“This isn’t for me to keep, though, right? Surely you or Lina want this,” Gwen says, plucking the necklace from the box with unsteady fingers.
“It’s all yours,” Hadley says, taking it from her and undoing the clasp. “Each of us has something that had special meaning to our parents. After I was born and they updated their will, they left each of us something for when we got married—or turned thirty, whichever happened first—and something for our spouses if we did get married. They obviously had no idea they would…”
She trails off, clamping her mouth shut. Her throat works for a moment and she swallows audibly as she steps behind Gwen to put the necklace on her. “They thought they’d be here to give them out themselves, but it’s up to us now. Since Lina and I aren’t married, we each got ours when we turned thirty. She got the earrings Mom wore on her wedding day, and I got a brooch that belonged to our grandmother that I always borrowed when I played dress-up with Mom. Sherée got Mom’s favorite bracelet when she married Malcolm, and Jasper’s wife will get the necklace Mom’s mother gave her on her wedding day.” Her eyes flick to me as she says that last part, making my cheeks tingle with heat.
Gwen looks like she’s barely holding it together as she touches the necklace where it rests above her heart. She doesn’t attempt to speak, instead turning to give Hadley a tight hug.
“My turn next,” Lina says. “I was in charge of something borrowed, and I immediately knew I’d like to give you my good luck charm. It was the first thing a fan ever sent me, and I’ve kept it with me ever since.”
She holds out her hand, displaying a tiny stoppered bottle in her palm. There’s a scroll inside and a silver heart charm dangling from the cork. “The paper inside is from my book,Moonlight Over Silver Lake.It’s the scene where the hero professes his love for the heroine. I thought it was fitting for today since yours and Evan’s love story is one ofmypersonal favorites.”
“Oh god,” Gwen groans, flapping her hands almost frantically in front of her rapidly blinking eyes. The photographer pops forward without a word and offers Gwen a tissue. She pulls herself together quickly and then, with a watery laugh, she hugs Lina before asking, “Okay, whose turn is it to make me cry next?”
At Ivy’s nudge, I hand Gwen the jewelry box that holds my offering. “Something new. Mom helped me pick it out. She’s so happy she can be here today, and she’s touched you extended an invitation to Emilio too.”
“Are you kidding? I can’t wait to meet your mom’s hot Latin lover,” Gwen says, and we all laugh. “Seriously, though, you know I love your mom, and I’m grateful for all she’s done for me over the years.” She opens the jewelry box and lets out another groan. “Willow.”
I take the box from her and lift out the dainty silver bracelet. Small G and E charms dangle on either side of a larger heart with the words ‘Now and Always’ engraved on it. It’s something I’ve overheard Gwen and Evan say to each other, and I’m positive the words will be included in their vows today. After I’ve fastened the bracelet on her wrist, she grasps my hand, holding it tight and pulling me closer so she can kiss my cheek.
Ivy clears her throat as she comes forward. “If it makes you feel better, mine isn’t sentimental, it’s just pretty and practical.”
Gwen lets out a quivering laugh. “Thank god! I don’t think I can handle any more tears.”
“Hopefully you’ll get them all out now before the ceremony,” Ivy says.
Gwen shakes her head. “You know what Evan’s like. Part of the reason I fell in love with him is how in touch with his emotions he is. We’ll probably be standing up there blubbering together while Hugh does his thing.”
“Good thing I put some tissues in here then,” Ivy says, holding out a sparkly blue drawstring pouch. “This is your something blue. It’ll hook over your wrist and is big enough for a few essentials.”
“This is perfect, thank you,” Gwen says, loosening the drawstring. “I’ll put Lina’s good luck charm in here for safe keeping.” She peers inside the pouch and bursts out laughing. She dips her fingers in and pulls out two shiny foil packets.
“Just in case,” Ivy says, wiggling her eyebrows. “That particular ‘something new’ comes from experience since Hugh and I couldn’t wait until afterourreception…”
The others break into giggles, with my hoot of laughter being the loudest. “Sothat’swhere you disappeared to before the cake cutting!”
There’s a knock on the door and I offer to answer it as the others start talking over each other and laughing. I chuckle to myself when I hear Ivy’s “Have youseenmy husband?” followed by Hadley’s “I bet the kilt made for easier access”.
Jasper is standing on the other side of the door when I open it. His eyes widen as they meet mine and then trail slowly over me from head to toe and back again.
“You’re a vision.” His awe-struck tone has my whole body flushing with pleasure. He steps forward, then hesitates before placing a quick kiss on my cheek.
“I’m so happy to see you,” I say quietly.
“As am I. To see you, I mean.” It appears I’m getting adorably flustered Jasper today. I can’t say I mind. I also don’t mind how unbelievably hot he looks in his charcoal-gray three-piece suit. Between finally having him here in front of me and him looking good enough to eat, I have to stop myself from leaping into his arms and professing my feelings for him while covering his face in kisses.
“I’m sorry I’ve been scarce the last few days,” he says.
I wave him off. “Don’t worry about it. Your little brother is getting married today. We’ll have plenty of time to talk and spend time together after the wedding.”
“Right. Yes.” He reaches up to smooth invisible wrinkles from his vest. “I think we should find a few moments to talk alone later tonight after the festivities.”
“I’d like that.” My bright smile is met with what I can only describe as a wince. My stomach drops. Jasper’s gaze shifts over my shoulder and his expression softens, eyes filling with affection I wish were directed at me. I turn to find Gwen standing behind me.
“Gwendolyn,” Jasper says, taking Gwen’s hands in both of his. “What a beautiful bride you make, and what a lucky man my brother is.”
Still grasping Jasper’s hands, Gwen turns her attention to me. I’m not surprised to find her eyes shining. “I don’t suppose you happen to have a sedative or something in your purse?”
I bite back a laugh. “No, sorry.” At Jasper’s confused look, I explain, “Overactive tear ducts. We’ve had the waterworks going in here for the last half hour or so.”
Gwen sucks in a deep breath and asks Jasper, “Are you ready for this?”
Jasper leans closer to her, their hands still clasped. “Areyouready?”
Gwen’s answering smile is positively dazzling. “Hell yeah, I’m ready. Let’s go make me an official part of the Perry clan.”
