Page 46 of Home Run Fiancé
The white dress clinging to my skin and highlighting my tan is handmade. By me.
I actually made my dress in stages, documenting the whole thing for my YouTube channel, of course. It’s gorgeous, if I do say so myself. It’s a little retro because of the style and a little country with all the fine lace: exactly what I wanted for my big day.
I put the newspaper down and glance at the article again. Front and center of the sports page displays our engagement picture, the one where I got Jake laughing and his smile can be seen behind his beard. The headline makes me laugh and sigh every time I read it, which is going to be a lot considering I’m cutting it out and framing it after the wedding.
Home Run King Marries Fiancée in Private Ceremony
My man got everyone’s attention in Texas with that grand slam his first game with the Sliders. He’s kept their attention all season not only with his home runs but with how he’s pulled the team together to make them a true threat in the league. Sports commentators are already predicting the Sliders will be the team to beat next year and I know Jake intends to make good on that prediction.
But today isn’t about baseball.
Today’s about marrying the man I love.
My heart flutters when I think of how happy we are together and how bright our future shines. I cheer him on every game and he cheers me on to keep creating content for my YouTube channel. I’ve surpassed all my initial income goals for my business while branching out into other endeavors I never imagined. That breakup box idea I pitched to Charlotte? Yep, I’m doing it. It’s been a wild success so far and I’ve branched out into other box deliveries as well.
“You ready to become Mrs. Jake Kersh?” Charlotte comes up behind me and smooths out my veil in the back.
I take a shuddering breath and try to calm my nerves. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous. I want to marry Jake more than anything.”
Charlotte rests her chin on my shoulder and smiles at me in the full-length mirror in front of me. “If you weren’t nervous, I’d be worried. Marriage is a huge and wonderful thing, not a decision to take lightly. Nerves don’t mean it’s wrong, it means you care.”
I smile at her, the simple logic in her words calming the butterflies. “Thank you for always being there for me, Charlotte.” She gives me a squeeze. “Maybe one day you’ll let me be there for you too.”
Her gaze darts to mine in the mirror, the flash of fear making me want to automatically cringe, but I stand my ground. I’ve been completely absorbed in this new relationship with Jake, but once the wedding’s over, I’m coming for Charlotte. Whatever she’s hiding, whatever secret she wears like a heavy cloak, I’m going to help her. I’m her best friend and I refuse to continue watching from the sidelines and not being there for her.
We continue our staredown until she nods just slightly. I squeeze her arm around my waist and change the subject to lighten the mood once again.
“Ready to go be my maid of honor?”
She smiles, the fear receding. “Let’s do this, woman.”
I giggle because I love it when she talks like a millennial with that accent of hers. It’s like Julie Andrews talking slang. She hands me my bouquet and slips out the door to alert the rest of the wedding party.
A few minutes pass with me bouncing on my toes, ready to sprint down the aisle. The door creaks open and I move forward, expecting Charlotte to tell me to come on out. Instead, Susan walks in assisted by Damon at her side. She’s wearing a beautiful fascinator I found for her to cover the fuzzy hair growing back on her head. She’s still so self-conscious of her lack of hair, but really, we’re all so relieved the chemo treatments are over and the cancer seems to be gone, we couldn’t care less about hair. Besides, the little hat makes her look very chic and European.
“Susan!” I rush forward and grab on to her other elbow to steady her.
“Oh hush, child, I’m fine.”
She actually does look really healthy, standing there in a gorgeous blue dress, cheeks flushed with color and her eyes sparkling.
“I know your parents are here too, but I just wanted a moment with you to officially welcome you to the family. Though truth be told, you’ve been a part of it since the moment we first met and I saw the way Jake looked at you.”
I wrap my arm around her and press my head to the side of hers. She’s been wonderful these last few months, being the warm, best-of-friends mother I’ve always wanted. With Jake traveling with the Sliders all season, she and I have had plenty of opportunity to get to know each other. I’m pretty much living with her while the house Jake and I will be moving into is finished being built. While my own parents flew in for my wedding, I feel far closer to Susan.
“I love you, Susan,” I simply say.
Her hand pats me on my arm. “I love you too, daughter of mine.”
The tears flood my eyes at that. Only halted by Damon’s humor.
“Oh no… Is this the part where you two start crying and I feel horribly awkward?”
Susan whacks him playfully on the chest and we both chuckle.
“I didn’t mean to leave you out. I love you too, Damon.” I give him a big grin, teasing him with all the mushy stuff I know he hates.
He rolls his eyes and pretends to gag. “Come on, Mama. Let’s get out of here before I get sick and ruin Rhys’ dress.”
