“Thank you. I didn’t want to spend the money, but Garrett insisted I stop thinking about finances for the day and have fun,” she said, smiling and turning in the full-length mirror, checking the boots.
Rebecca nodded toward the other women. “It’s a tradition to have something borrowed, something blue, and something new on your wedding day. We each have something for you.”
Caroline rose from her spot and handed her a shiny new penny to put inside her boot. “It’s supposed to bring you luck. Thank you for including me today. I wish you all the best.”
“Thank you,” Riley said, dropping it into her boot and under her foot.
“Two new things,” Rachel said, holding out a white box with a bright blue bow attached.
“How come I dread what’s inside of this beautiful box?” Riley said, teasing her friend.
“Because you have no imagination and I do. Now, open it,” she insisted.
Riley pulled on the ribbon and drew out the beautiful bridal nightgown. The top half was adorned with pearls and lace, with ribbons tied at the shoulder and dangling down the arm. The bottom appeared layered with sheer soft tulle with a slit, showing a peak of what Riley hid underneath the layers.
“It’s beautiful,” Riley gushed. “I half-expected a see-through nightie.”
Rachel grinned. “I bought one with the intention of giving it to you, but I liked it and kept it. Matthew loved it.”
Rebecca rolled her eyes. “She’s back.”
Delaney presented her with a small box with a handmade blue garter. “In my nesting phase, I crocheted three blankets, and then I made this lace. It seemed appropriate for the day.”
“You’re beyond talented, Delaney. When I return home, I want you to teach me how to knit and crochet,” Riley said as Rebecca slid the delicate fabric over her boot and up her leg.
Rebecca rose and handed her an envelope. “Julio and I wanted you to have a honeymoon to remember. Before you say anything, Tara will be safe with us, and it’s already done. Spending a week thirty minutes away from your home doesn’t make a honeymoon. Take time for the two of you,” Rebecca advised. “You’re raising your kid sister, but today is about new beginnings with the man you love. We contacted Victoria Rostov from Serenity, and she’s agreed to lend you her Irish estate for the week. The jet landed and will leave later this evening. Tara helped pack your bag.”
“Oh, no, Rebecca. We can’t accept it. It’s way too much,” Riley said, shaking her head.
“Victoria didn’t charge for the lodging. We borrow the plane from Kassie Winters from time to time, who supports this team. She won’t hear of taking a dime because you’re part of our family now.”
Riley hugged Rebecca. “I’m traveling to Ireland,” she said excitedly. “I haven’t left the US. Don’t I need a passport?”
Delaney chuckled. “Remember when Tara took your picture for the art class against the wall, and then you signed up for a field trip? Your passport arrived a few weeks ago, thanks to her.”
“What a goose,” Riley exclaimed. As if on cue, Tara walked into the room.
“You’re stunning, Riley. Mom would cry if she saw you now. Don’t worry about me. Garrett left me a list of rules which covers the entire fridge door and chores. The man’s going on a honeymoon, and he took the time to make a chore list for me,” Tara grumbled, laughing.
“Does he know we’re going?” Riley asked.
“Nope. He wrote my list after you talked him into staying at a hotel thirty minutes away. I don’t want to think about what he might add knowing he’s leaving the country,” the teen exclaimed, making the women laugh. “I brought you this,” Tara said, holding out a box to Riley.
Sitting on a stool in front of the makeup vanity, Riley opened the box and took out a necklace with a turquoise heart and a pair of earrings made of the same material and set with tiny diamonds.
“Tara,” Riley gushed. “Where did you get the money to pay for this?”
“Amy gave me some extra chores, and Garrett took me to the jeweler in town, who made your rings. I hope you don’t mind, but I gave him mom’s necklace. One day, you’ll have a family of your own, and I’ll be at college. We can’t keep sharing it. He took the pendant and made each of us a set. We can both have Mom with us,” she said, pulling out her matching necklace from her collar. “I’m letting you borrow my earrings for the ceremony.”
“Oh, Tara,” Riley whispered, astonished.
“Please don’t be mad. Mom wants us to each have a part of her. Garrett paid for the diamonds. He said it’ll match your wedding band, and you brought the sparkle into his life.”
Riley dabbed at her eyes, overcome with emotion.
Caroline swiped the tears from her cheeks, feeling the same way. With both of her parents gone and no family, she doubted she’d ever experience the kind of love and joy she saw before her.
“It’s almost time,” Delaney announced. “Tara, get downstairs and make sure Jameson has the rings, and tell him to hightail their butts to the arch. We have a wedding to celebrate.”
