Page 136 of Samuel

“I know I kind of kicked the bucket on you and Abby when you told me about your relationship, but I promise I’m not going to do anything like that today.” Sam slapped his hand against John’s shoulder as Jackson fixed his brother’s tie.

The room was filled with their friends, plus John’s dad, Tom, and his youngest brother, Jordan.

“I wasn’t worried about it. I know to trust you when you say you’re fine.”

“I don’t know why I haven’t said this before now, but I need to get it off my chest before the wedding.”

“Should we leave?” Hank asked as he finished pouring more whiskey into a line of glasses on the table in front of him.

“I don’t mind if you guys hear what I have to say.”

“I don’t either,” John added. “Lay it on me.”

“I’m glad it’s you.” Sam cleared his throat, trying to choke back the emotion surrounding his sister’s big day. “I never in a million years would have thought one of my best friends would marry my sister, but I am glad it’s you. I know she’ll be safe. I know she’ll be loved. And I know that along with Katy,and however many other kids come in the future, you’ll always put her first. I couldn’t ask for anything more for her.”

Hank slid a glass into each of their hands, and Sam held him up to John. “Welcome to the family, brother.”

Evie sat, watching the room buzz with excitement. She’d met John’s mom, Nellie, who had promptly given her a giant hug and welcomed her to the family. When Evie’s brows furrowed, Nellie simply laughed and said, “You’re going to be Abby’s sister, which makes you like a daughter to me. And you don’t have a choice because my sons all drive me nuts and I need more girls in my life!”

Now, Nellie was walking towards Abby and Sylvie with a little box that had an adorable white bow on top.

“Nel? I told you, you didn’t have to get anything for me today.”

“I know. It’s just… Well, open it first. Then I’ll explain.”

Evie watched as Abby opened the box, her eyes going wide as she lifted what looked like an ornamental brooch.

“A dove,” Abby whispered.

“Oh, Nell.” Sylvie placed her hand on Nellie’s arm.

“I think this was meant to be, Abby. You and John. I wore that brooch at my wedding. It was on the bag I brought with me to the hospital the day Johnathan was born. And I know it’s the nickname your dad gave you when you were little. I thought, well, I don’t know. I just thought if you wanted to pin it to your bouquet, it might just feel like your dad was with you, walking you down the aisle with Sam.”

Evie’s eyes filled with tears as she watched Abby wrap her arms around her mother-in-law.

“I don’t know how I got so lucky to have you as a secondmom, Nellie, but I’m thankful I did. It’s beautiful, and I’d be honored to use it today.”

Evie wiped the tear from her cheek and chuckled as Abby looked over Nellie’s shoulder.

“Are you okay?”

“Don’t mind me. It’s the hormones and the sweet moments. I’m pretty sure I’ll be blubbering all day.”

“Well, I’ll tell the makeup artist you need waterproof everything!”

“Oh, no. I’m just going to do my own?—”

“Nope. I’ve got you down for hair and makeup. My entire bridal party is included.”

“But I’m not in the bridal party.”

“Only because Sam begged me to not ask.” She must have seen the way Evie’s face fell because she ran over, grabbing her hands as she sat down. “No, no! He knew that no matter what I said, you’d feel obligated to stand up next to me, and we both didn’t want you having to do that so close to Jellybean’s due date. Here, come with me.”

Abby stood and pulled Evie to her feet. They walked hand in hand down a long hallway, towards the bedrooms. Inside, Evie saw all the bridesmaid dresses lined up.

“I went ahead and got this for you.” Abby walked over to the wall of dresses and plucked one off its hanger. “It’s a wrap dress, so we can style it over your belly and it won’t be tight or uncomfortable. Grace got this style too, so you’ll match her. I want you to know that you absolutely are important enough to me that I want you to stand by my side as I marry John, but I just can’t put you through that kind of stress. I was hoping you’d wear the dress and walk into the wedding with my mom. Your seats are reserved right next to each other.”

Evie bit the inside of her cheek trying to stop the rush of emotions flying at the speed of light to the surface.

---