Page 123 of Love and Memories

Bella looked down at her dress, then at the tall mirror in front of her. The silky navy fabric hung loosely to the floor. Anna really had thought of everything for her big day–even making sure the pregnant bridesmaid didn’t suffocate in a tight dress that was altered a month ago.

Travis stepped into the bedroom wearing a navy suit. His dark hair was freshly combed, and he’d even trimmed his beard. “Hey, can you help me with–”

He stopped short when he lifted his chin and saw her. A wicked grin spread over his face as he released the cufflink he’d been working on and reached for her.

“Baby, you did not tell me about this dress.” His hand slid around to her back and pressed her close to him as he nuzzled her neck.

His beard tickled the sensitive skin below her ear. “Stop it. I look like a frumpy blueberry.”

Travis hummed against the pulse in her neck. “Good enough to eat.”

Bella laughed as he alternated between tickling and kissing. Now that her side had healed, she could laugh whenever she wanted, and she did it often.

“I was just thinking about how I look like the Grinch wearing a tablecloth,” she joked.

“Nope. I’ve never been attracted to the Grinch,” Travis mumbled as he continued his exploration of her skin.

She playfully swatted his arm. “Seriously, does this dress look okay?”

“Okay isn’t the word I would use, but I’m more interested in the woman in the dress.”

“Be serious. It doesn’t look too tight? The seamstress added in some extra inches when she altered it last month. I feel like I’ve gained twenty pounds since then.”

“Nope. Your weight is perfect. I heard the doctor say that at the appointment last week.”

Bella cradled her belly. “I said Ifeeltwenty pounds heavier. This baby is huge.”

Travis knelt in front of her and cradled her belly. “What Mommy means is you’re growing fast, and that’s a good thing. You just keep doing what you’re doing, my little Aria.”

Oh, how her heart leapt whenever he called their baby Aria. She hadn’t expected the nickname, but it certainly fit considering how much Bella and Travis liked singing to her.

Getting to his feet, he pressed another quick kiss to Bella’s lips. “Both of my girls are beautiful.”

“Thank you.” Bella took a moment to check out his suit. Not only could he make her drool whenever he wore his work clothes, but the man could rock a suit better than any A-list actor. “You look amazing yourself.”

Bella’s phone dinged, and she reached for it on the nearby dresser. “That’s Olivia. She said we need to get to the church soon for bridal party photos.”

“Oh, I came in here because I need help with these cufflinks.” He held up his arm. “I don’t understand why these are even a thing. They’re pretty useless.”

Bella adjusted his cuff and the clip. “I don’t understand them either. That’s why I said you didn’t need to wear a suit to our wedding.”

“You know I would have, right? If you wanted me to.”

Their wedding had been a small affair. They’d gotten together with a few of their friends on a Friday afternoon and said their I dos. Then they’d all met up at the event barn at Silver Falls Ranch for a reception with a taco bar and live music from the Harding cousins, Asher and Hunter.

She pressed a kiss to his cheek. “I know, but it doesn’t matter what you wear. You’re the man I love, no matter what.”

“No matter what,” he whispered back.

Bella sighed and rested her head on his shoulder. “Can we pray for Anna and Dean? I’m nervous about today.”

Travis rubbed his hands along both sides of her lower back where the weight of the baby strained the most. “Sure.”

Pressing her forehead to his, she closed her eyes and linked her hands around him.

“Father, we lift Anna and Dean up to You today. I pray that You’ll bless them. Stand between them as they start their life together. Help us to be good friends and remind them to look to You for guidance. I pray their relationship would grow stronger as they grow closer to You. And Lord, we know You have plans, and I pray Your will be done. All of these things we pray in Jesus’s name. Amen.”

Bella lifted her head and swiped her finger beneath her eye. “Thanks. I think that’s the most we can do at this point.”

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