Page 43 of An Unhinged Wedding

I run and give a quick hug to Ivy and Jade and then go to take a shower. Oddly enough, I’m excited to marry the man I’ve already married.

* * *

Three hours later,I’m dressed in the most beautiful dress I’ve ever had on my skin. It’s a strapless white gown with a full skirt. I feel like a Disney princess. All three of my girls gush about how great I look, but Willow wipes a tear from her eye, “Both your brother and Trevor are going to be crying.”

I shake my head, “Neither of them cry.”

She giggles, “Today they do.”

A knock sounds at the door, and a few moments later, my brother walks in.

“What are you doing here, Max? You’re supposed to be with Trevor.”

He shrugs, “I’m exactly where I need to be.”

Glancing at Willow, he smiles, “Sweetheart, I need a few minutes with Mia.”

I turn to face them, and Jade throws her arms around me, “Congratulations Mia. I’m so happy for you.”

Ivy does the same after Jade steps back. I again have the stupidest-looking grin on my face, “See you guys in a few.”

Willow winks at me, “I’ll meet you in the car. Love you, bish.”

I roll my eyes, “Love you too.”

After we’re alone, Max gazes at me with a serious expression, “Sit down, please.”

This exact expression earned him the nickname of Stony Max from Liam. Normally, it doesn’t bother me. I’m used to his stone-like personality. But not today. It causes a pit to form in my stomach.

“Is Trevor okay?”

He nods, “Trevor is fine, Mia.”

I take a seat on the chaise, and Max sits beside me.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a large envelope and hands it to me, “This was in Mom and Dad’s safety deposit box. It had instructions to not give it to you until your wedding day.”

Opening the envelope, I pull out a letter as Max places his hand on my knee, “Do you want to be alone?”

Shaking my head, I say, “No. I need you here.”

I take a deep breath and swear I can smell the scent of her floral perfume on the letter, but I’m sure I’m imagining it after all these years. I hold the paper to my face and inhale. It’s faint, but it’s there. Memories of her brushing my hair ambush me, filling me with emotions I didn’t expect.

“Read it, Mia.”

I nod as I take a deep, cleansing breath.

MIA

My Dearest Mia,

Six years ago, your father began trying to fight the church. I trust you’ll know what I’m referring to. They are dangerous men, Mia. Your dad is doing the right thing. But the right thing will likely end both of our lives.

I’m entrusting Max to give you this ring on your wedding day. It was my mother’s engagement ring and her mother’s before she wore it. I know whatever man has snagged your heart has likely already given you an engagement ring. I’d love for you to wear this one on your right hand. One day, when you have a daughter of your own, I hope you’ll also give this to her on her wedding day.

While I may not survive this war, I have no doubt that you will. You have a spirit unlike anyone I’ve ever known. You were born seven weeks early. Your little lungs were underdeveloped, but while the doctors didn’t believe you’d survive, you beat the odds. You were born a fighter. I have no doubt you’ll do important things in this world.

If I’m not there with you on your wedding day, know I’ll be there with you even though you may not be able to see me. I’ll be there in spirit. I have loved you since the second I knew I had your life growing inside me.

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