Page 124 of Not Your Average Vixen
“See, it’s fine. No crazy wedding lady counting necessary,” he said, biting back a grin.
She leaned against him, savoring his comforting warmth, and sighed. “I’m a little tense.”
“A little?” he teased, but his tone was gentle.
“I want everything to be perfect for Lori and Tom. And I would want my parents and grandmother to think I did a good job. I know it sounds silly. But being here makes me feel closer to them.”
“It’s not silly, Bridget,” he answered with a touch of longing to his words.
She stroked his cheek. “Thank you.”
He glanced down at her. “For what?”
“For not being the worst best man after all,” she replied, craning her neck to give him a peck on the lips.
But he was in no mood for gondola kissing.
“Is that what you called me?”
She lifted her chin with mock haughtiness. “Among other things, yes.”
He chuckled and pressed a kiss to the crown of her head as they sat back and watched the chapel come into view. Falling snow framed the structure, and the windows glowed with the soft light of the chandeliers as forms moved past the two windows flanking the entrance. Tomorrow, she’d have the candles going, which, her parents had said, gave the space a beautiful, ethereal feel when they’d wed.
A grateful ease set in. It was all coming together.
Soren opened the door, and they hurried into the chapel, entering the sanctuary in a bluster of icy wind and a rush of snowflakes.
“Ah, good, you’re both here,” the judge said, waving them in from where he stood at the altar next to Tom and Lori.
“Cole and Carly just practiced their flower girl and ring bearer duties,” Grace said from where she sat in the front row with Scott and Russ.
“I pretended to throw the flower petals. Watch!” Carly chimed, mimicking the motion.
“Very well done,” Bridget replied, taking in the scene. “But don’t you want to practice from the beginning with all of us?”
Her sister shared a look with the judge. What was going on between the two of them?
“Tom and I had another thought for the rehearsal,” Lori said, now sharing a glance with her fiancé.
The judge patted Lori’s shoulder. “Because this is such a small gathering, Tom and Lori asked me to say a few words, and then they wanted to address everyone here in the chapel.”
“You don’t mind, Birdie, do you? There are a few things we need to say to you and Scooter in front of everyone,” Lori finished.
She couldn’t deny her sister’s request! It was the woman’s wedding, for Pete’s sake. She scanned the cozy space. Everyone had a curious expression. Even the kids seemed to be in on whatever this was.
Had her sister and Tom figured out that she and Soren were…
Were what?
A thing.
Or worse!
Did someone see Soren tiptoeing out to the Frosty jar five times last night?
Were they about to get called out in front of everyone?
She glanced back at the door. There was no turning back now.
