Page 90 of Bumping into You

“Thank you. Now go finish getting dressed. We’ve got a wedding to put on.”

I find Courtney and thank her for finding the rings. Then, we go over more last-minute details. After, I make a final lap around the wedding space. It’s one of my simpler designs, but even so, it’s magical.

As I walk into Holly’s room, the sound of crying immediately hits me. I rush in to find Holly in tears.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, looking over at Margot and Mrs. Palmer, who’ve been helping Holly get ready.

“I can’t find it. Everything is ruined,” she sobs.

I scan the room trying to figure out what is missing. I see her dress, a gorgeous Oleg Cassini, off-the-shoulder, beaded lace mermaid wedding dress hanging up on a hook on the wall. Her ballet flats and bouquet sit waiting for her on the side table.

Kneeling down in front of her, I take her hands in mine. “Hols, what can’t you find??”

“My wedding vows, G. I wrote them down, and I know I packed them, but I can’t find them. And I was too nervous that I would forget them if I tried to memorize them that I didn’t even try.”

“Oh, well Holly, no worries. Remember when I made you and Greg send me your vows?”

She nods, wiping a tear from her eye, “Well, I always make acopy of the vows for my brides and grooms just in case this type of thing happens. You can use my copy.”

“Really?” she squeaks, tears of happiness now falling like waterfalls down her face.

“Yes, now let’s freshen up your makeup, get you into that gorgeous dress over there, and then get you married to my brother. How does that sound?”

“That sounds amazing. Thank you, G. I don’t know what I’d do without you!” I give her one more hug and step back as Margot comes armed with makeup.

Finally, the evening arrives. The deck is lit up in strings of lights with a spotlight shining down the aisle. Greg and the groomsmen look dashing in their tuxes—Greg with a dark pink tie and boutonniere, and the groomsmen with matching pink vests. Niall looks handsome, and it’s hard to keep my eyes off him, but he’s not my main focus right now.

After the bridesmaids walk in, the music changes, preparing for the bride. The anticipation in the air is palpable, a mix of excitement and nerves. Glancing over at Greg, he’s fidgeting, waiting for the moment he gets to see his bride.

I’m filled with a sense of rightness. I’m so happy for my brother, who deserves someone amazing, and for Holly, who deserves the love and respect of a real man, someone who will treat her right and show his love for her in every interaction they share. Plus, I’m excited that my best friend, who has always felt like a sister, will actually be my sister in a few minutes.

Finally, it’s time. Holly walks around the corner with her dad.

Greg gasps at his beautiful bride. Her gown is a masterpiece of beaded lace, her long train flowing elegantly behind her. Her veil, delicately held in place by a simple tiara, adds an air of timeless beauty to her look.

In all my years of knowing Holly, I’ve never seen her as happy as she is in this moment. Her eyes, sparkling with joy and love,are locked on Greg’s. A quick glance at Greg allows me to catch the moment a tear rolls down his cheek. The same joy and adoration echoes off his face. The rest of the world seems to fade away, leaving only the two of them in an eternal moment of connection.

Holly continues her slow approach, each step sure and graceful, deliberate with every second of her walk. The gentle sea breeze plays with her veil and train. The light catches on the beads, the shimmering adding a touch of magic to this moment. The ocean behind her has a gorgeous array of colors, the sunset appearing like a painting on a canvas. The moment couldn’t have been more perfect.

As Mr. Palmer puts Holly’s hand in Greg’s and steps back, I glance at Niall and find him watching me. The smile on his lips causes my face to heat. Turning my attention back to the bride and groom, I watch as their two lives become one. As they start their life as husband and wife.

Chapter 40

Niall

As Gwen first walked in, I was left speechless—not that I’m the one who will need to be talking anytime soon, but she’s a vision. Her dress, with a lace cutout and one shoulder bare, shows off her midriff and toned arms. She’s beautiful in the dark pink that matches the groomsmen vest that I’m wearing. One look at her and my worry about what I need to do after this cruise is long gone. I’d do anything for Gwen. And now that I’ve fulfilled my mam’s promise of finding someone I want to be with, she’d kick my arse if I didn’t follow through with it.

Yes, Holly is a beautiful bride, but I can’t keep my eyes off Gwen during the whole ceremony. Afterward, she’s hard to get a hold of, as she’s making sure everything is set for the small wedding reception that we’re having in a banquet room.

Following the rest of the wedding party, I make my way through the buffet. With my food in hand, I look around for Gwen. She’s sitting at a table looking a bit melancholy.

“Hey, Rose,” I say as I set my plate down to sit in the seat next to her. “The wedding was class.”

“Hmm? Oh, yeah. It was beautiful. Holly is gorgeous, isn’t she? And Greg, did you see he teared up when Holly walked in?”

The words Gwen is saying make it seem like everything is fine, but something is off with her. Not even me using my nickname for her is riling her up.

“It was a beautiful wedding. So, why are you not yourself?”

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