Chapter 146
And guess where we located that one? In the damn refrigerator.
“At least you look like the perfect bride.”
I stared down at my dress. I didn’t feel so perfect. “My dress is wrinkled.”
Maria snorted as she dropped the rest of the hairpins into her tiny purse. “Aaron couldn’t care less. He’s so in love with you, I’m sure he sees stars every time he looks at you. Hell, that man would marry you even if you showed up in your old pajamas… and not the sexy kind.”
Despite all my complicated emotions, I laughed. Aaron truly was one of a kind.
We finally arrived at the church and the photographer appeared even before we climbed out. Maria jumped out first, turning around to fluff my dress and ensure everything was in place for the pictures.
“Perfect. The light is gorgeous right now. Can you lift your chin just a little? Beautiful!”
I barely had time to register the flash before Maria was guiding me toward the stone steps of the church. And then, my heel hooked around the edge of my skirt.
I lurched forward, landing on my palms. I found myself laughing again. This day just kept getting better and better. “This is exactly why I didn’t go with the big poofy dress. I would have rolled down the stairs by now.”
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Maria joined my laughter, but held my hand tightly. “Don’t worry. I’ve got you.”
We entered the church vestibule, and immediately, I was confronted by a swarm of people. Cathe, Diana, Bonnie and some of Aaorn’s cousins dressed in their sky blue bridesmaid dresses rushed to me. They looked so beautiful I couldn’t help smiling.
“Jane! Oh my god. You look absolutely radiant!” Cathe gushed.
“Aaron is definitely going to choke when he sees you,” Diana said to which Bonnie nodded in agreement.
Before the others could get a word in, Margaret, my wedding coordinator approached us, clipboard clutched to her chest. Cathe had recommended the young woman. When I first met her, I thought she was too sweet for the role, but she quickly proved how firm she could be.
“Ladies, we need to get started. The groom is ready, the guests are seated, and we’re already running behind schedule.” Then she turned to my bridesmaids. “Bonnie, you’re first. Remember, slow and steady… It’s not a race. Diana, fix your posture. Cathe, less bouncing, more gliding.”
One by one, my bridesmaids disappeared. Margaret soon followed, leaving me alone with Maria.
“Well, this is it.‘”
I nodded, unable to find words. In a few minutes, I would walk down
the aisle… alone.
My father had walked me down the aisle at my first wedding. Lucky whimpered at the memory. Now, because of the lawsuit I’d filed against my mother, because I finally found the courage to put myself first, I’d
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been completely ostracized by my family. My father wouldn’t even take my calls.
The thought hit me squarely in the chest. I’d cleverly avoided that particular notion intentionally. Because I knew it would move me to tears. And sure enough I felt the first one drop on my cheek, and then the dam broke.
“I’m sorry. God… I’m ruining my makeup.” I immediately pressed my fingertips under my eyes to catch the tears, but from the horrified look on Maria’s face, I knew the damage had already been done. “I just… God… I can’t believe I’ll have to do this alone.”
I felt guilty as the words left my mouth. I wasn’t alone. Aaron had an amazing family that loved me. They welcomed me without any questions or judgment. But I couldn’t help how I felt.
Understanding quickly dawned on Maria. She sprang into action, pulling out a makeup kit from her purse. “Look at me.”
I met her eyes.
“You’re not alone. And forget tradition. I’m here for you. If you’ll have me, I’d be honored to walk you down the aisle.”
I knew Maria would strangle me if I ruined my makeup even further, so I squinted really hard to push the tears back. “I would love that.”
She smiled and quickly retouched my makeup. Then she linked her arm through mine. “It’s time.” The opening notes of the wedding march filled the air. Maria reached up and carefully lowered my veil. “Perfect.”
The doors swung open, and I caught my first glimpse of the church. It was packed, every pew filled with faces turned toward us expectantly.
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And there, at the altar, stood Aaron.
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