Page 68 of Forbidden Billionaires: Vol. 2
"Aye aye," Melissa said and picked up the back of my dress as she handed me my bouquet.
"Now hold my arm, Penny," Justin said. "If you fall and break your ankle in those heels I will literally kill myself."
I laughed at his poor use of the word literally and grabbed his arm. I was happy to have the support.
***
I pulled back the lacy curtain and peered out of the window. All the guests were seated in front of the big tree outside the restaurant. I don't know how many times James and I had eaten at a table right under that tree. And in just a few minutes I'd be marrying him underneath it.
James had just emerged from the restaurant. I watched him walk toward the aisle. He greeted a few people as he made his way up to stand beside the pastor. Normally the mother would walk the groom down the aisle. But it was better this way.James was independent. And his mother didn't approve of me. I glanced toward the guests that were on his side. His mother and father were sitting beside Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell in the front row. I was happy to see that they had come.
There was an arch that hadn't been there the night before. It had flowers and ivy hanging from it. The lights dangling from the tree above made the whole scene even more romantic. I held my breath as James stepped beneath it. He shook the pastor's hand and they both laughed about something.
James smiled and turned toward the window where I was spying on him from. Almost like he could sense where I was. I felt that with him too. My eyes seemed to always gravitate toward him. I closed the curtains before we made eye contact. I didn't want him to see me until I was walking down the aisle.
"It's time, ladies," Justin said and walked into the room. "Bridesmaids, follow me."
Jen gave me two thumbs up before she followed Justin out.
"Don't lock your knees, it makes you faint," Bee said and gave me a quick hug. "I heard that somewhere."
I laughed. "Thanks for the advice."
"Take a deep breath. There's nothing to be nervous about. You look gorgeous and everyone out there loves you so much."
I took a deep breath and smiled.
"See you up there." Bee hurried out after Jen.
"Penny," Melissa said. Her eyes were slightly teary.
"Don't you dare cry, Melissa."
She laughed. "I'm sorry, I'm just so happy for you."
"Miss maid of honor. You're holding us up," Justin said from the door.
Melissa quickly hugged me. "I love you, Penny. And I may have found your vows in your purse and read them last night. But don't be mad because they're great."
I laughed. "I'm still not really sure what I'm going to say. Any last minute changes?"
"No. He's going to love them exactly as they are."
"Now," Justin said and stomped his foot.
Melissa laughed and released me from her hug. "Good luck." She lifted up the bottom of her dress and ran after Justin.
I pulled back the curtain again and peered outside. Jen and Matt were already standing on opposite sides of the arch and Mason and Bee had just reached the front. I smiled when he gave her a chaste kiss before they went separate ways. Any day now he'd be popping the question. I could just feel it.
A knock on the door made me turn my head. My dad was standing in the doorway. He smiled. "I was told to come get you. Pen, you look so...grown up."
For the first time I was worried that maybe my dress was a little too sexy. I had wanted to look sophisticated and classy.
He shook his head as if seeing the worry in my eyes. "It's just...I still picture you running around with grass stains on your knees."
I laughed.
"You look absolutely beautiful."
