Page 140 of Wedlocked

“Oh, it’s a beautiful gown. It will do you justice.”

I felt tears well up in my eyes, and I began blinking furiously and fanning my face. I’d just spent an hour on my makeup—Well, Madison spent an hour on it. I couldn’t mess it up now.

“Oh, honey. What is it? Are you feeling nervous?”

I shook my head adamantly even as another sob bubbled up inside me.

Gram made a sound and took my hands, leading me over to the bed. I sat on the end, and she sat beside me, tucking my hands into her lap. “Tell me.”

“I don’t have something borrowed,” I wailed. “It’s so silly, but what if we’re jinxed now?”

“Well, I can understand your concern.”

That made me pause. Sniffling, I glanced at her. “Really?”

“Really,” she said. “The last time I got married, I didn’t have something blue. And look at me now. Divorced.”

A laugh burst out of me, but then it turned into a sob.

“All right now,” Gram said, patting my hand. “Don’t cry. Getting divorced was the best thing that ever happened to me. That man was insufferable.”

I laughed. “But I like Ben.”

“As you should.” Gram agreed. “Which is why you’re going to borrow this,” she said, reaching up to the necklace around her neck.

“Oh, I couldn’t!”

“Of course you can. This is a half-carat solitaire, so it won’t overtake your gown but will add just the right amount of sparkle.”

“But you’re wearing it,” I protested.

“I have plenty of options in my room. Just ask Ben. He complained about the amount I packed the whole time we were at the airport,” Gram said. “Besides, I would be so honored to have you wear this on your special day. I was never blessed with a daughter, but I don’t miss it as much as I might have because I’ve had you all these years.”

Any hope I had of not smearing my makeup was futile.

“I’ve always been very grateful that Matt has you and Ben. He needs love and support, and you three have been that for each other. I’ve been around a long time, and it’s rare what you’ve found. So many only look out for themselves. It’s hard to findgenuine people in this world. Look how many husbands I’ve been through.”

“They’re all idiots who didn’t deserve you,” I said, dabbing the corners of my eyes.

“Well, I agree,” she mused, leaning in to put the necklace around my neck. “But I don’t need them because I found a family with all of you. And since Matt up and got himself married without any sort of notice at all, this is my chance to be part of a wedding. I would be so honored if you wore this on your special day. Think of it as a blessing. Me wishing you and Ben a lifetime of happiness.” She sat back, adjusting the dainty chain and diamond so it rested against my throat. “It’s perfect.”

I clasped her hand. “Thank you, Gram,” I said. “Thank you for letting me borrow this, but most of all, thank you for being here for us. For me.”

She hugged me, and I cried over her shoulder, trying my best not to make a mess of myself.

“Come on then,” Gram said, pulling back. “How about I help you get into your gown?”

I nodded and stood.

She was doing up the buttons Bodhi had sewed on when the door opened and the girls came in.

“Oooh, hold that,” Rory said, immediately slipping into photographer mode. She snapped some photos while Landry and Madison came over.

“You girls look so beautiful,” I said, emotion bubbling up inside me again.

Rory lowered the camera, and the three of them stood side by side, showing off their gowns. As my bridesmaids, they wore matching long-sleeved dark-green velvet gowns. I went with the evergreen shade because I thought it would look nice with the snowy landscape here and because the girls were able to get them all in their sizes on such short notice.

All three girls had their hair down, and each wore the bracelets I’d gifted them.

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