Page 68 of Silver Sanctuary
“Yes. But I mean it. From the bottom of my heart, I love you. And I’m so incredibly thankful for you.”
His lips pressed against her head. “I love you too, Lace.”
Twenty-One
Early morning sunlight streamed into the living room where Mae and Lily were gathered, already fussing over Lacy.
“How are you feeling?” Mae squeezed her shoulder after pinning back some of her curls.
“Nervous. Happy. Hopeful.” It was true. She had a million butterflies fluttering up a storm in her belly, but it felt good. Nash was her dream come true. He saw her through the shadow of her mother’s horrible past—saw the real her—and he made her feel so loved, worthy, safe.
The apartment door opened, and Sloane slipped inside, a large garment bag in her hand. “Knock, knock. Happy wedding day!” Her smile was bright and genuine and Lacy felt the first rush of emotion as she took in the women who had become her friends, all there to support her.
“Mae, can I steal Lacy for a second?” Sloane asked.
“Of course! But do it out here so we can all see the dress!”
“See what dress?” Lacy asked.
“Did you think I was bringing my own dress up in here like this?” Sloane smiled. “We know you didn’t have time topick out something yourself, and the three of us hope this isn’t overstepping, but…”
“But?”
“Last night, after we found out the wedding was happening today, I drove into Dallas with Gage, and video chatted with these two.” Sloane pointed at Mae and Lily. “We wanted to get you something special for today, and we all agreed that you would look absolutely divine in this.”
Mae moved to take the hanger from Sloane as she unzipped the bag. Inside was a floor-length wedding gown. Silk. Pure white. Thin straps holding up a delicate scoop neckline. It was stunning.
“You guys… you picked this out for me?” Her hand pressed against her heart as tears pricked against her lash line.
“Oh no. Oh, you don’t have to wear it, honey. We were just thinking you might like a special dress for your day. But if you have something else…” Lily’s worry-filled eyes looked her up and down.
If she had something else? She had one dress in her closet that might have looked okay. Nothing like that dress. Nothing so beautiful.
“I love it so much! It’s perfect. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
She moved to Lily first, who was closest, and wrapped her arms tightly around her. The hug was reciprocated warmly, with a little sniffle from Lily. “Welcome to the family,” she whispered.
And then Mae scooped her away from Lily, crushing her with a very enthusiastic hug. “I could not think of a better match for Nash. You make sure you keep him in line.”
Lacy smiled at that. “I will certainly try.”
Sloane’s eyes were wide as the two friends released each other. “I know you probably don’t want a hug,” Lacy acknowledged, knowing that Sloane had a hard time withphysical touch. “But if there ever comes a time when you’d feel comfortable with that, I’d love to give you one.”
“I appreciate that. Now, should we finish up your hair and makeup before you slip into this dress?”
“Yes, please!”
They spent the next half hour listening to Lily talk about her wedding day to Gunner. Lacy had no idea they’d had a marriage of convenience, trying to protect Lily from her abusive ex. The two of them were so deeply in love… it gave her hope for what she could one day build with Nash.
“I appreciate you all being here this morning. It’s more than I could have ever hoped for,” Lacy admitted.
“Nonsense.” Mae smiled back at her in the mirror. Lacy’s hair looked incredible. Something about the way Mae selected certain curls to be pinned up, while leaving others down to cascade over her shoulder and down her back made her look effortlessly beautiful. “There’s nowhere else we’d rather be. Right, girls?”
“Absolutely.” Lily swept a brush over Lacy’s cheek, depositing a dusty pink glow on her freshly-prepped skin. She noticed Sloane’s tight smile in the background as she sat on the couch, keeping a watchful eye over Sage and Embrie as they played together.
“Is everything okay, Sloane?” Lacy knew that feeling, and she could see it written all over Sloane’s tight features—she was starting to panic. Something in her mind was sending her back to someplace she didn’t want to be.
“I’m sorry. I wanted to be here, I really did. But I just can’t… I’m not ready.” Sloane wiped her hands on her pants. “I need to find Gage.” She turned to walk out the door, but Lacy couldn’t just let her run away. She jumped out of the chair, which led to an angry growl from Mae, before running out into the hall to catch Sloane.
