Page 73 of A New Era

I hope in some way she knows but like life after death, we know nothing about it or what happens.

“You and Daddy are getting married today!”

Snapping back to reality, Rayna is sat up and grinning from ear-to-ear, wiping the sleep from her eyes.

“Yes, we are.” I sit up and her hand falls on my glove. I don’t think anything about it as I’m used to her touching my gloves and not asking questions. But not this morning.

“Why do you wear these when you sleep?” she asks, picking at the lace.

I’m too stunned to come up with a lie. “A long time ago I got hurt. I wear these gloves because I don’t like people seeing how hurt they are.”

I don’t know how else to explain it to her without giving more detail. These details no little girl needs to hear. Her smile slips and worry fills her little eyes.

“Don’t worry, Ray-Ray. I’m okay now.” I hold my hands up and wiggle my fingers. “See, they’re okay.”

Satisfied with my explanation, she bounces off the bed and skips out of the room and into hers.

Slipping on my robe, I head downstairs to make a coffee and make Rayna’s breakfast before the day truly begins. Alannah is sitting at the kitchen table. A spread of fruit and pancakes, glasses of champagne, and orange juice are laid out.

“Good morning,” I say, getting her attention.

She smiles and slides out of the chair next to her for me. “Come sit down.”

I do as she asks and help myself to a strawberry.

“Before the day gets away from us, I wanted to give you this.”

She hands me a long sleek black box and I open it to find a white gold choker necklace with a single diamond pendant.

“On the morning of my wedding, I had never missed my mom more than I did that day. There was no special memento handed down to me, no words of wisdom going into married life. Your mom might have her traditions, but I wanted to hand this down to you, and if or when the time comes, you can hand it down to Rayna.”

I run my finger over it and admire the gesture.

“Alannah, thank you. It’s beautiful.”

“Marrying into this life is more than marrying the brother. You really do marry the club but in return, they take you under their arm and would die for you. My advice to you is to learn to read the future and never show anyone when you’re down. Strength counts for everything, and it will get you far.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m glad you’re joining the family. Between you and Victoria, I couldn’t have asked for better daughters-in-law.”

Without thinking, I hug her tight. It would be cruel for me to wish she were a mother to me, but a mother-in-law? I couldn’t ask for anyone better.

Pulling away, I promise her, “I’ll hold your son up when he asks and when he doesn’t.”

“And I’ll hold you up when you need it.” She stands and nudges a bowl of cherries toward me. “Eat up and then take a nice bath. I’m sending Rayna over to Harper’s to get ready, so you’ll have the morning to relax and get yourself together.”

She walks over to the bottom of the stairs and calls for Rayna. While she waits, she looks back at me.

“Enjoy today, apart from the days you have your own babies, this will be close to the happiest day of your life. I know you’re nervous about the number of guests but they’re here for you and Leo. Get to know them and they won’t be strangers to you after today.”

Her words soothe me in a way Leo’s haven’t. Alannah amazes me. She never fails to know the right words to say or the right actions to carry out.

I take her advice and spend the morning soaking in the tub, imagining life after today, while sipping champagne. By the time lunch rolls around, I’m relaxed. I have two hours to do my hair and makeup and slip into my dress. It’s never taken me long to get ready and even on my wedding day, I can’t see it taking much longer than normal.

The door barrels open, and Harper, Nina, and Victoria walk in, all pretty in their dresses and their hair done.

“Rayna’s with Alannah, and Cas just left to pick up your mom,” Harper informs me.

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