Page 170 of Forever

“But you barely did anything.” I’d only seen him with one makeup brush. I touched my cheek and he swatted my hand away.

“Because I put waterproof everything on you. You’re not my first shotgun wedding. Pregnant women always cry the most.”

I’d hardly call my wedding to Matt a shotgun wedding. Yes, we’d quickly planned it when we found out I was pregnant. But it was 16 years in the making.Wewere 16 years in the making. I took another deep breath.

“You’re all ready,” Justin said.

I nodded. I was. I lifted up the skirt of my dress. “Let’s go get married.”

Justin laughed and put his arm through mine. “Don’t tempt me. You know I’d run off with you in a heartbeat.”

I laughed. “Are you excited to see Donnelley?”

“Heshould be excited to seeme. I’m the one in the amazing yellow tux.” He gestured to his tux that absolutely was amazing. I had no idea how he’s gotten one to match the bridesmaid dresses perfectly. And his navy blue bowtie brought the whole thing together.

Justin escorted me down the stairs.

Mrs. Caldwell put her hand to her chest and tears pooled in the corners of her eyes.

God, she was going to make me cry again.

Kennedy hurried over to me. “Everything good?” she asked.

I nodded. “Everything’s perfect.”

Mrs. Alcaraz hugged me and then grabbed both sides of my face. “Bonita.”

“You look so beautiful,” Mrs. Caldwell agreed and squeezed my arm.

“Is there anything else at all that you need?” Penny asked.

“No, I’m ready.”

Bee grabbed my hand. “I can’t believe we’re going to be sisters.”

“All of us,” Daphne said with a smile.

These girls really did want to make me cry again.

“I have all the bouquets…” Nigel’s voice trailed off when he saw me. “Belle.”

“Who me?” Justin asked.

“What?” Nigel looked confused.

“My last name is Belle,” Justin said. “I often go by Mr. Belle.” He winked at Nigel.

Nigel shook his head. “No, I was talking about Brooklyn.” He turned back to me. “Belle femme. You are the most beautiful bride.”

“Thank you, Nigel. But you need to get back to the groomsmen. Matt is wondering where you are.”

“He requested my services?” Nigel asked.

That was a weird way to put it, but kind of. “Mhm.”

“I must be going then.” He quickly handed us all our bouquets. The flowers were a combination of white and yellow roses and some baby’s-breath arranged throughout. “But please telephone me if you need anything, mademoiselle. Or fax if you’re in a hurry. Wait, unless you want me to drive the limo?”

I quickly shook my head. I’d driven with him before and once was definitely enough. He was the sweetest guy, but a complete madman on the road. Especially in his Hummer.

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