Page 105 of Writing On The Wall

“No. Hedidthis.Wedid this, trying to deal with something we weren’t equipped to deal with on our own.”

“What are you talking about, sweetheart?”

“Mom…did you know that Ross and I have dyslexia?” I’m staring across the room as a thundering tightness hammers in my chest. This is the most confrontational I’ve ever been with her. It feels like kicking up dust and not knowing what I’ll find when it settles. I’m just waiting to see whether she’ll lump me in with Ross and label me the same way they did him for so many years or if she’s finally willing to look at things a little differently and take up some of this responsibility.

There’s a pause before her whispered reply comes through. “What?”

I go on to explain my coping mechanisms and how I hid it growing up, trying my best to help her see how Ross’s behavior was related to his low self-esteem and his struggles with school. She asks questions every now and again, and by the end I can hear the sniffle in her voice.

“Ivy. I…I don’t know what to say. We knew Ross had some behavioral issues…but we never suspected it was because of a learning difficulty. I don’t know how we missed something like this…I’m just—I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay,” I croak. “But will you please give Ross a chance? He’s really trying.”

“Yes. Of course, honey. I’ll…we’ll call him when we land. I need to fill your Dad in on all of this. I love you, sweetheart.”

“Ilove you, too, Mom.”

I hung up with my heart beating wildly in my chest. We still have a few more difficult conversations before we can process this as a family, but it feels like crawling out of the end of a long tunnel. Now I just need to break the news about having a boyfriend, and we’re all set. Right?

Ember finishes in the shower and I gather my things to take my turn getting ready. I walk out of the bathroom, pulling up short, my breath hitching at the sight of my best friend in her timelessly chic little white dress. The classic silhouette suits her perfectly, and the sleek boat neck is balanced with a playful A-line skirt. Plus, she’s absolutely glowing.

My hands fly up to my face as I simper and fan my eyes with my hands so my makeup doesn’t run. “Em…” I sniffle, taking her in. She turns to me as she fastens an earring, pouting when she sees my watery eyes.

“None of that, missy. Save the crying for after the photos. Seriously, Vee…stop, or I’ll cry, too. Ooh! Look!” She straightens, shoving her hands into the hidden pockets in the dress.

“Of course it has pockets,” I croak over a huge grin, already walking toward her. “I’m so happy for you,” I manage to get out after wrapping her up in a tight hug.

“Likewise. You know this makes us sisters, soon.”

“Pshhh, stop. That’s a long way off. I doubt Ethan will be ready to tie the knot any time soon, if ever.” I wave my hand dismissively before taking a seat at the vanity table.

“I dunno…” Ember sings while stepping into her white heels. “He looks pretty ready to me.”

“Okay, that’s enough of that,” I reply with an eye roll. The man’s barely over his two-date rule. Not to mention, I don’t want to jinx our future by focusing too far ahead. He hasn’t even met my parents, for goodness sake!

One step at a time.

I shake off those thoughts as I apply soft makeup to match the dusty pink color of my wrap-front mini-dress. I straighten my hair, adding one of my favorite bows in the back. When I stand and strap on my heels—yes, I still like to wear them when the occasion calls for it—a knock at the door has Ember and I releasing simultaneous breaths.

“Ready?” I ask, holding my hand out as I stand beside her.

“Yup.” She winks. “Let’s go girls…”

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

ETHAN

“It says here you were supposed to fill out a pre-application.” I turn to Colton. “Did you do that?”

“Areyouseriously askingmeif I’ve done the admin part of getting married?” He snorts.

I roll my eyes. “Just doing my best-man duties.”

“Yes, I filled out the form. But even if I hadn’t, it’s a quick online application. The Marriage License Bureau just wants as much of the info ahead of time as possible to make things go quicker.”

“Then why are we here?” I grimace.

“Eth, can’t you give me a whitty pep talk or something? What’s with all the questions? We’re here to pick up the actual marriage license before going to the chapel.”

---