“Ugh, the sweating won’t stop,” I groan, wondering why on earth I decided to wear a full-length wedding dress. I should have opted for something shorter, so the air could circulate. “Why does it have to be so hot today?”
“Uh, babe, it’s not that hot,” Paige says, holding a cold compress to my forehead. “Thank God for waterproof makeup.”
“If it helps, you’re glowing,” Harley chips in from behind her.
“That’s because I’m a million degrees.”
Paige lowers the compress, and I glance in the mirror of the gorgeous hotel suite we’re getting ready in, immediately remembering why I chose this dress. It was one of the few maternity options that left plenty of room for growth but still flattered me.
I turn and kiss Paige’s cheek. “Thanks, honey.”
She yanks me into a hug and squeezes, heedless of the dress. “It’s not every day your bestie marries her ex. I’m happy it’s all worked out for you.”
“We’ve given Seth plenty of notice that he’ll be in trouble if he doesn’t keep you happy,” Jessica says, coming to stand alongside Paige. My three best friends—including my future sister-in-law—are stunning in pale green dresses. With their blonde hair and sun-kissed skin, Harley and Jessica could be sisters. Paige has made a couple of comments about being the ugly stepsister, but secretly, I know she likes to stand out and isn’t at all concerned with how she looks.
“Are the flowers ready to go?” I ask.
“Yes, and they’re beautiful.” Harley fidgets with her dress. It’s unusual for her to wear something like this, but she’s made an exception for me.
“Devon isn’t going to be able to keep his hands off you,” I whisper, hoping to ease her discomfort.
“He’d better not,” she grumbles.
I reapply my lipstick—hopefully for the last time this morning. There’s a knock on the door, and we all turn as it sweeps open. Mae steps inside, and her forest green skirt swishes around her knees. She and my mother opted for matching green dresses that are several shades darker, so they’re distinct from the bridesmaids but in keeping with the theme. She pauses, takes us all in, and then her gaze settles on me.
She smiles. “Have we been here before?”
I laugh. “It does feel familiar.”
She crosses the room and her hands settle on my shoulders. We’re much the same height, but unfortunately, my feet are swollen and my ankles are beginning to disappear, so flats are a must for the wedding.
“I’m so glad to have you back in the family.” Her eyes shine with joy, and I know it isn’t all for me. With the way she and Rick have been looking at each other lately, I can’t help but wonder if there might be another Isles family wedding in the near future. She deserves happiness. “As far as I’m concerned, you never left.”
“Thank you, Mae. That means a lot. I’d kiss you, but…” I gesture at my lipstick.
“He won’t know what hit him.” She runs a hand over my shoulder. “I’d better go and make sure he hasn’t passed out from the anticipation. I’ll see you after.”
“Bye, Mae.” I watch her leave, thinking what a wonderful grandmother she’s going to make.
“Five minutes,” Jessica says. “The celebrant just messaged. Any last things we need to do?”
“I think we’re good,” I tell her.
“Good?” Paige asks. “We’re gorgeous. None of us can hold a candle to you, but this one,” she pokes Harley’s toned arm, “could be mistaken for an Amazon goddess.”
I hide a smile. Paige seems to have really taken to Harley, who’s not quite sure how to handle her. There’s another knock at the door.
“Really?” Jessica huffs in frustration. “It’s nearly go-time, people.”
My brother and father step into the room, expressions sheepish.
“Sorry, Jess,” Liam says. “We’ll just be a minute.”
She narrows her eyes and makes the universal gesture for ‘I’m watching you’.
Liam slings an arm around my shoulders and kisses the top of my elaborately arranged hair. “Congratulations, Ash. I know I wasn’t exactly supportive of your plan at first, but I’m glad it ended up here.”
“Thanks, Liam.”
