Page 111 of The Marine

“All done.” The makeup artist says. “Here’s the gloss to top up once you have eaten.”

Ten minutes later, the four of us are on our own, standing behind Savannah as she stares into the huge mirror.

Her gown is beyond stunning. The white dress is totally Savannah Sinclair. The white silk sleeves sit on her shoulder, the bodice tucks tightly at her waist and then bursts into a huge princess skirt covered in the finest lace and pearls.

On her hands are little white gloves and she is wearing a diamond and pearl necklace.

A train falls from her tightly twisted French bun and blends into the back of her dress, almost vanishing before it hits the floor.

It’s designer, of course.

Made to fit every inch of her famous figure.

“I think I’m going to cry,” Scarlett sniffs.

“You didn’t even cry at my wedding.” Cassy slaps at her with a laugh.

“I know but...but she looks like a real-life princess. I can’t stand it.”

I wipe away my own tear and meet Savannah’s eyes in the mirror. I can’t imagine how she is feeling right now, not having her mom and sister here.

“You okay?”

She nods. Too fast. Then she picks up her skirt.

“Yes. Fine. It’s fine. No point in dwelling. I’m blessed to have you three here with me. Thank you.”

Oh god, I know my life isn’t perfect, but I hate how she’s been so betrayed by those she should trust in her life. She does have us, though, and we have a little surprise or two for her.

“Wait,” I say. “We got you something. It’s not much, but we hope you like it.”

What do you buy the multi-million-dollar-earning actress that has everything?

And I mean everything.

Savannah has boxes turning up every day with dresses and jewels and skincare and...everything. Brands hoping to be endorsed.

Anything she doesn’t have, she could buy.

But Cassy, Scarlett, and I got together—even though I’m the only bridesmaid—and got her a couple of things.

“Oh, girls, you didn’t need to do that,” Savannah says, taking the small white gift bag.

“We wanted to. Open it. Pretend you like it even if you don’t.” Cassy winks as Savannah pulls the tissue paper out and lifts the pin.

“Oh.” She sighs.

“Let us explain.” I smile, stepping closer and touching one of the charms hanging from it.

“The little blue sapphire is your something blue.”

“The three hearts on this charm signify our friendships and your something new.”

“And,” Cassy says, “this little coin is from Ryder’s grandma. She saved it from the war, when she was a little girl. It’s your something old.”

Savannah gasps, and I’m fighting my tears and mascara. “You did this for me?”

Man.

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