Page 134 of From Us, Forever

“Shut up,” Jay mumbled under his breath while we circled behind the reception tent, and my heart warmed at the sight in front of me.

“It’s so beautiful,” I rasped, breathless.

The wedding area was so simple, with wooden chairs decorated with satin bows and peonies lined on both sides ofthe aisle. A simple arch sat at the end with the same flowers as the reception ceiling.

But it was the backdrop that took my breath away, the deep blue of the lake gleamed under the setting sun which spiked the sky in doses of deep orange, reflecting it in the ripples of waves in the water. Beyond that were the deep green woods and rolling hills farther back.

It was mesmerizingly beautiful.

“Do you want to change anything?” Jay asked, his brows knotting.

“Probably the groom,” Mikey joked from beside me, which gained him a death glare from Jay.

“Nothing at all,” I whispered after a moment before locking my eyes with his blues. “I want to change nothing at all.”

“Aren’t you supposed to be nervous on your wedding day?” I questioned, glancing at Katy, who was watching me with a smile on my face. “Because I don’t feel nervous at all, and that’s making me nervous.”

She laughed, which made her eyes glow, and her cheeks pinkened. Pregnancy really suited her; she was rocking her empire-waist dress with soft beachy waves and was bare-faced with just her signature red lip. “I think it’s perfectly fine not to be nervous, E. You’re marrying the man you’ve wanted to marry for ten years.” Her eyes met mine over the mirror. “And you look beautiful. Emmie is going to love this dress.”

I nodded, smiling as I adjusted my veil over my shoulders.

I should say my makeup artist did an incredible job. My skin looked so natural, smooth, and radiant, and I had just a flush of pink blush, a tiny wing eyeliner, and warm pink matte lips. I looked like I wasn’t wearing any makeup at all which was exactly what I liked. My hair was swept in beautiful Hollywood-style curls with a simple pearl brooch holding up my veil.

“Okay, girls,” Gabe commanded, bursting through the doors. “We go now, and E, you’re exactly ten minutes from now.” He had been running nonstop since morning, making sure everything was perfect. Turned out Jay asked his help with the wedding and that little traitor had been hiding for weeks.

I took a deep breath—I was getting married in ten freaking minutes.

Lily, looking so pretty in her floor-length A-line dress leaned in to kiss my cheek wishing me luck and Sierra followed doing the same. She sported an incredible twenties-style mini tunic dress that brought out her beautiful figure.

“See you at the aisle.”

They all bid me goodbye, leaving me alone. I had been holed up in the main cabin since last night. The entire living room was turned into a makeshift dressing room for me and the girls.

I couldn’t really see much through the windows, so I had no idea what was happening out there. But I heard from the girls the place was filled.

I glanced at my phone. Eight minutes to go.

Just then, the doors burst open, and Mikey walked in. “Got it,” he said, waving his hand. “I switched out the box; Gabe will hand it to you at the ceremony.”

“Thank you.” I smiled.

I didn’t want Jay to buy his wedding band, so I asked Mikey for help. He got me the exact simple gold band I asked for and even had it engraved for me within a day.

“You look beautiful.” His eyes softened as he took me in. “Emmie is going to lose his mind when he sees you.”

“I hope so.”

“I got something for you.” His throat worked a swallow as he approached me. His playful demeanor shifted to a more serious one as he dangled something in his hand. “It’s an ankle ribbon, something blue, something new, and something old, I guess.”

My breath hitched; I hadn’t even thought about that. “Thank you,” I whispered, as emotions flooded my heart.

He gave me a warm smile that made his green eyes gleam. “The ribbon is blue of course and it’s new and this little charm.” He pointed at a little butterfly pinned at the edge. “It’s old. I’ve had it for ages.”

My heart warmed. He made me feel like I wasn’t missing out on having my family here today. “It’s beautiful, Mikey. It means a lot more than you know,” I choked, fighting back tears.

“Of course, E. And remember, with or without Emmie, you’ll always be my sister.” He smiled brightly.

“Now, you’re going to make me cry.” I sniffled, tilting my chin to the ceiling as I fanned my stinging eyes.

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