Page 248 of 7+Us Makes Nine

Anything relating to the wedding made me think of Tristan, but I was somehow relieved I wouldn’t see him tonight since it was the bridal shower. I was even curious to see what kind of friends she had and wondered if she was as picky with them as she was with me.

I thought I would be the same way with my wedding anyway, it was her special day after all. So, everything should be perfect. And I was happy to oblige to help her with that.

I walked to the bus station to go down to the rental place where I rented a truck out to transport all the flowers. Gabriella confirmed she paid the retailer, so I picked up everything I needed and headed her way.

The truck was full when I arrived at her mother’s estate. And I do mean estate. It was huge. The front of the house looked like a castle with its pillars and semi-circle outputs. It was an old cream color, lined with darker trim. The van looked out of place even at the service entrance—they had a service entrance.

I rang the doorbell there and waited. I didn’t know why I hadn’t expected Gabriella to be the one to answer the door.

“Hey, you look amazing!” I wasn’t just saying that to flatter the bride either.

She had on a beautiful floral maxi dress with a slit on the side. Levi was a lucky guy.

“Thank you so much, do you need help unloading?” She gestured to the van, stepping out of the threshold. “I have people for that.”

“Oh no, I’ll be done soon.” I assured her.

I kind of felt my heart panging, wanting to be making the floral arrangement for my bridal shower. But I shoved the thought away and got to work. She showed me the main room and then I was otherwise alone. All the trips back and forth had me a little sweaty, and mostly tired. But I was done carrying them in after thirty minutes.

It took an hour to set everything up. We finally decided on azalea side pieces, and a mix of orchids and camellias for the centerpieces. Their large main living room had been changed to a seating area with eight tables. I wanted each piece to be perfect, she would have these photos forever. Her theme was artsy. The other sitting room had easels set up where they would be doing a painting session with a nude model. It sounded fun. I could imagine how her bachelorette party would be, which was tomorrow.

It was my understanding she didn’t have many friends though, so I wondered who she was going with. But as I was setting up, I found out she had seven sisters. Seven. Suddenly I was glad to be an only child. They were all yelling at each other while getting ready. Running all over the giant house, it didn’t seem big enough to fit them all.

I was finishing up the accent wall with white, hot pink, and fuchsia touch-me-nots when the girls moved outside. They all smiled at me as I arrive the touch-me-nots. They did well indoors. I strung them out and lined both pillars with them. The living room had a large entryway, so I wanted to decorate it as well.

I heard Gabriella outside with her sisters the entire time, they seemed very happy. I tried not to eavesdrop, but I couldn’t help it.

“Gab, if you don’t have naked men at the bachelorette party, it didn’t really happen.”

“I don’t want to go to a strip club!” She exclaimed.

“What about an entertainment club? The dancing is more tasteful.”

There was more chatter and discussion.

“Fine. Fine. Just help me with this.”

Their conversation slowed down, and I got back to work. Two hours later I was putting the finishing touches on the centerpieces. I wished Ivy would get married so I could do this for her someday.

“It looks beautiful.” My fingers froze around the dome of the vase. My body softened at the sound of his voice, like it was tight and bothered before.

Tristan.

Dressed in faded jeans and a crisp, blue button up. He was impeccable; even his shoes were on point, a pair of casual black oxfords. His hair was kept, more so than usual. His eyes green and wide, yielding a smile.

“Tristan, what are you doing here?” His hands slipped in his pockets as he took three steps towards me, closing the space between us.

I inhaled his scent, soap and a woodsy scent, like pine. I had missed it, but it feels I never left it.

“I had to drop off the cake and party favors.” He explained. His eyes searched mine warily.

It was definitely awkward, but not unbearable. We didn’t leave off on the best terms. I wondered if he was still mad. And I wondered what the hell I was thinking. My body still wanted his. I regret not wearing a bra with my shift dress, I felt my nipples tightening just from him looking at me.

“Oh. I didn’t know you were coming.” I said. He shrugged.

“Hadn’t planned on it.” It kind of warmed my heart, how sweet he naturally was. He was really kind to be doing all of this for them.

“You need help with those?” He gestured to the stack of empty flower bins. Ugh. I dreaded taking those out.

---