Page 89 of Resilient Rhythms
“Oh, shut it, you’re pregnant.” Ivy rolls her eyes.
“And it’s not a secret,” Nova assures me. “You look beautiful.”
“Where’s Mav?” Ivy looks around. “He’ll talk some sense into her.”
I sigh. “Sorry. I just feel so…insecure sometimes.” I look at Nova.
“Totally normal. Blame the hormones for everything.”
“That’s a relief,” I murmur, smoothing my hand over my hip. The girls and I are wearing simple, navy silk dresses that dip low in the back and hug our bodies before pooling to the floor. As much as I’m excited to show off my bump, it’s not exactly a bump yet. Instead, it stretches the material of my dress in a way that borders on uncomfortable.
But, like my friends, Mav loves it and can’t stop cupping the little swell.
We move to a back room in the restaurant. While guests mingle at the bar and high-top tables, Allegra disappears to slip into her wedding gown. Then, she and Derek will surprise their guests by exchanging vows.
“Oh my goodness, you are gorgeous,” Ivy breathes out when we enter the little room where Allegra is changing dresses.
Allegra turns from the mirror and smiles at us. She stuns in a white, silk gown. With a plunging neckline and double thin straps that cross in the center of her back, her look is elegant, sexy, and understated. Her hair is pulled away from her face in loose curls, her makeup simple and demure, and her eyes dazzle with pure happiness.
“Always,” her mom agrees, dabbing at the corners of her eyes with a tissue.
I kiss Allegra’s mother hello and murmur my congratulations before turning to hug Allegra.
“You ready?” I ask.
“I’ve been ready,” she replies, not an ounce of nerves in her voice.
“Yes, it’s about time,” Nova says seriously.
Ivy laughs. “I’m the only single one still standing.”
“Take your time, dear.” Mrs. Rousell pats Ivy’s forearm. “It’s not all it’s cracked up to be.”
Nova clears her throat, snorting. Mrs. Rousell realizes that her words aren’t exactly a ringing endorsement for marriage on her daughter’s wedding day and she laughs. “Unless it’s with the right partner, which you girls have all found.”
We laugh.
“One quick sip for luck,” Nova says, pulling a bottle of non-alcoholic sparkling wine out of the oversized purse she walked in with.
“I thought that was Stella’s diaper bag,” Ivy comments.
Nova shrugs and pops the cork.
“You’re always prepared for the celebratory moments, Nova,” I admit.
Nova grins and pours out the glasses.
We look to Mrs. Rousell who lifts her glass and says, “To you, Allegra. I’m so proud of you and the life you’ve created with Derek. May you share endless love, happiness, and laughter always.”
Allegra blinks back the tears that form in her eyes. She and her mother haven’t had the easiest road and it warms my heart that Mrs. Rousell is here today, even though Allegra’s father isn’t.
We clink our glasses together and take a sip, all of us wrinkling our noses.
“The real stuff is better,” Nova comments.
“Definitely,” Allegra chuckles, shaking her head and passing the flute to Ivy.
A knock on the door causes us all to turn around. I grin when Levi enters. His eyes soften and he smiles when he sees his sister.
