Page 41 of Flawless Foundations

"Then why are you so nervous?" Her lips tremble and her eyes start to fill with unshed tears.

"Because I love you so much, and I don't want to fuck this up."

"You won't as long as you're always honest with me, love me, and be my best friend."

"Always, Becca, always."

"Then ask me already," she demands through a laugh, and I lean in and steal a quick kiss. I pull back and then resume my place in front of her on one knee.

I clear my throat. "Becca Marie Nicely, you've been a part of my life for more than half of it. I can't fathom how I'd ever be able to make it through the rest of my life without you by my side. Will you marry me?"

Her smile is huge, the tears that fall from her baby blues are just as big as she launches herself into my arms. Her mouth is on mine, and we are both laughing. She mutters over and over between kisses, "I. Love. You."

Now flat on my butt, she straddles my legs that are out in front of me. "Baby, you gotta give a guy an answer."

"Oh my gosh, yes." She giggles. "I thought my attacking you and telling you I love you and the gallon of freaking tears was clearly a yes."

"Yeah, I mean any man in his right mind would get that, but not one who just asked the most important question of his life—it's a yes or no answer." I mean, am I right?

She kisses me again, and I grab her finger and slide the ring on, I managed not to drop it in the post-proposal attack. She stares down at it, a smile dancing on her lips. "This is possibly the most beautiful thing I've ever seen."

"It doesn't even compare," I whisper into her ear.

Chapter 19

Becca

Last Friday night, I was out with my best friend having dinner, finding out that my boyfriend, that I was sure I was in love with, had been lying to me since we started dating. A week later, I stand in front of a full-length mirror on the inside of a closet door in a small meeting room in Love Ridge Harvest Church, a church that I'd never heard of before five days ago. My best friend stands behind me in a blush pink, full-length satin dress fussing over my loose curls and the clip of blush pink colored flowers in my hair.

"Em, it doesn't have to be perfect." I giggle. I see the determined look on her face in the mirror.

"No, Bex, it does. This is your wedding day. Everything has to be perfect. I've almost got it," she says, and I just smile.

A week ago, I never would have imagined us here, minutes before my wedding. I study the beautiful woman behind me and worry that she's not completely happy with my life-altering choice. I'm still going to marry Levi, but her blessing does matter to me, as she's been the sister I never had for more than half my life.

"Emmy, do you think I'm rushing this?" I cringe at the worry in my voice, I place my hands over my stomach as anxiety creeps in.

Her head shoots up and she makes eye contact in the mirror. "What? Are you having second thoughts?" Her features are alert, but her tone hushed as if not to be overheard. We are the only two in here. Suddenly, I start to feel nervous, the first time the feeling has taken root all week.

"No second thoughts, just are you okay with this? Levi and me?" I pull my bottom lip into my mouth and remember that I've yet to apply my no-smear, no stain red matte lipstick.

Her eyebrows dip, and she rears her head back. "Are you kidding me right now?" She then lets out an amused chuckle. "You're going to be walking down the aisle in a matter of minutes, I'm here, helping you get ready, and you're wondering if I'm okay with this wedding?"

I nod.

She places her hands on my shoulders and turns me toward her. Now facing her, without my heels on, we are nearly the same height.

"Silly girl. Of course, I approve. There isn't anyone I would rather see end up with my brother than you."

"But are we rushing this?" I try to keep the panic at bay.

She tilts her head. "It might surprise you, but no, I don't think so."

"Really?"

"Really. To people outside of our circle, they might think it's rushed, but the truth is, you and Levi have known each other a long time. Sure, you were his little sister's best friend, and he was the older, unattainable big brother, but I always thought you two would end up getting together. Even though your romantic relationship is only just starting, you've been friends for nearly two decades."

"I wouldn't say we've been friends, per se. More like I had a crush, he found me annoying." I cackle.

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