“Really? I was just looking at those!” I say as I take hold of the dress to get a better look at the pattern.
“I like this one!” Sierra approaches us holding a very similar dress in blue.
We try them on, and I can’t stop myself from getting slightly teary-eyed when Sierra steps out of the dressing room wearing the gorgeous blue dress. It looks like it was made for her. She looks beautiful, and her age. Not like someone trying to dress older. I absolutely love it and couldn’t have made a better choice myself.
When Rayna steps out of the dressing room, she immediately fawns over Sierra. I can’t blame her. I’ve been awestruck ever since she stepped out of the dressing room. Joy walks out wearing a beautiful cream-colored lace dress. It falls just above the knee, and there’s no stopping the grin that spreads across my face. She looks absolutely gorgeous. It isn’t matronly and has a classic elegance that is befitting of a bride.
“I thought you already had a dress,” I say as I gesture for her to spin so we can get a better look.
“Thisisthe dress. I already have it but couldn’t help but try it on so you guys could see. What do you think? Do I look like an old lady? Should I go with something else?”
“No,” Rayna says, stepping forward to join their hands. “You look absolutely beautiful. I can’t wait to see Tate’s face when you walk out looking like that. I bet he cries and gets all mushy.”
Sierra and I make it over just in time for her to twirl once again, and I have to agree. “You look absolutely stunning. I can’t wait to see Tate’s face.”
While we’re standing there admiring Joy, the door bursts open as River rushes in to join us. Joy already mentioned that River would be coming straight from the office, so we quickly wave off her attempted apology. It takes a moment before it registers that Joy is in her wedding dress, but I see the moment it does. River’s face lights up with a grin to match the rest of ours.
“So, this is the one?” Joy spins once more.
“Absolutely!” River answers before heading toward a rack of dresses. “Now, let me see what I can find.”
I glance at my reflection as I get changed, and it hits me. I look happy. My cheeks have a splash of color, and my eyes shine. This might be the first time in my life that I’ve been truly happy, and I force away my worries about what happens next. Everything is great right now, and that’s what I choose to focus on. I’m happy, and this group of women has welcomed me into their circle. And I’m lucky enough to share this moment with Sierra.
I step out of the dressing room in time to see River admiring her reflection in the mirror. She’s picked out a dress similar to the rest of us and is absolutely glowing. Happiness looks good on her, too.
“Do we all have our dresses?” Joy asks once we have all finished getting changed.
“Yes, ma’am. I think we have our dresses,” Rayna answers for all of us.
My eyes sting as I look around at the small group. We are wedding-ready. I’ve never had sisters or a close group of friends, so this feeling is foreign to me. Once again, a whisper of doubt sneaks in, but I shove it away. With a wide smile, I produce a credit card and pay for mine and Sierra’s dresses, a new sense of anticipation taking over.
Chapter 33
Hayden
“Change in plans. You’ll be walking with Miranda. I’m sure you don’t mind… You’re the best man, and Rayna is obviously the maid of honor, but Gray is being Gray and won’t walk with anyone but River…” Tate trails off, his irritation obvious.
I’m thrilled at the thought of walking with Miranda, not that I’ll acknowledge Tate’s little comment. The wedding is set to begin in a few minutes, so even if I did have a problem with it, it’s too late now. Tate is one of my closest friends, so there’s no chance I’d do anything to make this day anything less than perfect for him.
“You know I’ll do whatever you need me to do. I’m just happy to be part of this day,” I say honestly.
Tate heads out to where the ceremony is supposed to take place and takes his spot beside the minister. We couldn’t have wished for a better evening. It’s sunny with mild temperatures. No rain. No crazy wind. I straighten my collar before movingto my place in time for the music to start. All of Cole County isn’t here, but there are plenty of familiar faces considering the small size of the ceremony.
It isn’t long before the music starts up. Rayna walks out first, her pretty sundress flowing behind her as she fixes her gaze on Wyatt. His eyes stay on her as they walk arm-in-arm. Melanie dabs at tears as she holds on to Roger and passes a tissue to Sierra, even though she isn’t even crying…but my attention quickly moves to Miranda as she stands opposite me, waiting for our turn to walk.
River and Grayson step in time to the music. River’s eyes shimmer when she looks at her husband, but she doesn’t dab at any tears. Grayson walks beside her, radiating possessiveness. I laugh to myself, but quickly forget what’s so funny when I clash gazes with Miranda. Her dress fits her perfectly, but I can’t look away from her beautiful face. She’s wearing subtle makeup that accentuates her hazel eyes and full lips. When she loops her arm with mine, I struggle to breathe.
I’ve never been big into weddings, but as I walk down the aisle, I can’t help but imagine what it would feel like to be waiting for my bride to join me. I pat Miranda’s arm, and we go to our respective places. I miss her the second we break the connection, but I paste on a smile as I stand in my place.
Finally, the music changes, and Joy walks down the aisle with an older gentleman I haven’t seen before. He has deepbrown skin and a salt-and-pepper beard. I’m certain it’s her father, but from what I recall, they aren’t close. I swallow hard when they stop in front of the minister and wait for Tate to take her by the hand and lead her to their place. There’s no mistaking the emotion glistening in Tate’s eyes as he stares at his bride.
My eyes scarcely leave Miranda for the entire ceremony. The minister says some words. Tate and Joy say something. It’s all background noise to me as I anxiously wait until I can get close to Miranda again. When Tate kisses his bride, the small crowd erupts into cheers, and we all move forward as we watch the couple join hands and walk back up the aisle in a cloud of bubbles.
“You look absolutely stunning,” I say as soon as Miranda is within earshot.
I meant to say something earlier, but I was unable to speak when I first saw her. The bridesmaid’s dresses aren’t extravagant, but Miranda’s hugs her body just right. I can’t wait for the first dance so I can get my hands on her.
“You don’t look too bad yourself,” Miranda says with a smirk.
