Page 41 of Reckless Flames

I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. “Feels like we just blinked, and here we are. No longer the little girls playing dress-up.”

Madi laughed, a sound tinged with tears. “God, remember those hideous dresses we made out of Mom’s curtains? We were convinced we were fashion icons.”

I joined in her laughter, the memories flooding back. “Icons, indeed. Mom didn’t think so when she found her curtains had been cut up.”

Just then, our mom knocked and entered, her eyes already misty. “Are my beautiful girls ready for the big day?”

Seeing her like this, the emotions of the day hit me full force. “Mom, don’t start crying yet. You’ll set us off too,” I joked, even as I felt my own tears prickling.

She came over, pulling us both into a hug. “I just can’t believe my little girls are all grown up. Madi getting married! At least you’re going to be living right next door, honey. And Sophie...you’ve become such a strong, wonderful woman.”

The room was filled with the sound of sniffles as we embraced, the bond between us as tangible as the dresses we once fashioned from curtains.

There was a knock on the front door just then, and mom ran downstairs to answer it. The next minute Sarah and Kris, Madi’s best friends and bridesmaids, burst into the bedroom, gowns in garment bags over their arms.

They tossed their gowns on Madi’s bed, and the trio went into a group hug. As they pulled apart, we all began talking at the same time.

As we started our preparations, the room became a flurry of activity, with makeup and hair products strewn everywhere. But despite the chaos, we found moments of calm, sharing stories and memories. The morning passed in a blur, filled with laughter and a few tears, as we helped each other get ready.

“Remember when we used to plan our dream weddings?” Madi mused, as our mom carefully pinned a veil into her hair. “Yours was always so elaborate, Soph. A castle, wasn’t it?”

I chuckled, accepting a brush from mom. “Yeah, a castle with horses and a moat. Seems a bit much now.”

Mom smiled, her hands skilled and gentle as she styled Madi’s hair. “And now, here we are, in our own home—not a castle, but full of love. That’s all that really matters.”

As Madi stood before us in her wedding dress, radiant and beautiful, I couldn’t help but feel a swell of love. “You look stunning, Madi. He won’t know what hit him.”

Madi glanced at herself in the mirror, her expression a mix of joy and disbelief. “Is this really happening?”

Mom took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “It is, my darling. And it’s going to be perfect.”

The emotion in the room was palpable, a testament to the journey we had taken to get here. From little girls playing in their backyard to this moment, on the cusp of new beginnings.

As we shared one final group hug, the reality of the day set in. It was a day of celebration, a day to step into the future while holding onto the love and memories that had brought us here.

“Let’s do this,” Madi said, her voice steady, her eyes shining.

Arm in arm, we stepped out of the room, ready to face the day. The laughter and tears of the morning had fortified us, a reminder of the bonds we shared. Today was not just a wedding; it was a celebration of us, of family and friends, and the journey we had been on together in our different ways.

The excitement in the limo was electric, an infectious energy that made it impossible not to get swept up in the joy of the moment. Madi was radiant, her laughter the most beautiful sound as we wound our way to the venue. We were a tangle of emotions, a bundle of nerves and exhilaration, but above all, we were together, celebrating one of the most significant days of Madi’s life.

We popped open a bottle of champagne, the sound of the cork flying off adding to the chorus of our cheers. The bubbles danced in our glasses, a sparkling testament to the occasion. We clinked glasses, the toast a simple yet heartfelt wish for happiness and love.

“Here’s to Madi, the most beautiful bride,” I called out, raising my glass.

“And to new beginnings,” Dad added, the sentiment echoing around the confined, jubilant space of the limo.

We sang along to the music blaring from the speakers, off-key and laughing, our rendition more enthusiastic than skilled. It was perfect in its imperfection, a memory we’d all cherish.

As we pulled into the circular drive and up to the main door of the hotel, the realization that the day was truly happening settled over me. We had arrived, and the ceremony was going to take place on the landscaped grounds at the back of the hotel.

We made our way through the lovely old hotel lobby to a set of rooms that were reserved for our use today. One of them was a large meeting room decorated for the reception, and the other was a small group meeting room set up today with comfortable furniture for the bridal party. This was where we would do any last touch-ups and Madi, Dad, and I and the bridesmaids would wait until it was time for us to make our appearance at the top of the “aisle” lined with azaleas in full bloom.

Dad and I chatted while mom went outside to check on the status of guest arrivals. Madi had gone quiet. A hotel waiter brought in a large pitcher of ice water and glasses, and after he left, I asked Madi if she were getting cold feet. The look ofastonishment and the absolute certainty in the gentle shake of her head settled that issue once and for all.

Then mom returned and told us that everyone had arrived, and she would let us know when it was time for our little procession to begin. I checked myself in the mirror and then searched for my purse, needing a quick swipe of lip gloss. My fingers brushed against a piece of paper in the purse that I didn’t remember putting there. Curious, I pulled it out, unfolding it with a sense of unease that cut through the joy like a cold blade.

The message was brief, but it sent a chill down my spine.

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