“Smacked the ever-lovin’ piss outta her,” Dair shared.
An astonished splutter of mirth emitted from Davina.
Rix stared at me again.
Then he boomed with laughter.
Davina joined him.
Dair smirked, then chuckled.
It was so loud, everyone turned to look.
“God!” I cried then set my drink down and pushed at Rix’s shoulder. “Go. Get your wife.” I pointed at Dair. “You go find their car. It’ll be the longest, fanciest one. No ‘just married’ or any of that kind of thing. The driver will know his destination and he should be hanging around, waiting. Have him pull up to the exit. I’m going to find the bouquet.”
With that, I stormed off, leaving them all still chortling behind me.
On my way, I gave the DJ the high sign to get everyone gathered where they were supposed to be. I also gave a few more signs, specifically to Gal, Katie, Chloe, Dru, Mika, Genny, Nora, Elsa, Hailey and Mags, who were in charge of making sure everyone had the biodegradable confetti, it being biodegradable because the cones it was in were and the actual confetti was freeze-dried rose petals.
I knew exactly where the bouquet was (chilling in the industrial refrigerator in the caterer’s kitchen).
I fetched it, thinking I couldn’t wait to get my shoes off.
Normally, I could run like Carrie in SatC in heels. But I’d been in these shoes for hours, dashing around like a crazy woman, and I couldn’t wait to switch them out to flip-flops.
But I sallied forth, heading back to the pergola to see people forming as they should.
I just had time to get into position, Dru shoved a cone in my hand, while Rix and Alex ran through a hail of rose petals and the DJ played Bad Company’s “Feel Like Makin’ Love” (another Rix choice, obviously).
I tossed my petals and shoved the bouquet in my sister’s hand as she passed me (at her decree, it was white and pale green roses, some little pink flowers, mingled with some succulents you could replant and keep).
And I watched her dash hand in hand with her husband to the door of the limousine that was being held open by the chauffeur.
That’s when the tears came.
This time, though, I couldn’t keep them at bay.
Alex had picked so perfectly with her dress. It had sheer, fluttery short sleeves, subtle hints of pretty lace and a beautiful back and front vee (the back lower), her shoulder blades covered with that sheer material and lace. The skirt was full but not big, falling gracefully to her feet, a delicate second tier floating around, and a thin belt that tied at a rosette on the side of her waist.
It was feminine. Romantic. Dreamy.
It wasn’t her, because Alex wasn’t that type of girl. She was no-nonsense.
And it was totally her, because she loved Rix with everything she had, and she wanted him to know it in every way she could.
Especially today.
Marrying him.
While carrying his baby.
She looked so completely happy.
I was so proud of her.
I was so happy for her.
I felt the tears fall as me and all of the other singletons were shoved to the front at Gal and Katie’s command.
