Page 79 of Heartstrings & Horizons
Ivy turns to me in the backseat. “Did you remember to bring the bridesmaid’s dresses?”
“Yep, and ‘something old and borrowed’.”
“Good, I have the blue. The dress is new, so we should have everything covered. Let’s go.”
Paige is vibrating with nerves as we lead her through the house where a bunch of people are preparing. “Calm down, babe. We’ve got you.”
“What the fuck is even happening?”
“You’re getting married today.”
I don’t know what else to say, so I just leave it at that. Paige is stunned silent as we approach the spare bedroom where a team of hair and makeup people have assembled to get us ready. I hang the garment bags holding the pink silk bridesmaid dresses alongside Paige’s gown and escort her to the chair we placed in front of the vanity.
“Cara, can you text Dean and let him know everything is good?”
“Got it.”
Cara
Cara: Bride has arrived. We’re getting ready. xo
Dean: ??
“You doing okay over there, Paige?” I ask.
She takes a steading breath then nods her head. She hasn’t said much since we arrived. I think she’s still taking it all in. More than once I’ve noticed her dabbing at the corner of her eyes, apologizing to the makeup artist who’s been completely understanding.
“You look stunning. Cade is going to lose his fucking mind,” Mags says as she smooths her hands over her silk dress.
Miles is going to lose his fucking mind, too, I think. But I don’t say that out loud. Those two have some kind of weird sexual tension and you’d have to be blind not to notice.
Ivy and Mags help Paige into her gown in front of the full length mirror as I pin the little blue jewel onto the ribbon around her bouquet of wildflowers for her ‘something blue’, then send a silent signal to Mags through the mirror.
“Babe, I need you to take a deep breath, ok?” She says, squeezing Paige’s shoulders before walking over to her purse and returning to her spot beside Paige “I have something for you but I don’t want to make the makeup artist start overso you have to keep it together.”
Paige nods in acknowledgement, but I already know we’re preparing for a flash flood.
Mags opens a small black velvet jewelry box, weathered at the corners from age.
Paige gasps in recognition, spotting the antique bracelet inside. “Is that…” her voice trails off as the first tear hits the hardwood floor. I rush over with a handkerchief to mitigate the impending disaster.
“Yes,” Mags says. “It’s Nana Sofia’s bracelet.”
“How?”
“I have my ways.” Maggie reaches into her purse and pulls out an envelope. “She also sent a note.”
Paige takes the envelope in hand, pulling out a small paper folded neatly in half with her name written in delicate scrawl. The intricate cursive handwriting is neat, indicative of the well-practiced style only older generations still use.
Paige,
My girl. I’m so proud of you. I’ve been fortunate in my life to have two great loves, so I’d like to think that I know a thing or two about the journey you are about to embark on. My darling, you have already done the hard part. The rest is simple… you must keep choosing each other every day. The best foundation for love is friendship. Remember where you started and find your way back there when times get hard.
I love you, Poodle. xoxo Nana
To my surprise, Paige managesto keep most of the tears at bay, only requiring a small touch up that I’m certain will go to shit as soon as she steps out onto the deck.
“Thank you. All of you.”
