Page 87 of Retribution

Entering a cubicle, I remove my button up short pajamas. I pop on a seamless nude thong and decide to go bra-less as the spaghetti straps and thin silk look best without any indentation from undergarments.

Slipping the dress on over my head, I shimmy around until it’s past my ass, the rest of the material drops to the floor, flowing and free. The dress hugs me tight around my breasts and waist but the bottom half of the dress is loose and breezy. Sliding on my nude strappy heels, I take a look at myself in the mirror, readjusting my curls and positioning the metal gold leaf headband.

The ring Reed has given me makes the dress look like a million dollars, as if I’m about to walk out onto the red carpet. I check my teeth one more time, applying some extra gloss and powder, before regrouping.

Lola stands central in the room, her gorgeous white A-line gown complementing her in every way she’d hoped it would. Of course, I’ve already seen the dress but to see her in all of her glory brings a tear to my eye.

My little sister has dreamed of this moment for as long as I can remember. As our father isn’t here anymore, Greg’s father offered to walk her down the aisle. I recall it being a super emotional moment for them all. Well, at least I won’t have to worry about that for my city hall wedding.

“I just want to thank you all for being here today, I’ve dreamed of this moment for my entire life and all of you helped it come true. Keeping it short and sweet, let’s get me married!”

We all join in, cheering and clapping as the wedding planner guides us out of the bridal dressing room.

We cross the gravel walkway, towards the entrance of the hall.

I spare one last smile at a nervous looking Lola and stand at the double doors, waiting for my signal to enter. I know Lola sat Reed rather close to the front in our ‘family’ section, not quite next to me.

I hear the violin begin to play and the adrenaline courses through my veins.

Don’t fuck up, I chant in my head.

The wedding planner gives me a thumbs up and I grip onto my small bouquet as if my life depends on it, taking a shaky step forward.

I walk along the back row of people and everyone’s heads are turned in my direction. I plaster a smile on my face as I calmly walk down the aisle, Gracie now on my tail.

One step in front of the other.

I hold my head higher to avoid looking at my feet, I’m so anxious I’m going to trip and ruin the entire thing.

I peer at Greg at the alter, his face is lit up with anticipation to see his darling bride. I’m so glad that Lola met someone like Greg who was willing to give her the fairy-tale wedding, regardless of what he wanted.

Surveying the huge crowd, I near the front and that’s when my eyes focus in on the blue eyes that are piercing through mine.

The way he’s looking at me, makes me feel naked, like he’s never seen a woman before, like I’m the only person in the room.

My fake smile transforms into a cheesy grin, and he returns it. I know the exact reason I’ve gained that smile.

‘Dimples’ he mouths.

Blushing instantly, I look away before I forget where I am.

I reach the end of the aisle and stand to the side, followed by Gracie, and then Erica.

The big moment is here.

I grab a tissue from the inside of my bouquet, dotting away the tears that have formed.

Yes, I came prepared.

Lola’s veil covers over her face and Greg takes one look at her before his eyes begin to flood. They are so meant to be.

I hope I can experience a love like those two one day.

As I turn around to look at Reed, I notice his gaze isn’t on Lola, it’s on me.

***

The day has been perfect, watching Lola transition from a Thorne to a Bateson was one of my proudest moments as a sister. She’s gotten the life she wants, and she has been blessed with the gift of an unborn child. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t envious, but it couldn’t have happened to a better person.

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