Page 57 of Dream Lover
“I guess. Enough about me; this week is about you and Conner. Are you nervous?”
“Not at all. I thought I might be. But honestly, more than anything, I can’t wait to be married. I love him so much. I never dreamed this day would happen.”
“Don’t freak out on me, but I brought you something. I’ve had it for some time, but I wanted to wait until the right moment to give it to you.” My best friend reached behind her lounge chair and slid a gift bag across the cement toward me.
“What is this?”
“Just open it.” She grinned eagerly.
“Okay, okay. Gee.” I pulled back the purple and black tissue paper and brought out a frame. I gasped at the contents. “Shut up. No way. How in the hell do you still have this?” It was my list. My checklist of all the qualities my dream man should have.
“You wouldn’t admit it back then, but I knew that you were describing my brother even if you didn’t completely realize it. You’ve always loved Conner, and I’m so happy you’re going to become my sister tomorrow.”
Tears burned in the back of my eyes and my throat constricted, making it hard to pull a breath through my lungs. “Carrie … this is … wow. Thank you so much. It’s perfect. I love it. I’m going to cherish this forever.” I leaned over to give her a hot, sweaty hug.
“Good because I went through hell to dig that notebook out in your mom’s attic. She thought I was crazy, but I knew it’d be there somewhere.”
“You’re the best; you know that, don’t you? My brother would be a fool to let you slip away.”
“Yeah. Yeah. Enough sweet sappy stuff. There will be enough of that tomorrow. Did you finish your vows?”
“Almost.”
“Girl, you better get a move on.”
“I will. I just don’t even know how to put the way Conner makes me feel into words. God, Carrie, I know he’s your brother and you’re biased, but he’s perfect.”
“Duh. He’s a Davenport, and we are perfect.” She giggled and finished her drink.
She wasn’t wrong.
* * *
“This is your something borrowed.”Mrs. Davenport placed the lacy white garter on my lap that she wore the day she married Conner’s father.
“Thank you so much. It’s beautiful.” The lace was stitched with pearls.
“You’re welcome dear, I always noticed the little looks you and Conner would sneak when you both thought no one was watching.”
I blushed at her words because yeah, I always watched Conner. I couldn’t help it. He was a like a magnet pulling me in.
“I have your something blue.” Carrie winked and handed me a small gift bag. I peeked inside seeing a tiny scrap of an ice blue satin thong.
“Seriously?” My cheeks turned ten shades of red.
“Well, duh. It’s no secret you have a thing for pretty expensive underwear.”
Our moms shook their heads. “You girls.” My mom laughed, then it was her turn.
“Here is your something new. Your father and I got this for you.”
She handed me three separate jewelry cases. The first was diamond earrings. The second was the matching tennis bracelet. The third held a teardrop necklace. “Mom. This is too much. Thank you.”
“Only the best for our girl, and we know you’ll only get married once. Conner and you were meant to be, and your love will be forever.”
Tears glittered in the creases of my eyes. “Okay, none of that crying stuff. We don’t want you ruining your makeup. It’ll be Conner’s job to smear your lipstick later,” Carrie joked. “Let’s get you into your dress.” She clapped, setting everyone into motion.
This was it. My big day. The start of the next chapter of mine and Conner’s life.
