CHAPTER 45
ROSALIE
The day before my wedding day could only be described as one thing: chaos.
Daisy directed everyone at the rehearsal dinner, with a clipboard in one hand and a walkie-talkie in the other. The florists were her first stop. They were busy arranging the floral centerpieces, each bouquet different from the last. Daisy examined their work, adjusting a rose here, a lily there, until everything was to her satisfaction. The musicians were next, tuning their instruments and rehearsing their pieces. Daisy listened intently, her face serious, directing them with nods of approval.
As for me, my main concern was my wedding dress, which I wouldn’t be able to wear until tomorrow. The thought of slipping into that gown made my heart skip a beat.
“Tommy!” Daisy’s voice rang out, sharp and clear. “The tables need to be centered under the chandeliers, not to the side. We want symmetry, people!” Her demands, though aggressive, came from a good place in her heart.
Tommy, our cousin, shot me a glare with wide eyes. “Someone needs to tell her to tone it down a notch.”
“Good luck telling her that,” I said with a laugh, knowing full well Daisy’s determination was not easily swayed.
Eventually, Max arrived with a few others. He stood by the grand oak doors, his posture relaxed and commanding at the same time. Vincenzo stood by his side, fully engaged in their conversation. I couldn’t say the same of Max. Instead he watched me with a dark gaze. He had problems focusing when I was nearby, and all that did was make me smile.
Guests started to trickle in and find their seats with Daisy’s direction. The marina was bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, which cast a golden hue over the white tables. The sound of gentle waves lapping against the dock flooded the room through the open patio doors.
After dinner, which consisted of salty shrimp and a martini, I found myself stuck in conversation with my momma and Margot. I couldn’t forget Margot was the type of person who could talk endlessly about anything and everything, and tonight was no exception. Her upcoming showing was the topic of the night, and she was explaining the theme of the year to everyone: pastels.
Damn it.No matter how much the woman talked, she always managed to draw me in. Despite my initial reluctance, I couldn’t help but get excited for the artwork she described, especially after she mentioned something about giving me a piece as a wedding present. I had to get married more often.
She continued to regale my mother with the latest gossip from the country club. Something about Mrs. Jenkins and her husband not being compatible.
Margot then turned to me and asked, “So, when are you and Daisy coming back to tennis at the club? We’ve all been missing your competitive matches!”
I laughed, thinking of our last match. I’d promised that would be my last considering she’d left me with bruises forweeks, but it was too fun to quit. “Soon, I hope. Things have just been so busy with wedding planning.”
“Well, once all this is over, you both need to come back.”
My momma chimed in. “You know, I’ve been telling them the same thing, Margot. You’d think they’d make time for some fun amid all this chaos.”
As I rolled my eyes, I saw Daisy making her way toward us with determination in her stride. She had a smile on her face—a bright one. She must’ve completed another task on her never-ending to-do list.
“There you are!” she said, slightly out of breath. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere. Everything is running smoothly, but we need to finalize a few details for tomorrow.”
I groaned. “Can’t I just have a few minutes?”
Daisy grinned, unfazed. “Sorry, but no rest for the weary. Come on—it’ll only take a minute.”
I followed her toward the patio doors, making my way through the crowd, both of us stopping occasionally to greet guests or answer a question. Finally, we made it down the hall and outside. Family was still scattered everywhere, but the music was less loud.
“The shrimp was too salty, the tables need adjusting ...” she blabbed, staring at my face, “and your smile needs fixing. Why don’t you look happy?”
Her question caught me off-guard. I forced a smile, trying to hide my exhaustion and anxiety. I was nervous to marry Max, and time was ticking.
“I am happy, just a bit overwhelmed.”
Daisy’s expression softened, and she placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “I know it’s a lot, but everything is going to go smoothly.”
Max’s cousins—a set of twins, Dante and Sebastian—were leaning against the stone railing, taking a few shots with Seanand Tommy. The four of them laughed loudly, clinking another round of shot glasses.
“Rose!” Tommy called, a curious look on his face. “There’s something we’ve been wondering. This whole wedding thing—are they really doing that sheet ceremony thing to prove your virginity? Seems a bit ... invasive and medieval, don’t you think?”
“Ew,” Daisy said, her expression making it clear she was wondering why they’d ask a question like that.
I blinked, taken aback. This was the first I’d heard of this ... “ceremony.” I glanced around, feeling a sudden wave of discomfort. “Sheet ceremony? What are you talking about, Tommy?”
