Page 54 of The Forever Game

Today, the minister is going to pronounce us husband and wife, and then we’ll go and celebrate with our friends at some location that must be perfect by the excited little look Baxter’s been getting on his face every time he says, “It’s a surprise. Trust me, TT, you’re going to love it.”

“I am so here for all of it.” I giggle the words, spinning like a little girl and loving the way my dress flares out.

The girls came shopping with me after Bax and I first got engaged and helped me design the perfect dress from all the things I saw and loved. The bodice is fitted and drops into a V that accentuates my breasts. Cinching in at the waist, it then falls to my knees. It’s a unique wedding dress, but that’s what I love about it. The skirt section is covered with a layer of glittery fabric that shimmers when I move, and it makes me want to spend my day spinning. My heels are tall and strappy, adding a few inches onto my short frame. Baxter won’t have to bend down so far to kiss me.

“It’s going to be perfect.” I let out a soft squeal, then laugh at myself for acting like a child. But I can’t help it! “I’m getting married today!”

The words pop out of me just as Lani and Rachel walk in the door, Nova toddling between them. Her hair has been curled, and she looks freaking adorable.

“Yay!” She raises her chubby little arms in the air, then barrels toward me. I crouch to greet her, hoping her hands aren’t sticky.

“She’s clean,” Lani murmurs with a smile. “It’s taken maximum effort, but between the two of us, we’ve kept her as pristine as we could.”

I laugh, hugging my enthusiastic daughter, who is now jumping up and down, bashing my chin in her excitement. I lean away before she can do any more damage, grinning at her.

“You look very happy, my sweet.”

She nods. “Me happy. You happy?”

“I amsohappy.”

With another cheer, she dances in a circle, then catches her reflection in the mirror and starts admiring herself. The dress we found for her is too cute. It matches the bridesmaids’ outfits and makes her look like a princess—according to her. To me, she’s a little cherub, and I adore her.

Brushing my fingers lightly over the top of her head, I then turn to my bridesmaids. “You both look so gorgeous.”

Their cheeks bloom with color as they smile at me.

“Thank you so much for everything you’ve done. You truly are the bestest of friends.”

I reach for their hands, and we stand in a circle.

“We love you. Being your friend is the easiest thing in the world.” Rachel smiles, then pulls me into a hug. Lani gets in on the action, and we stand in a little circle while I soak up all the goodness that is this day.

“Oh, what time is it?” I pull out of the hug, glancing at the clock.

“Still ten minutes to go.”

“Ugh. It feels like an eternity. I just want to get down that aisle and stand beside my man.”

They laugh at my impatience, but I argue back that I’ve been waiting for this day for freakingyears.

“Well, your wait is over, Tammy.” Rachel takes my hand again, her smile glistening. “You deserve this special day.”

“Thanks.” I squeeze her hand and mouth, “Love you.”

She grins and kisses my cheek just before my dad taps on the door and walks in.

“Ganpa!” Nova runs to him, and he swoops her up, perching her on his hip and telling her how pretty she looks.

I tense without meaning to. My parents always do that. As wonderful as they are with their grandchildren, they still make their own daughter feel like she’s constantly letting them down.

But then he glances my way, and his eyes soften with a kind smile. “You look beautiful, Tamara.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

For a second, I think I see pride, but I glance away before I can overanalyze it. That look is so rare, I might just be imagining it.

“Right, only minutes to go.” Lani claps her hands. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

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