Her appearance is strikingly similar to her brother’s, though her eyes are dark green, like their fathers, whereas Austin gets his blue eyes from their mom.
Her chestnut hair sits in a low bun at the nape of her neck. Thick straps from her plain, ivory, silk dress, sits on her shoulders, dress hugging her body like a second skin, with the train pooling at her feet, hiding her hot pink, open-toe shoes.
"Let me give your hair one quick spray and you’re ready to go," Jenna insists, giving her work its final touch up.
"Remember. Shoulders back, bouquet low, back straight, and eyes on Elliot," I remind Megan one last time as she takes a deep breath and her bottom lip trembles.
"Eyes on Elliot. Got it," she repeats, smiling at me through her teary eyes. I pull her veil over her face, while Jenna ensures the clip doesn’t move.
Megan and Elliot have been together for four years, so I’ve known their relationship from the beginning. They’re polar opposite, yet couldn’t be more perfect for each other. She’s loudand the life of the party. He’s socially awkward and quiet, but his whole face lights up whenever she’s in the room.
She brings him out of his shell, and he brings her back down to Earth. The perfect dynamic.
Lining her bridesmaids up in order, I signal to Janelle, who starts Megan’s chosen song while the girls prepare to walk down the aisle.
Ed Sheeran’sTenerife Seaplays, and I keep my composure while watching Megan hug her father, Max, one last time before she becomes Mrs. Elliot O’Neil.
Every guest rises from their seat, watching as the Bride slowly makes her way down the aisle. Elliot doesn’t even attempt to hide his emotion as his tears slide freely down his cheeks for everyone to see.
They spoke their vows with clarity and certainty, as they cling to each other. Love, joy, and admiration written all over their faces when the celebrant pronounces them husband and wife, allowing Elliot to kiss his now bride.
Standing on the sidelines, I watch as they make their way back down the aisle, while their bridal party follows. I can feel Austin’s eyes on me as he walks past, but I don’t look in his direction.
Heading toward the reception venue, I make sure everything is ready for the celebration, while Janelle takes care of the group photos and making sure everyone knows where to go.
Guests arrive and take their seats seamlessly, while I have a ball in the pit of my stomach growing heavier by the second.
Tonight is my last chance to get rid of this ring, once and for all.
Even though I’ll miss his family, I hope to never see an Anderson again.
It’s better that way.
Formalities are almost done, and I’m nearly off the clock.
Which means it’s officially Abort Ring time.
Janelle alerts me that speeches are ending, and the wedding is about to get loud. The first dance is about to follow, and I have instructed the entire bridal party to join the Bride and Groom for the final chorus.
With my nerves settling in, I sneak off to the bathroom for a final pep talk, black box in tow.
"Are you okay?" I hear from an unfamiliar voice as she washes her hands in the vanity beside me.
She’s beautiful. A petite redhead, wearing a tight, grey, sequined dress, with a small, barely visible pregnancy bump displayed.
"Just hoping to avoid a confrontation with my ex." I nod and chuckle at how pathetic I sound.
"I know what that’s like. I’m so glad I’ve found my person." She smiles while rubbing her belly and I’m hit with a wave of jealousy.
He changed his mind, so he set me free.
"How far along are you?" I ask to distract myself.
"I’m only fourteen weeks. My boyfriend hopes it’s twin boys, even though all of our scans have shown one healthy baby." Her hand never leaves her stomach as she speaks. "He told me he wants a house full of boys so we can have our own football team. He doesn’t even play the damn sport anymore." She chuckles and rolls her eyes playfully.
"How did you know he was your person?" I ask, watching her intently. She hesitates, but only briefly, before answering my question with complete confidence.
"He listens. He pays attention to the little things. He asks me about my day and always puts me, and now our baby, first. Even after three years, I still get butterflies when he walks in the room." She pauses to reapply her nude lipstick before placing it back in her purse.
