabric puffing out from within an alcove. It’s snow white and lacey. Maggie’s dress.
I tug my mother’s elbow. “Come on, this way.”
She follows my lead toward the alcove, and the minute we round the bend Maggie descends on us like a bird. She swoops me up in a hug, then clasps Beryl’s hands.
“You made it! You both did. I can’t tell you how much this means to me… seeing you two.” She looks past us and waves.
I turn in time to see Trent…
And Cole, just behind him.
They’re both in tuxes.
My eyes skip past my brother and rest on Cole. He looks gorgeous, buttoned up in a crisp white shirt, with a blue satin tie around his neck. His eyes hook on mine, but he doesn’t smile.
Is he here with Danielle? I can’t pull my eyes away from him. I’m barely aware of Trent, walking our way. My brother wraps his arms around Mom. I hear her whispered sentiments: “My boy, all grown up… I’m so happy for you.”
When I finally manage to drag my focus away from Cole and take in what’s happening beside me, it takes every ounce of determination I have not to give in to more tears. Trent’s definitely teared up, and he’s clinging to my mother like he’s truly happy to see her.
Maggie clutches my arm. “Wow…” she breathes. “This is so… so good for him. See?”
I nod. I can’t speak. If I try, it’ll come out in a big old jumble, and there’s no time for that.
Maggie squeezes my arm. “Shoot. I might cry.”
“Don’t,” I say, as I fumble around for her hand and squeeze it. “I’m doing my best not to, too. We’ll both ruin our eye makeup.”
She laughs and keeps holding my hand. “Thank you for picking her up.”
“It was good for us… the drive here. It was really good.”
My eyes swing back to Cole. I want to ask Maggie if Danielle’s here, but I hold back.
She has enough to manage right now. I turn and then fuss with the rope of pearls around her neck, straightening them out. “You look perfect. Is there anything I can do to help?”
“No, this was it… the last piece.” She stands on her tiptoes and gives a signal out into the room. Probably to her wedding planner, who’s perched out by the aisle that divides the rows of chairs.
The guitar melody pauses, and when it starts up again, it’s a song I know.
