“I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.”
I swallow thickly and nod. I’m going to cry before we even get through the door.
I squeeze her hand, and then she takes my elbow, tucking herself against my side as we’ve practiced, and we walk to the entrance of the chapel together.
I knock once, and someone from inside opens the doors.
I’m pretty sure I’m more nervous than she is, which is laughable considering I’m not even the bride.
I suck in a deep breath.
I can do this.
The music starts, the first sweet notes of the string piece Robyn chose rolling out to meet us, and inside the chapel everyone rises to their feet in one rustling wave, every face turning back toward the door. Toward us.
Oh, my gosh!
I fill my lungs, count the intro the way we rehearsed, and at exactly the right bar, we step forward.
Slowly, I remind myself.Slow-ly. One foot, pause, next foot. Stick to the beat of this beautiful music and do not, under any circumstances, speed-walk your best friend down the aisle.
Oh, and smile. Smmmiiillleee!
The chapel is glowing. Flowers on the end of every pew, candles up front, sunlight pours through the tall windows, turning the whole place golden. I register it in pieces, because most of my attention is on keeping time and keeping Robyn’s arm steady in mine.
Then I look up the aisle, and there’s Ridge.
He’s standing at the front, hands folded, and the second he sees Robyn, his whole face crumples and rebuilds itself around the biggest, wobbliest smile I have ever seen on a grown male.He presses his lips together. His chin is doing something. He is trying so hard not to cry, and he is losing, and just like that my own eyes flood.
Holy crap!
No. No, no, no. Not yet. Yvette’s mascara promises are about to be tested, and we haven’t even reached the front.
I blink fast, and that’s when I spot Magma, standing at Ridge’s shoulder.
I stop breathing for a few beats.
He’s in a gray suit. He looks insanely good. His shoulders are wide, his arms and thighs thick. His tie and his pocket square are in the same green as my dress. His eyes pop. He is smiling, and his dimple is front and center.
We almost look like we’re together. I have to remind myself that Flint has the same-colored tie and square, and that Cath is also in the same shade of green. We’re a bridal party.
I drag my eyes off him and pin them on the minister instead, which is far safer for me. I take a deep breath.
We reach the front as the music fades.
I turn to Robyn, lift her hand from my elbow, and place it in Ridge’s waiting one. His fingers close around hers like he’s been waiting his whole life to do exactly that. Then he leans over and kisses my cheek, quick and warm.
“Thank you,” he whispers.
He straightens, takes both of Robyn’s hands in his, and mouths, “You look beautiful.”
My heart can’t take it.
It can’t!
Ridge wipes his eyes, laughing at himself while he does it, and half the chapel laughs with him.
I can’t!
