I take a shaky breath.
"Everything is going to be perfect because you planned it. You thought of every detail. You put care into every choice." His hands settle on my shoulders. "Trust yourself the way I trust you."
"I'm trying."
"I know." He presses a kiss to my forehead. "What do you need from me today?"
The question catches me off guard. Not "what can I do" or "how can I help," but "what do Ineed".
"I need you to tell me when I'm spiraling. When I'm overthinking."
"Done. What else?"
"I need you to distract me between vendor arrivals, so I don't make myself insane."
His mouth quirks. "I can definitely do that. Anything else?"
I bite my lip, feeling bold. "I need you to remind me that I'm capable. When I start doubting myself."
"You're capable." His thumb brushes across my cheekbone. "You're brilliant and creative and you make magic happen. Is that enough, or should I continue?"
"Maybe continue," I whisper.
"You're thoughtful. Hardworking. You see beauty in the details that other people miss." His voice drops lower. "You're brave enough to ask for what you need. Strong enough to be vulnerable. And you're absolutely captivating when you let yourself shine."
My breath catches. "Ethan..."
"Too much?"
"No. Perfect. Perfect amount."
He smiles and steps back. "Good. Now eat something. You're going to need your energy. I don’t like it when you don’t take care of yourself, baby girl."
Baby girl.
Those words.
We spend the morning in comfortable companionship. I work through my final checklist while Ethan handles his own preparations, like calling his mother and sister to confirm attendance, setting up a gift table, rearranging furniture to accommodate guests.
Around eleven, my phone buzzes with a group text.
Holly: Big day! How are you feeling?
Lily: Like I might throw up.
Madison: That's normal. Deep breaths.
Chloe: Remember: you're amazing at this.
Amber: Also remember we need FULL details tomorrow.
Emily: Sending you calm, capable energy.
Maya: You've got this, babe.
The support settles down some of the anxiety inside of me.
Lily: Thank you. I love you guys.
