Page 12 of Surprisingly Us

Sophie snaps me out of my fog. “Hey, Lettie, I know you’re in charge of the bridal suite set up, but I got a few things for the welcome basket so I left those with Johnathan’s team. Also, I didn’t know if it would be helpful but I got pictures of the room and emailed you a few setup ideas.”

Sophie’s a wedding planner, so I shouldn’t feel inept, but it’s hard when I have zero experience with these kinds of events and everyone else around me is literally a professional.

“That’s great. Thanks, Sophie.”

“You bet. If you need any help with it, just let me know.”

“I will.” But I know I won’t ask her. For her, it’s a night off, one where she can spend time with Hunter and get a break from motherhood. I want her to enjoy it. And I desperately feel the need to be helpful with something.

She nods, giving me another radiant smile before moving toward the door where the florist is handing out bouquets.

I’m about to do the same when Hannah clasps my hands in hers, a giddy smile on her face.

“Lettie, I’m getting married today. Can you believe it?” Her glossy brown hair is pulled back and pinned neatly in an intricate chignon.

“Yes.” I laugh, rubbing my thumb over her vibrating hands. “And you look gorgeous. The most beautiful bride there ever was.”

“You have to say that, you’re my best friend.”

“I get to say that because I’m your best friend.”

“Remember all those times we dressed up in princess gowns and pretended we were getting married?”

I recall the memories and smile. “Lots of tulle and sequins on those dresses. I’m glad our taste has changed.”

Her sweetheart neckline and mermaid style dress is elegant, yet sexy. Emma captured Hannah’s playful sophistication perfectly with her design.

Her eyes rake over me. “You look gorgeous, too. I love the hairstyle you chose.”

“It’s always up in a bun of some kind so I thought I’d go for something different today. And,” I finger the teardrop earrings dangling from my ear, “it shows off these beautiful earrings.”

The earrings are a bridesmaid gift from Hannah. They’re part of her new jewelry line at Facet & Filigree, her SoHo jewelry store that opened last year. It’s been a big year for her and as her best friend, I’ve loved cheering on her successes.

She beams. “I love seeing everyone wearing them.”

“They’re a perfect complement to the dresses.”

The champagne-colored silk dress Hannah chose for us is fitted in the bodice with a mid-thigh slit. Each bridesmaid was able to pick the most flattering neckline. Me and my small breasts opted for a deep V-neck.

“I know the night is going to fly by the moment we walk out that door. The last ten months have been a whirlwind and I know the wedding activities have taken up a lot of your time, so I want to say thank you for everything. And, I love you.”

She starts to sniff, tears forming in her eyes.

I point a stern finger at her, hoping it will ward off my misty eyes as well. “Do not cry, it’ll ruin your makeup.”

“My makeup is waterproof; you know I’m going to be crying all night.”

Hannah is emotional, but anyone would be on their wedding day, I’m sure.

I pull her in for a hug, careful not to smush the front of her delicate dress. “I love you, too, Hans.”

We start to walk toward the door when Hannah turns back to me. “Oh, I almost forgot. I have a huge favor to ask.”

My heart flutters with anticipation. I’m desperate to be helpful. While twenty-some years of friendship secured me the role of Hannah’s maid-of-honor, I’ve found this last year that having zero relationship experience doesn’t lend itself well to planning bachelorette parties and bridal showers. Thank god for Pinterest, and for the other ladies, whom all are either married or engaged.

“Of course. What can I do?”

“I wasn’t going to make it a big deal, but I want everything to be perfect today, so while I don’t think there’s anything to be concerned about, I want to put it on your radar because that would help put me at ease.”

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