Page 13 of Third Time Lucky

‘Oh! Kris’ best friend, Asher. Right,’ he says, suddenly realizing. ‘Nice kid, if I remember correctly. He’s here?’

‘He showed up at the bar where we were having the bachelorette party, out of the blue. I could not believe it.’

‘He also stopped by a few minutes ago and brought her flowers,’ Madi says, pointing to the bouquet sitting on the table near the snacks. ‘Isn’t that sweet?’

‘A blast from the past. That is sweet,’ Dad says, glancing over at the bouquet. ‘What did Brandon send?’

I glance to Madi, whose eyes widen.

‘Um, nothing?’ I ask, suddenly filled with worry.

Dad frowns. ‘Tradition says you send your bride a meaningful gift,’ he informs us.

I know he’s right, because I did that for Brandon. Madi knows it too because she was with me when I bought him the watch he’d been eyeing. Along with it, I sent the most romantic note a bride-to-be could write her fiancé. With all the thoughts swirling through me, I’d forgotten all about it until just now.

‘Oh no. Is this a sign?’

‘A sign of what?’ Madi asks.

‘That maybe he doesn’t want to do this?’ I ask with panic in my voice.

‘What? No. He’s besotted with you! Maybe it just hasn’t arrived yet?’ she says, marching through the suite, yanking open the door, and glancing into the hall looking for a gift we’ve missed. ‘Nothing,’ she says, shutting the door, now walking toward me.

‘Although, I will say I’m a little jealous you got flowers from a guy you didn’t put out for because, after last night, Aaron probably should have stolen me flowers too,’ she says with disappointment. ‘And maybe Jess as well,’ she mumbles, glancing guiltily across the room at Jessica, who is currently in the makeup chair. She grits a smile as she looks my way, insinuating that maybe they didn’t give me every detail earlier.

‘I don’t want to know what any of that was about,’ I tell them as Madi adjusts my dress to perfection. ‘I want no worries today. At least no more than I already have.’

‘What worries do you have?’ Dad asks with concern.

‘Just…’ I glance around the room at the people I love the most and shrug. ‘I’m gettingmarried. It’s scary, considering I don’t know anyone who’s successfully pulled that off. Especially withHere Comes the Bridemagazine featuring it and expecting every detail, including the happily ever after, to be perfect. That’s a lot of pressure.’

‘Luce,’ he says with understanding. ‘Your whole life you’ve been talking about this day. About finding Mr Right, walking down the aisle and living happily ever after. I thought you were sure you’d found him.’

‘I know. But I also thought I’d found him in high school, and we know how that worked out. Now my worry is, isthisthe dream I had? Is Brandonthatman? Does he really want to marry me? I don’t know any more. How do you know?’

Dad shrugs. ‘If I knew that, I’d probably be standing here with a wife.’

That’s an excellent point, made at the exact wrong time. I don’t know if there’s a single person in this room who can honestly say they’re happily married. Why on earth would ‘fate’ allow me to have it?

‘Do you think I shouldn’t do this?’ I ask, wondering – aka worrying.

That’s all I’ve done since I got engaged. Wondered. About everything. Is this the right dress? Do I really want to get married in Sin City?Arediamondsmybest friend? Can I love someone forever? Do I even know what love is? What if he dies? Or leaves? My breathing speeds as my heart gallops through my chest, probably trying to escape.

‘Darling, take a breath,’ Mitzi says, approaching. ‘Everything will go down exactly as it’s supposed to, and no matter which way that falls, you will be just fine, trust me,’ she reassures me.

‘You’re right, I’ll be fine. Everything is fine.’

Dad nods approvingly. ‘Mom is a smart woman,’ he says. ‘Also, not to build the pressure, but I spoke to a Todd from the magazine just before walking in here, and his photographers are waiting on the OK to get photos. I said I’d let you know.’

Butterflies or maybe bumble bees flutter through my body, making me almost sick. My God, it’s nearly time.

‘Are we near ready?’ I ask Madi, who looks around the room and nods.

‘Jessica is the only one left in hair and makeup. Should be good for photos on time. How’s Brandon and his gang doing?’ she asks my father.

‘They’re fired up and slightly drunk, I suspect. But ready to go.’

‘Whew,’ I let out a relieved breath, my emotions going wild. ‘At least he’s showing up.’

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