Page 49 of Yours, Now and Always
Olivia takes a sip of her martini before asking, “What exactly does ‘your next feminine era’ mean?”
Marin, not missing a beat, says, “It means unlocking the next version of your highest self. Spiritually. Sensually. Cosmically.”
Olivia deadpans, “So . . . a rebrand.”
Kristen snorts. “Please do not encourage her.”
“I love a rebrand,” Maddie says.
“I knew you would,” Marin says, spritzing her next.
Kristen sighs. “Okay, if I let you mist me willingly, will you leave my aura alone?”
“No,” Marin replies sweetly. “But I’ll respect your boundaries while gently violating them with flowers and crystals.”
I’m laughing before I can stop myself. And then I’m thinking about just how safe this space feels.
Olivia sets down her drink and looks at me like I’m about to be handed a mission brief. “Okay, if we’re unlocking new versions of ourselves, let’s help Amelia unlock the version of herself who survives her wedding day.” She glances around the room with a smile. “Most of us have been there and might have some advice.”
“Yes please,” I say and sit back. “I will take any advice you have. Though, mostly, I think I may need help surviving Tim.”
Everyone laughs and nods in agreement.
“Okay.” Olivia sits up straighter, folding one leg over the other and turning serious as if she’s about to deliver a keynote speech at a wedding prep summit.
“You need snacks in your bridal suite,” she says. “Like actual food. Sandwiches, not things like almonds. Hydrate early and constantly. You need electrolyte tablets. I’ve brought some for you. In labeled baggies, color-coded for before glam, after ceremony, and post champagne. Lipstick will disappear from your lips. Accept it. Assign one person to carry mints, tissues, blotting sheets, bobby pins, and safety pins. Another person handles your phone and to-do list. You’re not allowed to touch your phone unless you’re calling for rescue.
“People will cry. One of them might be you. Do not put pressure on yourself to feel a certain way. Just be in it. And above all—no wine before the ceremony. That’s how you end up with a headache and regret.”
Marin fans herself. “This is my favorite flavor of Virgo.”
Kristen raises her glass. “I second all of that.”
“Also,” Olivia says, “do not wear new shoes unless you’ve broken them in. If you get blisters, someonewillcry and it’ll be you. Walk in them now. Like, right now.” She narrows her eyes at me. “Do we need to go get your shoes?”
“No.” I shake my head. “I’ve worn them in. That’s something I already learned the hard way.”
“Okay,” Kristen says. “My turn. Do not, under any circumstance stand in front of a mirror for too long. You’ll start to spiral about details no one will notice, including imaginary frizz. Step back. You look incredible. If you have to, assign a mirror bodyguard.”
I snort out a laugh. “Tim would die to be my mirror bodyguard.”
“He will be too busy,” Marin says. “I am assigning that task to myself.”
“Okay,” Maddie says, “here’s my advice. Wedding photos will take longer than you think. Make sure you eat beforehand. And tell your photographer that you’re allowed to be done whenever you say so. Be very bossy with him. And if he tries to argue with you over anything, send him my way. I’ll sort him out for you.”
Kristen laughs. “I hope Ethan needs to be sent your way for a sorting out. I’d like to see that.”
I laugh too, while my chest squeezes with love.
Gage and I asked Ethan to be our wedding photographer, but we told him we’d understand if he just wanted to enjoy the day. Ethan made it very clear he’d fight off any other photographer we hired just to keep the honor for himself. I know that meant everything to Gage. And while I felt the same, what I loved most was witnessing brothers love each other like that.
Ingrid is smiling like this is everything she’s ever wanted to be a part of. “The most important thing to remember,” she says softly, “is that the perfect wedding is a lie. You’re not aiming for perfection, my darling. You’re aiming for presence.”
She pauses, and when her eyes meet mine, there’s so much love in them I can barely hold it. “Don’t rush through the day ticking boxes or trying to manage everyone’s expectations. Be in it. With us. Withhim.Make memories that aren’t about the photos. Make them about the feelings.”
And now I’m crying.
She reaches for my hand and squeezes it before adding, “If something goes wrong, which it probably will, don’t panic. Laugh. Breathe. Let someone else handle it. Preferably not Tim.”
