Page 37 of The Billionaire and His Forever

“It’s definitely your color,” Amanda says. Then she turns her attention back to me. “So what’s the what? What can I do to help? Should I change now or wait?”

“First of all, sit your butt down and take a deep breath,” I say with a laugh. “We have plenty of time. I still have to do my makeup and get dressed. I mean, obviously.”

I gesture at the dress, hanging from the bathroom door, and Amanda runs over to inspect it close up, cooing over the fabric and the lace and the cap sleeves.

“Agghhhh, I can’t believe you’re getting married!” She gives me another quick hug and then perches on the edge of the bed like I told her to, though it doesn’t seem to be calming her down any. “God, this whole thing is like a fairy tale. Or a movie. Can I do your makeup?”

“Since you clearly cannot sit still for five seconds, I suppose I’ll allow it,” I tease.

Jude leans over on the vanity, already grabbing for my lipstick. “Me too! Can I help?”

I have to laugh. The two of them combined is just too much, and I’m loving every second of it. “Of course. What’s a wedding day if someone doesn’t do the bride’s makeup?”

“You do your lashes, though, because I don’t want to poke your eyes out,” Amanda says. “But don’t you worry. Jude and I will make you the most gorgeous bride of all time.”

And honestly, they do. Amanda gives me the perfect subtle cat eye, then works some inexplicable magic with my unruly brows, and Jude helps me blush up my cheeks until they’re as rosy as apples. It’s not a huge transformation—I just look more likeme. I feel amazing.

“Dress time!” I announce.

Amanda takes mine off the hanger and unzips it for me. There’s a knock on the door just before I slip out of my silk robe.

“One second!” Jude calls out. “My other mom is getting dressed!”

Amanda looks at me with wide eyes and a grin, and I feel so happy I could fly.

“We brought a quick snack for the bride,” Mary calls through the door.

With Amanda’s help, I hurry into my dress and nod to Jude to open the door. Esmeralda gasps loudly, pushing her way into the room.

“Oh, my sweet girl!” she gushes. “You look like a dream.”

“She looks better than a dream,” Mary says, setting a tea tray on the end of the bed. “I thought you could use a little sustenance before your big moment.”

“I’m starving!” Jude announces, diving for the tray laden with sliced fruits, cheeses, bridge mix, crackers, fresh croissants, a bottle of ginger ale, a bottle of prosecco, and a few fancy sparkling waters. Mary’s thought of everything.

“Thank you. Except I don’t know if I can eat. I’m having major butterflies,” I admit.

Mary pats me on the shoulder. “You’re going to be fine, I promise. We can’t stay, but we wanted to wish you luck.”

“We’re making sure everything is perfect. The judge who’s officiating just got here,” Esmeralda adds.

“I can’t thank you both enough.” I take their hands and give them a squeeze. “You’ve all been so good to me.”

Esmeralda beams. “It’s our pleasure. Now Jude, would you like to come downstairs and help us with the flowers? I hear you’re very good at that.”

“I am!” Jude jumps up, strawberries in her hands. “But what if Abbie needs me?”

“Then I will come find you as quickly as possible,” Amanda reassures her.

“Perfect. Let’s go, little miss.” Esmeralda holds the door open for Jude, who skips out of the room, holding her dress in both hands. Esmeralda and Mary both grin at me as they follow her, shutting the door behind them and leaving me in silence with Amanda.

“Sooo.” Amanda picks up the bottle of prosecco. “Quick drink before you go on?”

“Please.” I giggle. She pours us both a half glass and we hold our stems up in a toast.

“To my best friend, who is growing up way too fast. To the girl who joined the nerdy-ass debate team with me in high school, who helped me find the most respectably slutty prom dress senior year, who always supports me and is always there, no matter what life may bring. May she have the best life with the best husband. May she make an awesome and totally cool stepmom. May she never forget her friends.”

“I’ll never forget my friends.” I wipe a quick tear from my eye and clink her glass. “You’re the best, and I’m nothing without you.”

---