Page 108 of Saddle and Bound

"Thank you, dear. The art of makeup has no secrets for me."

Suddenly, a lively music starts playing from Aunt Tina's bag. She jumps, then smiles.

"Oh, it's the ringtone I set to remind me to take my pills!"

Instead of taking the pills, however, Aunt Tina starts moving to the rhythm. Ethan, infected by the enthusiasm, joins her.

"Come on, girls!" Aunt Tina exclaims, cheerfully wiggling. "A little movement will do us all good!"

Before I know it, the room transforms into an impromptu dance floor. Aunt Tina and Ethan lead the dance, with exaggerated movements and contagious laughter.

I adore them!

Even Maria, despite her nervousness, gets swept up in the dancing.

Meanwhile, Aunt Tina continues to list the remedies she's brought, all while continuing to dance. "I even have mineral salts, in case someone feels faint from emotion!"

I can't help but smile, watching this surreal scene. Aunt Tina with her bag full of "remedies", Ethan alternating makeup tips with dance moves, and all of us getting caught up in this sudden joy.

In the midst of this joyful chaos, I realize how fortunate I am to have these people in my life. Each of them, with their own eccentricities and talents, is making this day even more special and unforgettable.

?

While the impromptu dance settles, I feel the excitement for my surprise to Alex growing inside me. I bite my lip, trying to hold back a smile.

"Guys," I say, lowering my voice as if about to reveal a state secret, "I need your help."

Val, Lexy, and Aurora approach, curious. Even Aunt Tina pauses her dancing to listen.

"I want to surprise Alex before the ceremony," I explain, feeling butterflies in my stomach at the mere thought. "But I need a way to get him to the meadow behind our cabin without arousing suspicion."

Lexy's eyes light up. "Oh, I love surprises! What do you have in mind?"

While Ethan starts working on my hair, I explain my idea.

After some discussion, we decide the best approach is for me to send him a message myself. Something simple and natural that won't raise any suspicions.

With slightly trembling hands from excitement, I take my phone and start typing:

Rosie: Can you meet me in the meadow behind our cabin? I need your help with something. Thanks!

I show the message to the girls for their approval. Lexy nods. "It's perfect, Rosie. It sounds like a completely normal request."

I press "Send" and feel my heart racing. Now there's no turning back.

As Ethan continues to prepare me, agitation grows inside me. What if Alex doesn't appreciate the surprise? What if he'd prefer to focus on the wedding preparations?

As if reading my thoughts, Val squeezes my hand.

"It'll go wonderfully, Rosie. Alex adores you." Then she adds with a sweet smile: "What you're doing is such a tender and romantic gesture. Alex will appreciate it enormously, I'm certain."

Her words calm me a bit, but my heart continues to pound in my chest.

Finally, I'm ready. I look in the mirror and barely recognize myself. Ethan has done an extraordinary job, enhancing my natural features without exaggerating.

"It's time," Lexy announces, looking at the clock. "Alex should already be on his way."

I take a deep breath, trying to gather all my courage.

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