Page 20 of Before I Say I Don't
“The bride's kit is larger and stocked with duplicates of everything in the bridesmaid kits. Plus, I’ve included a cooling roller for her under-eyes, a silk scrunchie to keep her hair stylish yet practical, and her exact lipstick shade because every detail matters. It’s extra… on purpose.”
I pressed a hand dramatically to my heart, feigning swooning.
“Girl, I love it! I might just marry the kit!”
“Don’t,” Serena piped in, raising an eyebrow with a smirk. “It doesn’t come with benefits.”
We all burst into laughter, the room filling with warmth and camaraderie.
“Facts!” I agreed.
Danica turned to Lena; her tone laced with sincerity.
“Thank you for being both punctualandthorough; it really means a lot!”
I chuckled softly under my breath at the way Danica emphasized "punctual".
I caught Lena’s slight smirk as she registered Danica’s flair for the dramatic, and I was pretty sure Jayla did too—her pen had paused mid-scribble, momentarily distracted.
Lena tilted her head, a satisfied smile curving her lips. “I prefer to think of myself asreliable,but thank you. Anything for my girl."
“Zaria, what kind of transportation have we arranged? How is it looking for the day?” Danica asked.
Zaria leaned forward, her demeanor polished and composed. “I’ve booked a bridal bus with a white exterior and luxurious cream leather interior, complete with air conditioning that actually works—not an easy find in this heat. It can comfortably hold up to twenty people. I also negotiated a no-glitter clause because I have a deep respect for the upholstery. The driver is Maurice, a friendly guy, and he has the complete route mappedout. First, he’ll be picking up everyone for hair and makeup, and then he’ll take us straight to the ceremony location. To make sure we stay on schedule, I’ve factored in extra time for potential traffic delays, and I’ll do a careful headcount at each stop to make sure no one is left behind. The waiver has been signed, the deposit is already paid, and the balance is due the day before the event—I’ll handle it.”
Danica quickly scribbled notes, nodding in approval. “Perfect. A group text, including the driver’s contact number, will go out the week of to keep everyone in the loop.”
Zaria inclined her head slightly, pleased. “That’s already drafted and ready to send.”
“Excellent work, ladies.” Danica closed that section of her notes with a satisfied hum, her expression filled with excitement, then shifted her attention down the table.
“Jayla, since the bachelorette party has officially been called off—” she delivered the news lightly, though the weight of it hung heavily in the air—“we still have one crucial position that needs to be filled. Would you take on the role of Bathroom Buddy Coordinator?”
Jayla’s brow furrowed in confusion. “The what?”
Serena casually popped a grape into her mouth. “It’s a real thing, babe.”
Danica laced her fingers, voice dipping into that nice-nasty tone she had mastered. “It’s exactly what it sounds like. Big dress, small stall. Someone has to oversee the veil, the train, and the minor logistical nightmares, so our bride doesn’t have to wrestle tulle alone. You’ll set up schedules for bathroom rotations, but you’ll be the go-to person—since you’re Kam’s closestfriend,she’s going to feel most at ease with you… in my absence. It’s an intimate responsibility, it’s essential, and it ensures we stay on schedule. Any questions?”
Jayla adjusted her folder, stalling. “So, like, I’ll go with her every time she needs to… you know?”
“As needed,” Danica answered smoothly. “You’ll coordinate with Serena or Lena for backup if you need a breather. But you will take the lead on this. Think of yourself as theDirector of Dress Navigation, guiding our bride through her delicate mission.”
Jayla mustered a smile, though it barely reached her eyes. “Alright. I can handle that.”
“Good,” Danica stated, the subtle click of her pen punctuating her words.
I caught Lena sliding a fresh pack of bobby pins across to Jayla without a word, just in case. The quiet kindness made my chest warm.
We proceeded to go over the seating chart—a task worthy of a medal given the delicate diplomacy involved. It had kept three cousins from fighting and two exes from making a scene. Kendall suggested putting her friends closer to the DJ “so they can keep the energy up,” prompting Danica to mark them in the back near the bar, subtly suggesting they could enjoy that energy from a distance.
We were twenty minutes in when a knock came at the door. Danica’s eyes narrowed immediately—she had locked it after the last person arrived becausethiswas a no-interruption zone.
When she swung the door open, her face transformed into a portrait of surprise, marked by a slow blink that signaled a silent prayer for restraint—Jesus, keep me from saying something unholy.
“Ladies,” Diane greeted, gliding into the room as if she were walking the red carpet. A lush, soft fur wrap draped elegantly over her shoulders added an air of winter charm, a stark contrast to the sweltering ninety-four-degree heat outside. Her pink lipstick was flawlessly applied, and she had a perfect bob.
She leaned in to air-kiss my cheek. "I hope I’m not too late.”
