Page 93 of Traitor

“I was right. The man is going to lose his pants when he sees her.”Abuelitaelbowed Elizabeth with a snort.

I’d found a white sleeveless gown with a deep v neckline—it stopped just under my breasts and while I’d worried that it was too sexy for a wedding, Elizabeth assured me that with a little double-sided tape, I’d look like a celebrity on the red carpet. I’d had my doubts and was convinced that I was going to end up looking more like Janet Jackson during the 2004 Superbowl.

As she adjusted the train, I realized she was right again. I felt like royalty as I swished my skirt from side to side. I stared at my reflection, suddenly missing my mom so much that my chest ached. I swayed slightly and Elizabeth was by my side within seconds to steady me.

“You okay?”

My eyes clouded with tears and I shook my head. “I just—I wish she was here to see this. You know?”

Abuelitareached into her purse and pulled out a thin silver chain with a locket at the end. “Dave and I, we made this for you. The locket belonged to myMamá, but the chain is new.”

I took the necklace from her hand and opened it with a gasp. Inside was a picture of my mother. She had her hands up by her face, laughing at whoever was behind the lens. It had been taken not long before she died. “But, how? I don’t have any pictures of her.”

Elizabeth fanned both of our faces asAbuelitaexplained. “Dave found this on his phone. He thought it might be a nice way for you to have your mother with you on the biggest day of your life.”

I choked back a sob, determined not to ruin all of Elizabeth’s hard work. “Thank you,Abuelita.”

Elizabeth clapped her hands together. “Okay, everyone. It’s time.”

My belly fluttered, but I quashed down my fears and headed toward my future. My skirt swished loudly as we walked through the inn and I resisted the urge to twirl around in circles until it billowed out around me. I was almost thirty; way too old to be dancing around in a wedding dress.

The photographer met us outside. Elizabeth leaned in to whisper something in her ear before they both snickered.

“Okay, Lauren. Let’s have you spin in a circle, arms overhead. I’m going to snap some candid shots.”

My face lit up. “Seriously?”

I did as she asked, letting my eyes drift closed as the sun beat down on my face. When I opened them, Elizabeth handed me an envelope.

“For you.”

I tore it open to see a note from Mike.

“Today, I have loved you for 2,225 days and I will love you for a million more.”

My eyes blurred with unshed tears and I began fanning my eyes yet again. I wasn’t going to be one of those brides who ugly cried down the aisle. I was going to be radiant.

Flawless.

Torch walked up to give me a hug and I threw my arms around his neck, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek. “Thank you for what you did—my mom. It means so much—”

He shook his head and embraced me. “I didn’t do anything.”

I pulled back to look at him. “You did everything, Torch.”

His eyes went cloudy and he blinked rapidly before excusing himself to go find a seat. Most girls only had one father figure in their lives. I was lucky enough to have three.

Elizabeth handed me my bouquet just as the song began. “Okay. Do you remember your cue?”

I nodded shakily as Josué and Isaac walked up. “Yep.” My voice had taken on that high-pitched squeak that indicated tears were on the way.

Flawless.

Radiant.

I could do this.

Mike summed up his feelings in a note—I chose our wedding song to convey mine. I just hadn’t anticipated choking up when I heard it. My dads offered me their arms and led me down the aisle, while Rascal Flatts crooned about finding love in the middle of broken roads.

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