“You’re a Kathryn?” Maisie asked.
“No, never,” I said at the same time my mom said just a simple, “No.”
“But sheisSatan when she talks like an idiot,” Cricket retorted. My mom laughed, sliding into a coughing fit.
“See what you’ve done?” I admonished.
“Are you okay, Jan?” Cricket asked.
“I’m good, honey,” she assured her. “Let her be, Katie, she’s kind of right.”
“Why do I need to do hair and makeup? I don’t even have a dress,” I hissed.
“Oh, I have that,” Dani said. “Let me grab it.”
“What?” I squeaked.
“She’ll get your dress while we take care of your hair and makeup.” Cricket took my hand and led me back to my bedroom.
For the next hour, I was subjected to my best friends poking, plucking, and prodding me before they stripped me almost naked and poured me into the dress Dani had brought with her. Then, I was shuffled in front of my full-length mirror, and I let out a quiet gasp.
The stunning white, satin halter gown featured a plunging halter neckline that highlighted my shoulders and hugged my curves like it was made for me. The bodice was wrapped andcinched at the waist with a soft sash tie, hiding my little pooch and the skirt flowed into a dramatic high-low hemline trimmed with cascading ruffles that rippled with every step. There was also a slit up the leg that once again gave me length and Cricket had given me a natural makeup look, while Maisie had styled my hair in beachy waves.
“Oh, my baby girl,” Mom exclaimed.
“Wow,” I breathed out. “I look totally different.”
Cricket scoffed. “No, you don’t.”
“Babe, this is a hell of a lot different than scrubs and a messy bun,” I countered.
“You could wear a stack of recycled shopping bags and you’d be stunning,” Dani said.
I rolled my eyes. “You aresogood for my ego, my friend.”
Dani grinned. “Just speaking the truth.”
I grabbed my phone and glanced at the time. “Shit, Rooster’s late.”
“No, he’s not,” Grace said.
I frowned. “What do you mean?”
“He’s meeting us at the courthouse,” Cricket explained.
Grace nodded. “Flea and the boys have it all planned.”
I took in a deep breath. “But he’ll be there?”
“Of course he’ll be there,” Cricket avowed. “Minus will make sure of it.”
“Well, don’t say it like that,” Maisie admonished.
“Yeah,” Grace piled on. “Rooster loves her. He’ll be there for that reason alone.”
“Or he’ll be there because he said he would,” Dani added. “He’ll be there because he always keeps his word.”
“I helped raise that boy, baby, if he says he’ll be there, he’ll be there,” Mom agreed.
