Page 27 of Aisle Come Back to You

“And it will, and it is,” I promise, giving her arm a small squeeze as I lead her toward the refreshments.

This is the area I feel most proud of, as the nearby table is filled with charcuterie boards lined with cheese, fruit, and meat, along with some platters of mini caprese skewers. However, the true stars of the show are the desserts that have been made to match the blue and white theme of the wedding: macaroons, cupcakes, Rice Krispie treats, and cake pops.

However, we walk straight past the food as I lead her toward the bar.

“Two Rosy Ronnie Refreshers, please,” I order as Pam, the resident bartender from Timberline Tavern, gets to work.

Living so far away, as the maid of honor, I haven’t felt like I’ve gotten to help or support as much as I’d like. Wanting to surprise her with something unique and different, I took a chance with a signature cocktail in her honor. I’d worked with Pam to create a drink made with elderflower liqueur—giving off light floral notes—with a splash of cranberry and lime for tartness, which, to me, just fits my best friend so perfectly. She’s easily one of the most stunning and beautiful people that you’ll ever meet, but there’s way more to her than that, as she constantly leaves you wondering and guessing what she’ll do or say next.

“Sorry I’m being so weird,” Ronnie apologizes as the two drinks are placed in front of us. “It’s just that Pete’s mom is here, and so are other members of his family from out of town. I’ve always felt like I’m not good enough for her or her son, and the last thing I want is for the rest of his family to think so, too.”

My mouth drops open. “What? You? Not good enough for Pete?” I ask, stunned into silence as I shake my head. “If anyone is not good enough for someone, it’s Pete not being good enough for you.”

“You only say that because you’re my best friend and you have to.”

“No, I say it because I’m your best friend and know you better than anyone else, which means if anybody knows how amazing you are, it’s me. You’re one of a kind, and literally the most interesting and unique person I’ve ever met. If somebody doesn’t agree or see that, then they’re wrong. If anything, his family will see that today and any other time they get to be around you. There’s no way they won’t see how absolutely amazing you are.”

She sighs before lifting her glass and taking a large gulp of her signature drink. “I hope you’re right, I just can’t seem to shake these nerves.”

“Well, I’m obviously here with you, so if you need your wingwoman to pump you up while you go and talk with them, I’m down.”

“Really?” she asks, her face lighting up with hope.

“Of course,” I scoff, dismissing her worries with a small wave. I’d do anything for Ronnie, especially if it’s something as easy as boosting her up. Pretty sure that’s the easiest job I could ever have. “For all we know, you won’t even need me, since they’re likely going to fall in love with you the moment you start talking.”

“Well, I’m not so sure that’s true, but I do think you coming with me will help. If anything, your presence will probably calm me down and prevent me from acting like a complete weirdo.”

“I really don’t think you have anything to worry about, but like I said, I’ll be there the entire time.”

She sends me a grateful smile before lifting her glass to her lips once more, likely for some much-needed liquid courage. “Alright. Let’s do this and get it out of the way so I can finally relax and actually enjoy the rest of my bridal shower.”

I take an amused sip of my own drink before nodding as she leads me toward Mrs. West and the rest of Pete’s family, who’ve all congregated at a table by themselves.

“Hey, everyone,” Ronnie greets them in an exaggeratedly friendly tone. She’s definitely putting on a show and going all out, and I can’t say I don’t understand it. I’d want my future in-laws to like me too. It’s one of the many reasons why I’d be terrified to settle down with anybody in Evergreen Grove. Most everyone already has their opinions when it comes to the Bennett family, and I’m sure they’d be less than pleased to watch their son walk me through their front door. “I wanted to introduce you all to my best friend and maid of honor, Blair.”

Everyone greets me with friendly enough nods and smiles, but when I look at Mrs. West, her expression shows obvious displeasure. It suddenly clicks why Ronnie was so worried.

“Hi.” I wave back before being introduced to Pete’s Grandma Selma, Aunt Wendy, and two cousins, Leslie and Anna.

“I remember you,” Mrs. West acknowledges, her voice lacking any warmth. “You were the girl who seemed to always leave a trail of destruction and mischief wherever you went. Hopefully we don’t have to worry about any of that during the wedding?”

“Oh, you don’t need to worry about that. I was a stupid kid back then. I’d also never do anything to mess with Ronnie’s special day.” I warmly smile as I follow Ronnie’s lead and do my best to remain sweet and cordial, despite feeling anything but.

“Ronnie?” Grandma Selma asks.

“Oh, that’s my nickname,” Ronnie explains with an awkward laugh.

Mrs. West shakes her head as she wrinkles her nose. “Oh no. That’s a horrible name for a young woman. I hope you never plan to go by that in public. How would that look for Pete and his political career?”

“It’s mostly just a childhood nickname that my close friends call me,” Ronnie explains further as my brows furrow. Growing up, Ronnie had despised the name Veronica and had insisted that everyone call her Ronnie.

“Good, it’s atrocious. If I were you, I’d insist that everyone stop calling me that immediately, especially if you expect to be taken seriously,” Mrs. West adds with a slight shudder.

“I think it’s a perfect nickname. It’s different and unique, just like our Ronnie here.” I place a hand on her shoulder. “And I don’t think it sounds unprofessional at all. If anything, I think having a nickname makes her more relatable and likable to the masses. Plus, everyone in town already loves Ronnie as she is, no need to change anything about her, including her nickname.”

Perhaps no one speaks back to Mrs. West, because she looks utterly astonished that I would even think about contradicting her advice. “Well,dear,given who your parents are, I’m not surprised that you’d be into a nickname like that. Furthermore, it makes your advice less than credible, so I would have to hope that Veronica would have a better sense of who to listen to here.”

“You don’t need to worry, Mrs. West. I grew up with a family in politics. I know exactly what would be expected of me, and in the circles where it’s needed, I can be more than professional,” Ronnie once again chimes in, clearly trying to keep the peace.

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