Page 90 of The Friendly Fall

It’sourplace.

So, we decided on his grandparents’ farm—setting everything up in the hayfield just outside of the barn. Which means I’m getting readyinthe barn, but I don’t mind.

“Oh, Eliza Kate,” Granny says in awe from behind me. “You look absolutelygorgeous.That boy is going to faint from all the beauty you’re radiating.”

“Oh goodness, I hope not.” I laugh, embracing her. Because it’s the beginning of November, I opted for a lacey long-sleeve gown, and itisstunning. I feel like a princess, and the thought of Nick waiting for me at the end of the aisle has my head feeling light.

“You look beautiful though, that’s for sure,” Mom adds as she steps into the room. “Are you feeling ready?”

“Are you kidding me? I’ve been ready since we got together,” I joke, but it’s actually the truth. I wasdyingfor Nick to pop the question, and when he did down at the same spot we made it official, everything fell into place.

“Well, let’s get this show on the road,” Dad says, letting out a deep breath as he steps into the room. “You sure look beautiful,” he adds,kissing the top of my head. “I think I might be just as nervous as you are.” He laughs, smiling down at me. “Knowing me, I might trip on the way down the aisle, hit a big hole and break my ankle or something.”

“Oh Dad, stop.” I swat his arm. “You’re just giving me more things to worry about, and I think I have enough of that as it is.”

“Right, right.” He chuckles.

Vanessa glances at the time. “Okay, it’s time for Amy and me to round up the rest of the bridesmaids. We have a wedding intenminutes.”

My heart leaps with nerves as Vanessa and Amy rush out the door, leaving me with my granny and parents. “I seriously have never bitten my nails but wish I could.” I glance down at my perfectly manicured French tips.

“You’re going to be fine,” Mom reassures me, hugging my shoulders. “Just take a few deep breaths. Everything is going to go flawless, I know it will.”

I nod. “I know, I know. I also know that even if itisa total catastrophe, as long as I’m married to Nick by the end of the night, everything will still be perfect.”

“That’s true love right there,” Dad comments, giving me a smile. “I’m so proud of you, and I’m so happy that you found your person.”

“Me, too.” I beam, thinking of how special Nick and my relationship is. It might have started as just friendship, but that was thefoundation to a beautiful, secure relationship—one that never left me questioning if he wanted to be with me in the long run.

“You know,” Granny begins, having been mostly quiet. “Do you remember last year, when you told me that you had sworn yourself off of love?”

I nod, laughing at myself. “I was so ridiculous.”

“Maybe, but I just want to say that I’m glad you didn’t stick to that mentality. I’m glad you decided that Nick was worth a try, because you’re going to have abeautifullife—I know it. This wedding is just the beginning of what’s to come.”

I smile, everything in my chest feeling warm. “Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me, Granny,” I say, tears welling up in my eyes. “I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if you hadn’t let me move in.”

She wipes a tear from her own eyes and pulls me into a hug. “I’m gonna miss you once you move out, so you better come and visit me soon.”

“I will. Ipromise.”

Nick

I glance down at the watch on my wrist, knowing that this is it; after this evening, I’ll be married to themostbeautiful woman in the entire world. I stand off to the side of the altar that we’ve made in the hay field. The glow of the fall sun illuminates the grass, and pumpkins and mums adorn the hay bales. It’s just how Eliza wants it, and that’s all that matters to me.

My eyes flicker up to the archway and I smile at the flowers woven into the wooden structure. At the top is a heart with our names and new last name—for her—along with the date.

“You look handsome, son,” Mom says to me, her hand placed gently on my arm. “Eliza looks gorgeous, too. Her dress is just something else.”

“Yeah?” I choke out nervously. “I haven’t seen it.”

“Well, I know you’ll love it.”

“I think I’d love her in anything…”

Or nothing.

“Yeah, but still, she’s just beautiful.” Mom draws in a breath, her voice falling off a little.

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