Page 67 of Ever's Last
“So cheers to friends and love,” Ivy says.
“And family,” Ariel throws in.
“And weirdos,” Skye snorts.
We clink our glasses together and take a sip. I look at these three women who have been there in some shape or form in my past, present, and I hope that they are there in the future. And even though it was rocky in the past with Skye, we’ve become a lot closer. I wish her nothing but happiness.
“So, what’s in the box?” I set my glass down and try to open it. Ivy snatches it up and Ariel pushes me into a seat.
“Ariel is going to do your hair and Skye is going to do your makeup as I show you what's in the box,” Ivy says.
I roll my eyes as she laughs.
“Every bride has to have something borrowed, something blue, something old, and something new.”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” I roll my hands to keep her going.
“Something borrowed are these earrings,” Ivy holds up a pair of diamond teardrop earrings. I know those earrings, Skye wore them once to a gala. Yeah, I social media stalked her and Memphis.
“Skye, they’re beautiful.”
“You’re welcome,” she smiles at me as she applies makeup.
“Something blue is this,” and Ivy pulls out a garter belt and I laugh. In the middle is a blue MMA glove.
“He will love that,” I chuckle and Ivy beams.
“Something new is this,” and she pulls out a pin.
“Ummmm,” and she brings it closer. It’s a hairpin that looks like the big dipper.
“It’s perfect,” I can feel myself start to tear up.
“Don’t do that,” Skye says.
“I can’t help it.”
“And for something old,” Ivy pulls out a necklace. It looks like an antique locket.
“Ivy?”
“This was your grandmother’s. She wore it on her wedding day. Your dad saved it for you.” She brings it closer and opens it. Inside is a picture of Memphis and me on one side and on the other is a picture of my grandmother and grandfather. I never really got to know them since they passed when I was younger. I wish I had.
“Thank you so much,” I choke up.Ivy helps me with the locket as Ariel finishes my hair.
“All done,” Skye says and I take a look in the mirror and want to cry. I know it sounds stupid but I have never felt prettier. “Ever?”
“I don’t know what to say,” I reply quietly.
“You look beautiful,” my dad says as he quietly enters. He kisses Ivy’s cheek and then mine.
“Ladies, it’s time,” he helps me up and stares at me for a minute.
“Dad?”
“When you showed up on my doorstep my life changed, for the better. I watched you grow into a beautiful woman and a kind person. You enrich people’s lives just by being in it. You love, and forgive, and help people even if the same wasn’t shown to you. I know that school was difficult and yet you never let it get to you. I am proud of you.”
I’m speechless.
