Page 162 of 1001 Dark Nights: Bundle Forty-Seven

Mom gives him a questioning smile and opens her arms. He takes the invitation and folds her in a hug. “Pretty damn excited that you’re gonna be my mom.” He opens his arms. “Family hug!”

Sid and I join, and I end up with my face mashed into Buck’s sweaty armpit for a second before we shuffle around and it turns into more of a huddle.

It’s awkward and silly and exactly what I always wanted for us.

Epilogue

The Big Day

Skye

Nine months later

“You look amazing, mom.” Violet pulls a tissue from between her boobs and dabs under her eyes, then tucks it back in her bra.

I take her hands in mine and squeeze. “So do you. God, I’m nervous. I feel like this dress is a little on the flashy side.” Because it’s my first time down the aisle, Sidney wanted our special day to be a lavish affair. Even my dressing room is like something straight out of a fairytale. Except for my dress. It’s probably more appropriate for Vegas, but it’s too late to turn back now.

“It’s perfect. Your boobs look great, and Sidney’s going to lose his mind when he sees you. What do you need? How can I help?”

“Just a hug would be great right about now. You look stunning. All grown up.” I pull her in for a boob smashing hug then step back. “Are you wearing heels?”

“Yeah. But I have flip-flops for the reception. I practiced walking in the hallway, so I’m reasonably confident that I’ll make it down the aisle without falling flat on my face.” She holds up her crossed fingers. Her clutch dangles from her wrist. “Oh! I have something for you. It’s your something new. It’s kind of inappropriate and also kind of hilarious. I’ll completely understand if you don’t want to wear it, or if you want to keep it as memento or never to show it to anyone else. Totally up toyou.” She pulls a small velvet drawstring bag out of her purse and thrusts it at me.

I open the delicate bag and fish out the item. It’s a garter. But it’s not the usual lace and satin business. It’s definitely a Violet design. My daughter might be a math nerd, but she’s a wizard with a sewing machine. “Oh my God, where did you find penis fabric?”

“At the fabric store. Surprisingly, it was on clearance. Like I said, you don’t have to wear it. Maybe Sid will want to hang it from his rearview mirror. Or not.”

“You’re my favorite person in the entire world. I’m not tossing this during the reception. I’m keeping it forever.” I hug it to my chest.

My mother knocks on the door and pokes her head inside. “Oh sweetheart, you look so beautiful. You too, Vi. Everyone ready? It’s almost showtime!” She claps. “Is it okay if your dad comes in?”

“Absolutely.”

“Herman, you’re allowed in.” Mom tosses over her shoulder.

My dad joins us in the bridal room and gets all misty eyed, which makes me misty eyed and there’s a lot of tipping our chins to the ceiling so we don’t mess up our expensive makeup or end up with red eyes before I even walk down the aisle and drink too much champagne at the reception.

The wedding planner pops her head in and tells us it’s go time. Violet and my mom give me hugs and leave the bridal suite ahead of us. I didn’t want a hoard of bridesmaids to manage, so it’s just my mom and Violet walking down the aisle before me.

“You ready, honey?” My dad links arms with me.

“More ready than I ever thought I’d be.” My legs are a little wobbly as we follow mom and Violet out of the suite.

I’m hidden from view as I watch my mom walk down the aisle, followed by Violet. She only sort of stutter steps and lists to the right once. Miller, who is already standing at the front takes a hesitant step forward, as if he’s going to meet her halfway, but she holds up a hand, squares her shoulders, grabs the hem of dress and hoists it up a few inches while muttering, “Freaking heels are a death trap.”

A quiet chuckle moves through the attendees and my great Aunt Brenda says loud enough so that everyone can hear, “Men designed them!”

When Violet reaches the front of the church, everyone bursts into applause. Her face turns red.

I turn to my wedding planner. “Can you do me a solid and get Violet an antihistamine so she doesn’t end up with a full-blown case of hives after this, please?”

“Already taken care of, she took one half an hour ago.”

“Thank God.” The wedding march cues up.

Dad pats my arm. “All right sweetheart, let’s get you hitched.”

“Let’s do this.” I take a deep breath and we round the corner, bringing Sidney and all our friends and family into view.

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