She smiles up at me, her eyes shining.“You better be.”
Chapter 9
Kate
“Going to the chapel and we’re gonna get married!” Millie prances around Tanner and I’s apartment singing at the top of her lungs. For being a new mother, she’s got way too much energy this early in the morning. She showed up bright and bouncing with coffee and donuts.
Rubbing my eyes as I walk into the living room I groan. “Why the hell did I give you a key?” I grumble, snatching the coffee from the table and swiping up a chocolate cronut.
Millie laughs around a bite of doughy goodness.“Because I’m your favorite person and you wouldn’t have it any other way.” She leans back against the couch cushions and slides her feet on the coffee table narrowly dodging the donuts.
Shoving the breakfast into my mouth, I plop down next to her and let the sugar work its way through my system. “Hmm,” I hum, settling into the couch. After waking up to Millie standing over me, I’ve had this feeling of calm. I didn’t know what to expect when I woke up this morning after tossing and turning without Tanner next to me, but calm wasn’t at the top of my list. Nervous? Scared? Those were what I was expecting, not this.
Fabric rustles next to me and I turn to see Millie curled up on the couch facing me. “Alright, spill.” She pushes her dark hair behind her ear. Since River was born, she cut it short and it keeps falling in her face annoying her more than her long hair ever did.
“Spill what?” I ask, taking a sip of steaming coffee.
“Kate, you’re about to get married! You were there for my freak out, so you might as well get it all out before your mother shows up.”
When she and Alex got married, she had a slight panic attack. A lot of it had to do with the fact that the people that raised her were no longer a part of her life. We sat together in a corner for who knows how long until she straightened her spine, wiped away her tears and said, ‘Let’s do this.’
I think for a moment around another bite of cronut. Am I freaking out? I feel calm and settled with no sense of rising panic. Sucking in a deep breath, I reply. “I think I’m okay.” Millie’s eyebrows draw together giving me a ‘really?’ kind of look. “I promise,” I laugh, playfully smacking my best friend's knee. “I’m ready to marry Tanner.”
After a rough couple of months we’re finally getting back to a good place. Getting him to share with me wasn’t easy and it put a lot of strain on our relationship, but in the end I feel like we’ve turned over a new leaf. That we’re stronger because of it.
“If you say so.” She doesn’t look convinced but gives me a smile before sucking in a breath and belting out another verse ofGoing to the Chapel of Love.
The two of us lounge on the couch shoving down donuts and coffee before the craziness of the day sinks in.
With Tanner getting ready at Mel’s house, our apartment quickly turns into a mess of hair, makeup, and dresses. The venue has a bridal suite, but I didn’t feel like carting everything from one place to another, so I decided we would get ready here.
Mel and Everly walk in carrying orange juice and champagne with large smiles on their faces. Mel wraps me in a tight hug cheering, “Welcome to the family.” Everly stands back and gives me a polite smile. With her living outside of Chicago and now living in New York City, I haven’t been able to get as close to her as I have to Mel.
With all my bridesmaids present we get our hair and makeup done while sipping on mimosas. My mom hired a whole fleet of people including a photographer to capture every moment of the big day, but I can’t help but think of Tanner and what he’s doing right now.
The way we left things last night had me all hot and bothered and I’m regretting my decision. The urge to call him or text him is hard to ignore, but I set these ground rules—no seeing each other until I walk down the aisle. I know some people opt to take pictures with the groom before the ceremony to save time, but not me. I want the memory of his face seeing me as his bride to be seared into my memory and I don’t want it to happen before then.
“Kate, honey, it’s time for your dress.” Mom strides down the hallway looking chic in her midnight blue mother-of-the-bride dress. She’s always been a classic beauty, but she looks stunning today. Tanner says that we look a lot alike, but I don’t see it.
This is the part I’ve been waiting for. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve had my fittings and alterations, but I haven’t put it on since the changes were made and I’m a little nervous that it won’t fit. Now I’m regretting all the carbs ingested this morning. Raising my glass, I offer a quick prayer, downing the rest of my mimosa before walking down the hall to my bedroom.
“I’ve gotten it all steamed and ready for you. You’re going to look beautiful in it.” Mom walks over and places a gentle kiss on my cheek, accompanied by the click of a camera. It’s strange to have someone in my home snapping pictures, but mom says it’ll all be worth it.
Tears sting in my eyes and I blink rapidly to hold them at bay. “Thanks, Mom.” My dress pick wasn’t my mom’s favorite but her support means a lot. "Gosh, I didn’t want to cry all day!” Sniffing, I wipe the tears gently away trying not to ruin my makeup.
Millie and Mom help me into my dress and it’s everything I’ve ever hoped for. We all laugh as I lose my balance and have to clutch onto their shoulders before pulling the dress over my hips.
I can’t believe the woman in the mirror is me. She looks tall and glamorous with luscious curves and amazing boobs. Her long auburn hair falls in dramatic loose curls pinned to one side. She looks like she stepped out of a magazine or a photo shoot.
I’m a bride. This is my wedding day. That gorgeous woman in the mirror is me.
The dress is a mixture of sheer flesh-toned fabric and lace. The sheer fabric of the plunging neckline accentuates the curve of my breast, the delicate floral lace and the beading catch the eye. It’s a fit and flare silhouette, the bodice lace and beading with a dramatic tulle skirt cascading to the floor. It’s elegant and romantic and everything I wanted it to be.
Millie strides in, her emerald green bridesmaid dress flowing behind her as she walks looking fabulous. She pulls me close in a warm hug. I can tell from her face that she’s fighting the tears right now just like I am. “C’mon. Let’s go get you married.”
***
Music filters in through the double doors of the chapel making butterflies take flight in my stomach.
