Page 36 of Fauxmance

"Cancer sucks."

"It does. It sucks more than anything in this world. But you know, Dad's looking down on us right now, smiling because the girl who made him a father is getting married. You know he loved weddings just as much as Mom."

She nodded. "They both always said their wedding was the best day of their lives, only second to the days we were born."

"That's right," I said. "So, there's no way he would miss this one. Dad will be right beside you as you walk down the aisle, every step of the way."

Jasmine leaned back, a sheen of tears in her eyes, and smiled. "Thanks, Magnolia. I feel a little better now."

I gave a shrug. "That's what I'm here for."

Her eyes got serious. "Ooh, I forgot! Do you have your speech ready?"

"Of course," I said.

"You're not going to say anything embarrassing, right? You know I hate being laughed at—almost as much as I hate surprises." She lifted a finger. "Maybe I should read it over just in case."

I scoffed. "You are not reading my maid-of-honor speech."

"Just for some edits," she insisted.

But I shook my head.

Jasmine lifted a brow, but seeing my look of stubbornness, she gave in. "Fine. I won't read it. I trust you."

I'd started to smile, but she wasn't done.

"Just make sure it's not too long," she added. "We don't want the guests to get bored."

I gave her a deadpan stare. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

Jasmine laughed. "Magnolia, I love you, but you can be kind of long-winded. Speaking of which, when is that boyfriend of yours getting here? You did remember to tell Sean to come early, right? He knows you have to enter together?"

I took a deep breath.

Like she'd said, my sister hated surprises. Best just tell her the truth about the Sean situation, I thought. Rip that band-aid off quick and deal with the fallout.

I was just about to tell her.

Really, I was.

But right as I opened my mouth—

The door to the room opened and in rushed Mrs.Wheeler. She looked just as poised and polished as usual. Her smile was in place. But something about it seemed strained.

"Bridal party please gather round," she said and clapped her hands. "I have some very important news to share."

Mrs. Wheeler's eyes moved over each of us as we formed a circle around her.

"Even though everyone's not wearing their dresses yet, you look gorgeous. One and all."

Note to self: Throw dress on as soon as this conversation is over. I would've done it already, but I'd gotten sidetracked with hair and makeup. Not that I could regret it. I loved what Veronica and Vivian had done.

"I'm so glad to see your smiling faces," Mrs.Wheeler said. "This is a big night. You've been an integral part of this wedding since the moment you accepted the invitation to be bridesmaids. But tonight is when all of your hard work pays off."

Izzy rolled her eyes.

"Etiquette, social grace, the ways of the bridesmaid. All of these will guide you to be successful in your life, to be an asset to society, to follow your dreams. Like I said, tonight is an important night—and it just got even more so. Ah, I can barely wait to tell you. I'm bursting with excitement."

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