Page 132 of From Us, Forever

Tyler dropped us off at an expensive-looking wedding boutique in the city.

Within minutes, we walked in. The decor was all polished marble walls, chandeliers, and cream carpets.

“You must be Ms. May.” A tall Asian woman with a gracious smile greeted us, introducing herself as Mina. “This way, please. I have the room ready for you.”

We thanked her and followed as she led us to the far right of the store and through a double door that opened to an expansive private fitting room.

We all settled into the comfortable plush couches while Mina and her assistant, Loraine, handed us flutes of champagne. They asked us to wait for someone to come in to take my measurements. That way, they could show me dresses similar to my size so there are minimal alterations.

“Gabe.” I smiled, turning to him beside me as he raised a brow. “You know you’re my best friend; a very annoying best friend, but I love you anyway and wouldn’t be here without you.” I swallowed as I took his hand in mine. “I know the wedding is mostly planned, but will you still do me the honor of being my man of honor at the wedding?”

Surprise flooded me when instead of his usual comeback, a single tear rolled down his eye. “Of course, chica.” He crashed me into a tight hug. “You deserve this more than anyone, and I love you so much.” He released me, wiping away his tears.

I sniffled through the thickness stuck in my throat. “Thank you.”

Parting, I glanced behind my shoulders at the girls who were all beaming at us. “And you girls, will you all be my bridesmaids?”

“Yes,” they all squealed in unison.

I spent the whole morning trying on at least twenty dresses or more while the girls and Gabe voiced their opinions. I initially wanted something pink but then decided against it. I didn’t want to look like a cupcake at my own wedding. I wanted to look like a bride. And white was just a color to me these days. I didn’t associate it with her. She was simply Cece. That was all she was. Nothing about her or the past would control my life anymore. I wasn’t going to let it.

“I think this is the one.” Katy teared up, sighing. “You look beautiful.”

I thought so too as I glanced at myself in the mirror.

The silky satin cream dress smoothed over the curves of my body, and the full pleated princess skirt added a bit of flair and elegance to it. The off-the-shoulder sleeves tied in nicely with the wide square neckline and fitted bodice. The back was special, with a deep V and laces interlocking in a braided pattern.

The cream color of the dress shined with a tinge of vintage gold, which caught the light perfectly.

Taking a deep breath, I smiled.

This was it.

This was the dress that I was getting married in.

CHAPTER 26

Around late afternoon, we met up with the boys, had an incredible lunch at the pier, and started in three separate SUVs toward the mysterious wedding destination.

Mina assured us that the wedding dress would be delivered by eight p.m. tonight and I honestly wasn’t that nervous about it. I would marry this man in a rucksack if I had to. I told the girls they had free rein over their bridesmaid dresses and they all settled for a lacy salmon pink number all in different styles.

“Oh,” I whispered as we neared an old familiar road.

“Yes.” Jay smiled, kissing the back of my hand, while his other hand draped casually on the steering wheel.

Strawberry gave a loud bark from the back seat as if she understood where we were going.

“It never struck my mind,” I mumbled.

The cabin in the woods.

I hadn’t been here in ages, and I never even considered getting married here. But it was the perfect location. I couldn’t have imagined a better place.

The small off-road gate was already open, with a plain black car parked by the clearing.

“Security,” Jay said, noticing my frown while he drove through the woods until we reached the massive open glade.

My eyes widened at the sight in front of me. The entire acreage up front was filled with a dozen glamping tents with a massive parking space by the side which Jay informed were for the guests.

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