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8
BRYNN
Brynn closed her eyes, trying to take in a deep breath, but her chest was tight with anxiety. Today was her wedding day. Pippa brought her stepdaughter, Aspen, and Charli when they showed up Friday night to take her and Dani to dinner at Atlantis. From there, they headed to the loft apartment above the bookstore that Pippa used to live in before she moved in with Mason. They’d played games, had non-alcoholic drinks, and eaten snacks while watching movies and sharing laughs. It was one of the best experiences of Brynn’s life. She’d never had a sleepover with friends before. She was so glad that Dani was getting to experience this. It was exactly what Brynn needed before the big day.
But morning had come and with it the nerves and anxiety as she got ready to walk down the aisle for the second time and pledge her life to another man. Aaron must have known how hard today would be for her because he sent an entire crew to assist her with her hair and makeup. She’d never been so primped and spoiled in her life. It was like she was one of the women in the romance movies they’d watched the night before.
She stared into the mirror, hardly recognizing herself. Her short hair was pulled up into a fancy elegant updo. A veil cascaded down the back of her head to the middle of her back. The dress fit like a glove and felt like butter on her skin. The tailor had fixed the hem so that it was the perfect length for her five-foot frame. Brynn touched her pink cheek. Her eyes had a smoky shadow effect to them with shimmery glitter that made her green eyes sparkle like the ring on her finger. Her lips were bright bloodred. She’d never in her life worn makeup. Dressing up like royalty was new to her.
Dani wrapped her arm around Brynn’s waist and smiled at her own reflection. Dani, too, had been primped and doted on. But unlike her mother, Dani had lapped up the attention.
Dani beamed. “You look like a queen, Mom.”
“And you, my beautiful princess.” Brynn leaned down and kissed her daughter’s cheek.
“Mom, you’re going to get lipstick on me.” Dani swiped at her face.
Pippa came up beside them. “This is no-smudge, long-lasting lip stain. So no worries there.”
“You ladies ready?” Charli smiled. “Your chariot awaits.”
Brynn licked her lips and forced herself to inhale as her head grew dizzy. She turned to her daughter, her reason for everything, and exhaled.
She was doing this.
Brynn carefully made her way down the stairs, Pippa and Charli helping to hold her dress up so as not to get it dirty. A long white limo parked at the curb, and a driver in a suit and hat held the door open. Brynn’s eyes widened. She followed Dani’s lead and climbed in. Mixed feelings of not wanting to be a drain on Aaron and a thrill of excitement that this was for her tumbled in her belly.
Pippa, Charli, and Aspen joined them, each of them dressed in satin knee-length slips of various gemstone colors. The limo pulled out onto the road, starting towards their destination.
“Are you ready for this?” Pippa whispered beside her, reaching out her hand to envelop Brynn’s. Usually, she didn’t like physical touch from anyone besides her daughter, but Pippa had become a close friend.
“I hope so.”
“You’re in safe hands. As your friend and someone who cares a lot about you and Dani, I wouldn’t let you do something like this unless I thought it safe.”
Brynn turned to face her. “Thank you, for being here for me. For all you’ve done for us. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.” Her debt with people was racking up.
Pippa gave her a kind smile. “Repay me by doing whatever it takes to find your happiness.”
“Look, Mom, a sign for the wedding!” Dani pointed excitedly out the window.
Right past the sign for Emerson Farm was another surrounded by white balloons. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Ridley.
This was it. It was too late to turn back now. She inhaled a shaky breath, focusing on bringing fresh oxygen into her lungs, the only thing she could control in this moment as the limo pulled to the front.
“Wait here, I’ll make sure everything is ready.” Charli slipped out and disappeared into the barn.
Dani squealed. “I’m so excited.”
Aspen gave her a hug and asked, “Do you have the flowers?”
“Don’t worry, they were delivered here this morning. Charli will bring them back,” Pippa assured them.
A moment later, Charli returned, bouquet and basket in hand. The driver opened the door, and she leaned in. “Everyone is ready, the music has just started. You’re on, sweetheart.” Charli handed the basket of pink rose petals to Dani.
Aspen and Pippa got out first. “We’re gonna go find our seats. Good luck.”
Pippa kissed Brynn’s cheek, then brought her into a warm hug.
