Page 83 of Lost Lyrics

“Auntie Sutton!”

I giggled at the sound of Charlotte’s voice and looked up. She stood at the top of the grand marble staircase with Josh and Celina, Ava’s sister, and waved.

Celina took the kids by the hand and headed down the steps. Cole’s daughter wore a princess-inspired flower-girl dress made in the same pale pink fabric as my bridesmaids’ gowns. Josh, our ring bearer, looked super smart in a handsome black suit.Totally adorable.

Charlotte ran over to me and gave me a big hug. “Wow. You look so pretty, Auntie Sutton.”

“And so do you.” I tapped the tip of her nose with my fingertip. “Have you been practicing?”

“Uh-huh.” She gave me a big nod. “Me and Josh are ready.”

“So am I.” I straightened the bow in her hair. “Let’s get some photos first.”

After I had a lipstick touchup, we shuffled into the living room for some quick snaps in front of a wall of pale pink roses. Me with Steven. The girls. The kids. Then with everyone.So cool.

Before I could take a breath, Quill clapped his hands. “It’s time.”

Whoa!A hot wave rushed over me. My heartbeat jumped again.This is it. I’m getting married. It’s happening.Was it possible to be too excited?Nope. Never.

Quill pressed a button on his headset. “Wil, are we good to go?” Quill noddedyes. “Are all guests seated?”Yes...“Is the officiant ready?”Yes...“Are the guys in position?” ...Yes...“Excellent. Bridal party is on the way. Clear the path. We’ll be there in one minute.”

Steven stepped in beside me and held out his bent elbow. “Sutt, we doing this?”

Happy tears stung my eyes, but I wouldn’t let one fall. Butterflies danced in my belly but didn’t flood me with nausea. My heart thundered against my ribs, but I was calm. I was more than ready to marry Flint. “Yes. Yes, we are.”

I hooked my arm around Steven’s and held my beautiful bouquet in front of me. I filled my lungs with air and drew my shoulders back, and we followed Quill outside. Instead of a vast expanse of manicured lawn, a newly erected clear tent formed a long corridor across the garden, keeping the rain at bay. Sturdy white flooring kept our feet off the wet ground.

The rain poured, pattering hard against the tent.

The wind gushed, flapping the side panels.

But we were dry.

My gorgeous bridesmaids followed me, past the dazzling array of flower arrangements and white candles that lined the way. Small silver chandeliers hung in a line along the roof. Quill had outdone himself in getting this prepared on short notice. It was the perfect pathway to my future.

Flint and I could handle any storm, any drama, any issue...together.

The girls and I gathered outside the closed-curtain entrance to the main tent. Prue and Liliana did one last check. Hair?Check.Lipstick?Check.Flowers?Check.

Celina handed my bridesmaids a little satin bag for them to hook over their wrists.

Surprise?Check.

With a lit smile, Maddy bumped her hip against mine. “Are you ready to blow Flint’s mind?”

I certainly was. “Yes.”

The butterflies that were in my belly swooped and soared like excited sparrows. I leaned against Steven to steady myself and peered through the crack in the curtains. Row after row of guests sat chatting, waiting for us to arrive.

Oh. My. God. This is it!

Josh, Charlotte, and the girls lined up before Steven and me, ready to enter the tent.

“All good?” Quill fussed with my veil, making sure it was perfectly in place.

“Yes.” I nodded.

“Alright. Let’s get you married.” He glided over to the curtain and pressed a button on his headset. “Team, we are ready. Cue music. On three. Two. One. Bridal party are go.”

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