Page 253 of Small Town Firsts
I looked over my shoulder at my maid of honor decked out in a navy off-the-shoulder dress. “Wind.”
Sage sighed and set down her tight bouquet of Gerbera daisies in burgundy, orange, and gold. “You’re going to take off like a sailboat today with this wind.” She fluffed my little train and shifted one of the buttons of my bustle. Why had I let her talk me into this thing? It was too formal for an outdoor wedding. I should have just gotten the little tea-length dress.
Sage tucked the daisy crown behind Laurie’s ear. “Hey little mama, what are you doing down here?”
“I’m gonna walk Mommy down the aisle.” Laurie clutched my hand.
“Oh, I swore I wasn’t going to cry until the actual ceremony.” Sage tipped back her head and blinked rapidly. “You’re just the best little girl.”
Laurie smiled brightly. “I know.”
Sage and I laughed.
My maid of honor slapped her thigh. “Well, I think it’s time to get this show on the road. I know there’s a very nervy groom waiting at the end of that pier.”
I slid my hand over my bump and the little boy kicking around like crazy. “I think both of us…” I looked down at Laurieand swung our clasped hands. “All three of us are ready to go down.”
Laurie patted my belly. “He’s gotta stay in there cooking.”
I laughed. “Yes, we still have a few months to go.”
“Okay. I’m heading down.” Sage picked up her bouquet, stood, and looped her arm around my waist. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks.” My eyes misted. “Now go, before I start bawling. You know all it takes is a stiff breeze these days.”
Sage fanned her face. “Right. No tears. At least not for a few minutes.” She blew out a breath. “Was the pier always that long?”
I laughed. “Yes.”
“At least we’ve got two hotties to look forward to at the end.”
“Yes. Well, at least one.”
Laurie wrinkled her nose. “Ew.”
Sage shook back her blond hair and checked her earrings. “Here we go.”
My mouth went dry as she walked over the uneven ground in her stilts. I had no idea why Sage was suddenly interested in fashion and things like heels, but she pulled off the look.
As for me, me and my ballerina flats were going to do this long walk.
I tightened my hold on Laurie’s hand. “You sure about this?”
She nodded. “I can’t wait for Daddy to see your pretty dress.”
“Then let’s do this thing, huh?” I bent down, wrinkles in my dress be damned. I kissed her cheek. “I’m so excited to be marrying your dad.”
“Me, too!” Laurie moved forward, tugging me after her. “Let’s go.”
There was no slow processional down the pier. White and red daisies dotted the railing with lace snapping in the breeze. Ididn’t really get to take it all in. In fact, I didn’t even get to catch my breath before Seth came into view.
He took a step forward, and his brother yanked him back.
Seth lifted his fisted hand to his mouth and the shock and happiness on his face tumbled every nerve out of my body. Laurie and I nearly jogged down the pier to get to him.
To get to my very happily ever after.
I glanced down to the daughter of my heart and then to the man who’d owned it since I was fifteen years old.
