Cece claps. “Oh, I love that idea.”
“I’m up first. Then our wedding song will play as we head down the aisle as husband and wife. We’ll have our first dance, then change into our reception attire to return for the rest of our friends’ ceremonies.”
“You won’t have much chance to wear your wedding dress.”
“Oh, this wedding is so unconventional.” I snicker. “The eight of us got dressed in our attire and took photos this morning with everyone.” I turn to her. “Don’t worry. I’ll get some with you and Alden before I change.”
“You better.” Cece snivels again.
“Oh my gosh, stop that. This is a fun day.”
Cece fluffs my dress behind me. “So, your mom and dad and Bradley aren’t coming?”
“No. But to be honest, I’m actually happy about it. That is way more stress than I wanted today. She’s going to hold a reception later. I’ll wear a white dress.” I put air quotes around white dress. “And take some anxiety medication so I can deal with all of it.”
Knock, knock.
“I’ll get it.” Cece swiftly moves to the door. “Who is it?”
“It’s Quinn. Just dropping off Addy’s flowers.”
She quickly opens the door and a gasp escapes behind me.
“You just saw me in this a few hours ago.” I laugh.
“Yeah, but we were all dressed up at the same time. That kinda felt like a costume party.” She giggles. She’s not wrong. “You look stunning, Addison.”
I rotate back to the mirror. I’d decided to wear my hair down in loose waves, despite the warm temperatures. I can always put it up after I change for the remainder of the ceremonies and reception. But Trevor likes my hair down. So down it is.
“Oh, these are gorgeous. Did Tuesday design these?” Cece asks. She carries my bouquet of white and blue hydrangeas wrapped in gauzy burlap ribbon. It’s exactly how I pictured it. The blue of the flowers reminds me of Trevor’s deep blue eyes.
“Yes. It was such fun picking them out,” Quinn adds. “The four of us sat around her shop and played with different options until she knew what we wanted.”
Cece wraps her arms around my waist once more. “I’m so glad I get to have ringside seats to this incredible day.”
“Me too, Cece. Me too.”
* * *
As the wedding march begins to play, my heart is suddenly in my throat. I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I mean, there’s nothing formal about this affair. I’m surrounded by friends who want only the very best for me. And the man of my dreams is standing a few feet away wearing a brilliant smile, tears shining in his eyes. Heck, I don’t even need to be nervous about reciting my vows.
After multiple discussions with the girls, it was clear the boys could not be trusted to write vows. They had input into the reception menu, their attire, and each of our wedding songs. Plus, while we shared a large multi-tiered wedding cake at the reception, I’d created four groom’s cakes based upon their input. The vows on the other hand were getting more and more ridiculous with each rendition. The four of us agree, it was likely intentional. The more outlandish their vows, the less likely they’d actually have to write them.
So, we stuck with the traditional. We skipped a wedding party, as our groomsmen and bridesmaids were all getting married alongside us. Well, all but Dave anyway. And while Trevor was the only one who had nephews living close enough to be ring bearers, he quickly nixed that.They’d manage to either lose the rings or knock over half of the guests when they came down the aisle like a couple of wild monkeys.
As I stand before my man, the mountains and evergreens the backdrop for our momentous occasion, my heart continues to beat ferociously against my ribs.
He whispers under his breath, “You look so beautiful, sassy.”
I grin back at him as Battalion Chief Roberson stands ready to officiate our ceremony. Okay, let’s just be for real. The fact that he’s marrying each of the boys is likely a bigger deal than the dress, the flowers, the cake, or the food. Quinn said Jason had asked him multiple times if he was sure, having volunteered once he heard that the boys were delaying their honeymoon to ensure the station’s shifts were all covered.
Staring up at Trevor like a heart eye emoji, I quickly discover I must’ve said my vows on autopilot. Because in the blink of an eye, we’re exchanging rings.
“I now pronounce you man and wife.”
Trevor steps forward, pulls me against him before dipping me back and planting a kiss worthy of a rom-com on my lips. I’m practically giddy at this point. As he pulls me upright, the chords to our wedding song begins.
“Sugar” by Maroon 5.
