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I have to look away from them, blushing. “No wonder Marissa refuses to be seen in public with you. You’re embarrassing,” I tease.
“We’re in love,” Clara throws back shamelessly. “And so are you, dear. Don’t think I haven’t caught you and August making out in the hall at every family dinner.”
“You’re not supposed to look!” I gasp, and Clara, Yvette, Grandma, and Lena all snicker.
Lena’s awkward in her pink-and-black bridesmaid’s gown. Not because the dress is bad, but because Lena hates dresses and turns into a human coatrack any time she puts one on. She saunters over to tweak a curl of my hair.
“Stop panicking. Go out there and get married already.”
“So I can take this awful dress off,” Marissa mumbles, sulking in a corner. “Why did you even ask me to be a bridesmaid? Are we friends?”
I look up at her.
Are we?
I just smile and look at her. “Because you wanted to be one, and your feelings would have been hurt if I hadn’t. And because I like you. And you just don’t want to admit you like me, and wanted to be part of this.”
Marissa gasps, then glowers at me.
Yvette grins.
“She’s got you pegged, dear.”
“Mom, shut up.”
Everyone chuckles. I shake my head fondly.
Marissa’s practically going through a second adolescence with her mom, but she seems to be doing that much better for it.
It’s crazy how much can change in barely a year.
Relationship dynamics, friendships, family, work, life.
I tripped over August and fell into the life I was meant for, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Everyone decent?” One of the ushers peeks in with his eyes closed.
“Decent enough,” I answer.
He opens his eyes, smiling. “We’re ready when you are, then. Everyone’s seated, all guests accounted for, the priest ready, and the groom’s party is waiting. Give us the signal and we’ll start, ma’am.”
My smile fades.
I take a shaky breath.
Gran grips my shoulders, squeezing tight.
“You’re ready, sweetness,” she reassures me. “You’ve always faced everything head on. Now go see your groom.”
I nod quickly, breathing hard, and flash a smile at the usher.
“Okay. We’re ready.”
And away we go.
It’s surreal to be standing here, listening to the music start up on the other side.
To feel like this is leading up to me and then to eternity as everyone files out—leaving only Gran and me. My parents are here, sitting there in the audience, but it’s Grandma Jackie who’s giving me away.
