out loud so maybe, just maybe, she’d have the release of all her pent-up fear and anxiety.
Reaching over, Katie hugged her, and Violet wrapped her arms around her and held her tight. She had no idea how long they stayed like that, but when they finally pulled apart, it was Katie who wiped away her tears before cupping her face in her hands.
“Never forget how awesome and special you are and never let anyone make you feel like you don’t deserve the best in this world.”
“I’ll try,” she whispered.
“Alrighty then.” And on her feet, Katie scanned the room. “Now we have some serious damage control because your makeup is completely ruined, so let’s get to work!”
And for the next hour, Violet did her best to calm her nerves and relax.
Hunter had volunteered to pick her up, but she knew he had things to do with his family and didn’t want to be in the way. It meant she was driving herself over to his sister Scarlett’s place and potentially embarrassing herself.
Think positive!
When she pulled up the long driveway that led to a spectacular home, her nerves kicked into high gear. This wasn’t a small, quaint home like Hunter’s; this place was easily a million-dollar house!
And now I might throw up. Awesome.
Frantically pulling her phone from her purse, she texted Hunter to let him know she was here. Hopefully he’d come outside and walk in with her and tell her that maybe his sister and brother-in-law had won the lottery or won the house in an HGTV contest or something.
Parking the car, she took several deep breaths while she waited for Hunter. She was so focused on her breathing and not vomiting that she never heard him approach until he knocked on her window. Her loud scream should have sent everyone within a five-mile radius running, but luckily didn’t.
Opening the door for her, Hunter held out his hand. He looked ridiculously handsome. Her hand shook as she placed it in his and climbed from the car.
“Wow,” he said, kissing her cheek. “We almost look like we coordinated this.”
“What? Oh!” Violet realized he was in navy trousers with a matching vest and a crisp white shirt. “I’m sorry! I should go home and change! I don’t want to take away from the bridal party and…”
Pulling her in close, he chuckled. “You’re not taking anything away from the bridal party. The girls are wearing pink, so…relax.”
She wanted to burrow in close and stay like that for the rest of the day. Unfortunately, it wasn’t realistic. Pulling herself together, she leaned back and smiled up at him. “Okay then. Let’s do this.”
But Hunter didn’t move. If anything, she seemed to hug her a little tighter. “First, how did things go with your tour group people? Did they book?”
She loved how he remembered. “Yes. There was a lot of back and forth, but we managed to book two groups of forty to do the Alaska package that includes whale watching, a cruise, and a tour by train. It’s going to be fabulous, and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do, so I hope they all love it.”
It was on the tip of her tongue to ask him if he’d like to see Alaska, but she had a feeling now wasn’t the right time. Today was about Hunter’s family and the fact that his brother was getting married.
“You ready to meet everyone?” he asked.
It would be wrong to turn and run, so instead she said, “Absolutely!”
“I now pronounce you, man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Hunter smiled and clapped along with everyone else when his brother kissed his new wife. The weather was perfect–not a cloud in the sky–and he couldn’t imagine a better day for a wedding.
As Courtney and Dean made their way up the aisle toward the house, Hunter spotted his son sitting with his dad. Eli waved, and he looked utterly adorable in his little suit. Sitting beside him was Violet. She smiled and waved along with his son, and he wished the photographer could capture that moment. After all, this was a big day for them too.
Not as big as his brother’s but still…big.
He walked with his sister up the aisle. There were maybe a total of fifty people in attendance and he was thankful for it. Violet had been visibly nervous when she arrived, and even as they walked around before most of the guests arrived so she could meet his family, he could tell she was still a little