Page 108 of In Good Company

“I love you, Lucy,” Dad manages to get out, his voice thick. He wipes a tear away the moment it hits his cheek. “And I might not say it enough, but I’m so proud of you. Your mother and I both are. And I know Luke and Logan would be too. You’ve built a beautiful life.”

I blink, trying to prevent the tears from falling, knowing the makeup artist had spent a good chunk of the morning perfecting my makeup for my big day.

The blinking only helps for a bit before tears fall at my dad’s words, paired with the adoration in his eyes. “I love you too,” I whisper. “So much,” I add, needing him to know that.

He nods, his eyes moving to the wedding coordinator, who cautiously steps closer to us. “We’re about three minutes away from when the orchestra will start playing your entrance song. Are we ready?”

“We are,” Dad answers for me, giving me one final squeeze before he weaves his arm through mine. His hand squeezes mine in encouragement.

Arianna, our head wedding coordinator at the villa, flies into the room with a clipboard in her hand. “Almost showtime!” she excitedly says, stopping in front of me. “You’re as stunning as ever,” she gets out with a smile.

I return her smile. “Thank you.” I glance down at my wedding dress. I thought it’d be really easy for me to pick a dress, but it took four bridal salons before I finally found one I envisioned myself walking down the aisle in.

It’s made of delicate lace with a beautifully intricate pattern that took my breath away. The dress hasan off-the-shoulder neckline and sleeves that go to my wrists. The lace fabric clings to my skin and gathers at my feet with a gorgeous train.

I take a deep breath, reminding myself that this moment is real. I’m about to walk down the aisle to the love of my life.

“You’ve got about thirty seconds until the doors will open,” Arianna declares, handing me my bouquet of flowers.

I try to get words out to thank her as she pulls my veil over my face and makes sure I’m ready for the grand entrance, but I’m not able to say anything.

I’m too excited to see Cal. We tried to do the traditional thing where we slept in separate rooms, but we both lasted until about midnight, and then I was texting him and begging him to sneak into my room. We’re not used to spending time away from one another, and it didn’t feel right to not sleep next to each other, even the night before our wedding.

But it’s still been hours since he slipped out of my room this morning. I’ve missed him, and now I get to see him and call him my husband for the very first time.

“It’s time,” Arianna announces, a beaming smile on her face.

I look over at my dad, my chest constricting with love at the look in his eyes.

He doesn’t have to say it again. His face tells me everything I need to know. He’s proud of me. I squeeze his hand before looking forward.

Arianna gestures for us to begin walking, and with each step, the nerves start to leave my body. I know with every step, I’m getting closer to the man of my dreams.

The large, old wooden doors of the villa open up. Our loved ones all stand up as my dad leads me down the aisle.

For one split second, I look at our friends and family all gathered here to celebrate with both Cal and me. Our villa isbig enough to accommodate all of them, and we’ve all been here for a week, enjoying Lake Como together while staying in the villa.

It’s been the best week of my life, but the next two weeks will give it some competition. Our loved ones will return home while Cal and I take off on our honeymoon.

Speaking of Cal, my eyes finally connect with his.

My steps falter for a split second at seeing the man I fell in love with during a summer in the Hamptons waiting for me at the end of the aisle.

Luckily, Dad guides me forward, making sure I don’t miss another beat as he leads me to my Cal.

All nerves leave my body as I focus on Cal. He’s my safe space, my other half. I was always scared to depend on someone else, but I just hadn’t found the right person. Cal’s never let me down. He’s been solid and steadfast in his love for me from the beginning of our relationship.

And now he’s about to be my husband.

I want to pay attention to all the details everyone put into our dream wedding. Huge, gorgeous floral bouquets line the aisle, guiding me right to Cal. There’s a stunning lakefront view right behind the floral-covered altar.

But all I see is him.

We’re about halfway to him, and happy tears are already falling down my cheeks.

Cal looks incredibly handsome in a tailored black tux. It fits him perfectly, his frame standing out against the white floral background.

He smiles, his hand moving to cover his mouth as he stares at me from down the aisle in awe. He mutters something to the officiant, but he’s too far away for me to know what he says.

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