Page 95 of Seeing You

When she looked up, her mom and sister-in-law were grinning. “You’re all packed and you’re definitely ready,” Jade told her.

“And anything you need, you can buy when you get there,” Marie added. “Everything’s under control.”

“But…but…the dogs…?”

“Max is staying at your place. He hasn’t found a place yet and it will be a nice break for him and John. He’ll be working from home, and he swears he’s going to get those puppies trained,” her mother explained. “So you don’t have to worry.”

Then she looked up at Jade. “The baking…we don’t have enough…”

“Julie is more than capable of handling it for a few weeks. We’ve been prepping for it. Don’t worry about Books & Beans. We’re going to be fine.”

Her heart was racing, and she wanted to laugh and cry and run around and scream with joy all at the same time.

“Okay, okay…now I’m freaking out. I’m freaking out!”

Luckily, no one freaked out with her and within minutes, she had a glass of champagne in her hands and a plate of food because…well…food was a serious love language in the Donovan family.

“I need to text Marcus,” she said. “Where’s my phone?”

Jade handed it to her.

Billie: I don’t know how you did it, but I love it! It’s everything I wanted!

Marcus: You used to talk about it all the time and then you mentioned it several times when we talked about potential trips.

Marcus: All I want is to make you happy and start our lives out in the best way possible.

Marcus: I love you

She grabbed another tissue and gently dabbed at her eyes.

Billie: I love you too. I’ll see you soon.

Marcus: I’ll be waiting!

Putting her phone away, she let out a happy sigh. “Okay. I’m good. Everything’s good and…I’m ridiculously happy.” Her mother sat to her left and Jade to her right. “I know we rushed this wedding, but…we’ve waited long enough.”

“You definitely have,” Marie agreed. “But you know what they say, the best things in life are worth waiting for.”

“I know, I know…and I’m always patient, but today? Not so much.”

“That’s completely understandable. Unfortunately, we have a schedule to keep to, so finish your snack and try to relax, and then we’ll get you ready,” Jade said with a smile that matched her own.

Letting out a long breath, she nodded and nibbled on some cheese and crackers while chatting about all the work they’d done on the house in the last month, some of the crazy antics of life with two puppies and their mom, and all the things she was most excited to see and do in Hawaii. Before she knew it, Chloe and Ashlynn arrived, and it was time to finish getting ready.

“Were you crying?” Ash accused. “Why were you crying? Your makeup is smudged!”

“Leave her alone,” Chloe scolded. “It’s an emotional day. We’ve all been crying.”

“Shut up! I haven’t,” Ash corrected. “This is a great day. Our big sister is marrying the man she’s been in love with since forever, and they’re finally getting their happily ever after and…and…dammit!” She turned away and they all heard the sniffle. “I’mnotcrying…”

Suddenly, they were all in a group hug—all the Donovan girls—and it felt like a very important moment. This was the last time she was going to feel like the odd one out, the last time she was going to question when it was going to be her turn.

“No crying,” Billie said with a small laugh, even though they were all tearing up. “We can’t all show up at the church with red eyes and smeared makeup.” And just like that, the authoritative big sister was back. “Now, let’s fix our faces and do this. I’ve waited long enough!”

“You heard the bride!” Marie called out. “Let’s do this!”

“Yes, ma’am!” they all said in unison before scrambling around to finish getting ready.

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