Page 115 of Beau & Autumn

Eden, Carrie and Georgia-Blue are all my bridesmaids, and Skye, Hartley, Celeste and Gayle have come over to have a champagne breakfast with us so we can all get ready together.

Trinity and Blake are here too, playing on the floor before they put their flower girl dresses on. Both are a delicate pastel pink with a gorgeous tulle tutu underneath. They were both so excited when we asked them if they wanted to be flower girls.

“You all look so pwetty!” Trinity runs around with her favorite bunny rabbit, Bunnykins.

“And so do you!” Hartley gushes as Trinity runs at her to give her a big cuddle.

“Did you tell Aunty Autumn how excited you and Bunnykins are to hold the rose petal basket before she walks down the aisle?” Skye gives Trinity a little nudge.

Trinity nods excitedly. “Me and Bwake were pwactising,” she tells us proudly.

I can’t help but giggle as I take a sip of champagne. “Practising, wow! You two are so dedicated.”

“Let’s show everyone,” Blake suggests.

The girls both line up next to each other and give us their best demonstration — even pretending to throw rose petals as they walk.

“That’s amazing!” I beam. “You two are going to win everyone’s hearts.”

Celeste rubs a hand over her little bump. She’s the most gorgeous pregnant person I’ve ever seen. “We can’t wait to see you both in your pretty dresses.” She smiles.

My heart swells watching them. I can’t believe this day has come around. I’ve photographed a lot of weddings over the last two months, and I’ve been able to buy my new videography with my inheritance. And now, it’s my turn.

We’ve hired another local photographer and a videographer to capture our memories.

Butterflies swirl in my stomach. I know we did this once before, and I’ll never forget the day Beau and I went to that registry office to make it official.But here, with all the people we love and care about, it feels different. It feels so right.

When it’s time to step into my dress I smooth myself out and look in the mirror.

My mom hands me the beautiful bouquet of roses, peonies and the magnolias from the Bassett family farm.I plan to preserve them at a later date with my flower press Beau gave me.

“Your father can’t wait to walk you down the aisle.” She has tears in her eyes as we hug.

“Thank you, Mom.” A lump forms in my throat. “I can’t wait either.”

She nods. “I can see how happy you make one another. I only ever wanted you to be happy, above anything else.”

There’s been no more talk about me giving up my job, or Mom looking down her nose at it. Or me quitting to have children. Or being a stay-at-home wife. None of those things are off the cards, but right now, this is about me and Beau. My husband.

I never thought this was possible, that she would accept Beau and things would be good again. But here we all are. “Are we ready?”

“You look stunning.” We hug again and Georgia scolds us both for attempting to ruin the makeup.

Anton and Callan meet us just outside the casita and look like they’ve just become acquainted. “You look beautiful,” Anton says, pushing off the wall. He gives me a quick hug, trying not to mess up my dress or veil.

“You really do.” Callan smiles.

“Thank you.” I can’t wipe the smile off my face as Anton escorts me over to one of the golf carts where Dad is waiting.

“Honey, you look beautiful,” he says, a tear in his eye. “Stunning.”

“Thanks, Dad.” I smile as he kisses me on the cheek.

Callan is going to drive me and Dad down to the archway, while Anton will drive the bridesmaids ahead of us. The ceremony will take place on the edge of grass where Stoney Creek meets the treeline, not far from the barn. Soft pink and white roses interlaced with baby’s breath are intricately woven through the archway. I can see the rows of chairs all set up with a white bow on the back of each one. They’ve even made a beautiful red carpet down the middle.

I know Eden and her assistant went to town with every last detail and it shows. Georgia and Gayle had a hand in helping set up the barn too. Everything is perfect.

Dad sits beside me on the golf cart as Callan waits for the girls to follow Anton to the other one. Callan takes off a minute or so after them. My heart racing even more as we get closer.

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