Page 131 of Wicked & Wildflower

Wildflower

I Want To Dance With Them Anywhere

“I told you ifyou don’t stop tearing up, I’m going to start slapping you,” Macie says to my sister as she dabs at the corner of Darby’s eyes with a tissue and demands she continue blinking.

“I’m sorry,” Darby laughs. “You look so beautiful, Dal. That dress is incredible on you.”

“Thank you.” I smooth out the soft satin of my bridesmaid dress, fighting back my own tears. “Hopefully, you don’t end up wearing it this time.”

She snorts, rolling her eyes at me. Macie moves to the side, allowing me to zip up the back of Darby’s gown and pin her veil into her hair. She looks stunning, and I can’t stop thinking about what a contrast today is in comparison to her last wedding day.

She was beautiful then, but she was dead inside. Today, she’s fuller of life than I’ve ever seen her, radiant and glowing and content. She’s excited, practically vibrating with anticipation torun down that aisle to the love of her life rather than run away from it.

I also can’t help but notice how lonely her last wedding felt a year ago. That bridal suite was full of people. Jackson’s mother and sister. Darby’s friends from work—though I’d use the termfriendlightly. Our own mother, who wasn’t particularly nurturing or supportive.

Today, there are only six of us.

Darby, Lou, and I, plus Monica, Macie, and Penelope. I know Darby was a little bummed that Elena refused to join us before the wedding. I haven’t met her yet, but based on what I’ve heard, I think it’s considered a win that she’ll be showing up for the ceremony at all.

The makeup artist Macie hired just left, and we’re putting the finishing touches on Darby’s look as we drink champagne and laugh in her bedroom. Light music filters from surround-sound speakers across the entire house. There is more love and light in this space than there ever was in that traditional white church. People we’ve known less than a year are happier to be here than people we knew our whole lives back home.

Macie sways across the room in her tight, strapless red dress that makes her body look insane and sits down on the couch next to her best friend. Penelope is quieter, much more reserved. She doesn’t demand attention the same way Macie does, but I’ve noticed that when she does speak up, she’s witty and hilarious. Smart as hell, too.

Her auburn hair falls past her shoulders in thick waves, complimenting the emerald color of the dress she’s wearing. It’s simple and silk, kind of like my dress. She doesn’t need embellishments, because her features pull all the attention. She’s striking, with her bright hair and deep, green eyes, full lips, and thick eyelashes.

“Dahlia,” Monica calls, pulling me from my thoughts. “Have you put any more thought into a name for the bakery yet?”

“Yeah, I have.” I smile. “But I’m going to share it with Everett first before I tell anyone else.”

I think Everett will especially love the idea I’ve come up with.

Monica smirks, opening her mouth to say more when there is a knock on the bedroom door. “Can I come in?” a muffled voice I recognize as Carlos asks.

“Yeah!” We all respond at the same time.

He enters, looking dapper in a black tux. His salt and pepper hair is slicked back on the sides, and he’s wearing a bow tie that matches the color of Monica’s purple dress. “Amor,” he whispers, bending down to press a kiss to her lips. She smiles back at him, squeezing his hand.

Lifting his head, I watch his eyes go wide as he takes in the sight of my sister. Her dress is a perfect fit, cascading to the floor like liquid silk. Her honeysuckle-accented veil falls around her shoulders, draping her entire body in multi-colored flowers.

But it’s the undiluted happiness on her face that’s most breathtaking of all.

“Tan hermosa, preciosa,” he gasps. “Let me look at you.” He steps up to Darby, taking her hand as he spins her in a slow circle. She laughs as he lets out a low whistle.

He turns to me next, smiling just as bright. “You look lovely, Dahlia. Absolutely beautiful.”

“Thank you.” I find myself grinning back at him.

“Would you ladies mind if I had a moment with the sisters alone?”

Monica stands from the couch, taking my daughter’s hand. “Come on, you. Let’s go get your dress on, yeah?” She winks at me, and I plant a soft kiss on Lou’s forehead as she follows Monica out.

“We’ll go check on the boys and make sure they’re ready to go,” Penelope says as she and Macie filter out the door.

Carlos shuts it behind them before taking a seat on the edge of Darby and Leo’s bed. My sister and I sit next to each other on the couch across from him.

“I know you two have been through a lot, and for most of your life, you’ve felt abandoned and alone,” he says softly.

My sister grabs my hand tightly, and I wonder if the emotion is thickening in her throat the same way it is mine.

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