Page 62 of Honeymoon Phase
“That is true.” Trista shoots me a sheepish smile and then glances at my hand. “I see you have some new hardware as well.”
I blush as I hold the ring up to my chest, not wanting any more attention on me, but it’s pointless because all the ladies squeal and grab my hand for a closer look.
“So unique,” Dakota says with a sigh. “Great work, Luke.”
I frown as I look down at it. “Yeah, he’s good like that, isn’t he?”
“All this planning is making me wish I would have done our wedding on the mountain too. But Wyatt wasn’t in such a damn hurry.”
“I’m glad you guys got married in Mexico,” Dakota says, raising her hand. “Or who knows if Calder and I ever would have happened.”
“You two would have happened,” Johanna adds with a secretive smile. “He’s been waiting a long time for you.”
Dakota’s smile falls as Jo hits her with that stunning remark. “Why do you say that?”
“A mother knows these things.” She taps her nose at her future daughter-in-law because the writing seems to be on the wall for Dakota and Calder. I haven’t been around them a lot as a couple, but the few times I’ve seen them this past week on the mountain, they seem ridiculously happy... even when they’re bickering.
This whole conversation makes me understand even more why Luke was up for helping me with this marriage situation.The epic love stories he’s surrounded by with his family are a lot to live up to.
“Oh, Addison,” Jo says, clapping her hands excitedly. “I’m almost done with the invitations already. Do you want to see them or just be surprised? Luke told me you love surprises.”
“I do love surprises.” I smile softly at the fact that Luke is out there in the streets trying to protect me from all this wedding stuff. He really is such a good friend.
“Very well, then. I shall keep it all to myself for now. Along with all my reception ideas. Oh, this is going to be so hard, but fun!” Jo squeals and walks away to thumb through her binder, clearly deep in planning mode.
“That woman loves a project,” Trista says, pointing to her mother-in-law. “Just wait until you give her a grandbaby and you’ll really see everything she can do.”
The mention of having a child causes a pit to form in my stomach because... I never intend to have a baby. I’ll never be a mom, or even have a husband... not in the real sense anyways. Guilt niggles with that thought because Jo will want Luke to have a baby. To give her more grandchildren. All these women probably want nieces and nephews. And nothing close to that will ever happen between me and Luke.
I’m a total fraud.
Allowing them to plan my wedding, gush over my ring, help with my dress fitting. What am I doing here? This is so wrong of me, isn’t it?
Then again, Luke and Iarelegally married. Does the fact that I’m not sleeping with him make our marriage less real? And kids aren’t a necessity for all committed couples. There are all sorts of marriages out there, right? By all accounts, things between me and Luke are going well. Maybe there’s an argument that could be made for friends getting married and leaving the romance out of it. We’re certainly making it work so far. And ifthat’s what I have to tell myself to stop feeling guilty for bringing everyone here today, then so be it.
“Here we are!” Cozy announces her return, appearing before us with a new bridal attendant whose hands are full of dresses as she hangs them up on the nearby rod.
“Which one is the lucky bride?” the new gal asks, already displaying a better attitude than the last one.
I stand and raise my hand while taking a sip of my champagne. The woman crosses her arms and elbows Cozy. “I see exactly what you mean.”
“Right?” Cozy confirms. “You could bounce a rhinestone off that ass.”
“Excuse me?” I ask, turning around to look at my butt in the nearby mirror.
“Definitely fitted,” the attendant confirms. “If that’s what she wants. I pulled lots of options. And some incredible faux fur shrugs.”
“She’s going to look so hot,” Dakota confirms.
“Like Snow White on the mountain with that raven hair,” Trista adds, pointing at me.
“Did you pull something to showcase her lovely shoulders? The reception will be heated,” Johanna asks, walking over to touch my arms and gaze at my reflection in the mirror.
“Can you take off your sweater, Addison?” Cozy asks, tilting her head to look at me. “We’re trying to objectify you.”
Trista and Dakota sputter out laughing and Johanna cuts them a look. “No more free champagne for those two.”
Their faces fall and I take a moment to admire the women in front of me. All uniquely shaped and confident in their own skin, which only makes me feel more self-assured in mine. Perhaps this is what I missed out on my whole life not having girlfriends, a hype squad.
