Page 74 of A New Era

“And we’re here to help you get ready,” Victoria beams.

I’m dragged up to my room and plonked down onto the dresser chair.

“Remember, I want something simple,” I warn them.

“Trust us, once we’re done with you, you’ll be happy,” Nina says softly rifling through my makeup bag.

“Can you believe today is finally here?” Victoria asks.

“In some ways, no,” I laugh.

“Any doubts? Want us to sneak you out of here? You can pull a Rudi and run?”

Rolling my eyes, I shake my head. “There’s not a single doubt in my body,” I say with perfect truth. Then a doubt creeps in that Leo doesn’t feel the same. Maybe he woke up with doubts this morning?

“Hey, I can see what you’re thinking. The only thing Leo’s thinking about this morning is how to breathe without throwing up,” Harper tells me.

Rolling my eyes, I sigh. “I told him not to get wasted.”

“I don’t think he had a choice. Jay told me the brothers took over and made sure he had a great night. From the groaning coming from my couch this morning, I know he’s at least alive.”

“As long as he’s at the altar, I don’t care.”

“That’s the attitude. Now, let’s get your hair done.”

Time becomes a blur. Nina does my make-up and Victoria does my hair. When I was little, I imagined my wedding day was a lot different from this. My father spoke often of me marrying a doctor or a lawyer, getting married in a big church, and holding the reception in a fancy hotel in the city. He thought more about my big day than I ever did. But this is perfect. This is all I need before spending the rest of my life with my biker.

“Can I look now?” I ask.

“Wait till you’re in your dress,” Harper says, taking it down from the hanger.

The three of them help me into the dress and Harper works the buttons.

Nina moves to close the door so I can look in the full-length mirror hanging on the back of the door and for a moment, I can’t breathe.

I don’t recognise myself but in a good way. Victoria has worked her magic creating an intricate updo with braids sweeping around my head. Wispy strands of hair have been curled and fall perfectly around my face. My eyes are subtle and elegant. My lips are a light blushing pink.

With a final touch, all that remains is to switch my gloves to the ones I carefully selected to match my dress. I don’t know how long I stare at myself but when I focus on the next step, I’m alone in my room.

Before anyone can walk in, I swap my gloves for my new ones and roll them up to my elbows. Many women wear gloves on their wedding day. It won’t be out of the ordinary to anyone here today.

I hear the door open downstairs and I bunch my dress up and head down.

“Mom. You’re here!”

I must admit, a part of me thought she might make excuses at the last minute as to why she wouldn’t make it. But I’m so glad she’s here.

“I said I would be,” she says quietly, looking around the house.

“You look lovely,” I tell her.

She finally looks at me and her bottom lip wobbles. “Holly,” she says barely above a whisper. “You’re stunning.”

“So I look okay?”

She snorts. “Okay?” Coming over to me, she holds my hands and I swallow the urge to pull away. “You’ve been beautiful since I first laid eyes on you as a baby but today, there are no words. Leo will be speechless.”

“Thank you.”

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