Page 73 of Make You Mine

I finish her thought. “The light through all the darkness.”

Twenty-Three

Eight months later

“Iswear, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more beautiful bride,” Frankie says, fixing Lottie’s veil for the tenth time.

If I didn’t know any better, I’d say she’s gone soft on us these past few years.

“You’re not wrong," I say from the chair my nine-months pregnant ass sits on.

Lottie spins around, and we all gush in unison. My best friend is absolutely stunning. She’s radiating happiness and practically glowing as she stands before us in her curve-hugging wedding gown.

I stand up to wrap my arms around her. A slight gasp leaves her lips at my sudden movement. “I’m fine,” I murmur. “Geez, people, haven't you ever seen a pregnant woman before?”

Lottie’s hand finds her hip. “Of course, we have, just not onewhose due date is literally in a few weeks. You’re like a ticking time bomb.”

I roll my eyes.

“Not only did you make our gorgeous bridesmaid dresses, but you have been going nonstop since you got here,” Emerson says, coming up to me with a bottle of water.

“I'm fine, I promise. I just want everything to be perfect. It’s my Maid of Honor duty.”

Lottie clasps my hands in hers. “You have gone above and beyond your duties. I promise you. This day is already so perfect… Thank you.”

A voice sounds through the closed door. “Five minutes, ladies.”

“Eeep!” we all squeal.

“Alright, girls, let’s go get these two married,” Frankie says, grabbing our bouquets and handing them out.

“You ready?” I ask Lottie, as she releases a breath.

“I'm more than ready,” she beams. “I can't wait to reveal my surprise.”

“Um, excuse me, ma’am, what surprise? We didn’t plan for a surprise,” I stammer as I mentally recite today’s scheduled events.

“You’ll see.” She winks, then strolls out of the room.

What could she possibly be planning?

“May I have this dance?” Trent asks, extending his hand to mine as the soft melody of “Those Eyes” plays.

As we walk to the dance floor, his fingers lace with mine.

It's a beautiful summer night in Nori Beach. We’ve worked tirelessly all week preparing for today, and from the looks on everyone’s faces, we’ve succeeded. From the sunset beachfront wedding to dancing under the stars, tonight has been absolutely perfect.

As Trent’s arms pull me in close, I rest my head on his shoulder.

“Have I mentioned how gorgeous you look today?”

Smiling, I glanceup to meet his gaze before standing on my tiptoes to give him a kiss. “At least a few times…but I’ll never tire of it.”

“Good, because I’ll never stop telling you.”

Several songs pass, but we continue to sway on the dance floor. Trent’s thumb rubs along the new sparkly diamond that rests on my finger. I smile at the memory from a few months ago.

My pregnancy cravings were intense, and I wanted something sweet, so Trent went out to get me some treats. He returned with freshly baked pignoli cookies and a black and white milkshake. While searching through the takeout bag, I asked him where his dessert was since there wouldn’t be any leftovers for him. He replied that he already had the sweetest thing he could ever ask for, making me laugh. Then, while fidgeting in his pocket, he suddenly dropped to one knee, saying he just couldn’t wait any longer. My smile quickly morphed into a gasp.

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