happens to some brides,” said Ashley. “I know you’ve already had your ceremony, but you’re technically a bride again today. You don’t want to have a crater on the tip of your nose on a day like this.”
I snorted and turned to Melinda, both relieved and surprised to see that her smile didn’t look strained. I knew she was hurting over Heather’s behavior, so I’d expected that to have dimmed her excitement about the reception. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look so giddy.”
“I’ve been looking forward to this for months,” said Melinda. “I’m so happy the day is finally here. I missed your ceremony, so this means a lot to me. And it’s just fantastic that Junior will be at the reception.”
I felt my brows lower. “Junior?”
“Heather called last night, told us about the blackmail situation, apologized for her behavior the other day, and said that she’d allow Junior to attend the reception. She’s hoping it’ll make up for some of the things she’s done. Not only to me and Wyatt, but to you and Dane.”
I barely bit back a pfft sound. Heather didn’t make things up to people, and she wouldn’t give a tinker’s shit if I was upset about the crap she pulled. But it was possible that, now knowing Dane would stick to his word about threatening to fuck with her life, she’d done this as a gesture of peace. Either that or she simply refused to let me have her parents all to myself—that was how Heather would see it.
“Well that’s great,” was all I said.
“It is,” agreed Melinda. “And I’m rather excited about having my hair and makeup done by professionals.”
Chris did a little clap. “On that note, ladies, let’s begin, shall we? Give me your outfits; I’ll hang them in the closet. We don’t want them getting creased.”
While the hairstylist and makeup artists worked their magic on the other women and me, the photographer walked around snapping photos of us in various stages of unready.
My nerves settled a little after Chris gave me a mimosa. Having him around helped. Especially since he kept everyone focused on adhering to the timeline. He also plied us with snacks like granola bars, fruit, and sandwich wraps.
Hours later, we finally began to dress. Once I was ready, I stood in front of the full-length mirror. A smile instantly plucked at my mouth. I fucking loved my dress. The strapless, silk gown was a distinctive ivory shade. It was overlaid with French lace on which black roses had been sporadically embroidered, giving it an elegant yet gothic look.
The back of the ruched, corseted bodice was laced with black ribbon, and I just knew Dane would itch to untie it. Because the gown touched the floor, it would be impossible for him to notice my ivory lace, knee-high boots.
My hair had been loosely curled and looked silky smooth. Black and ivory roses had been cleverly weaved into the half up, half down hairstyle. Like the pendant on my necklace, the pearls of my earrings were set into flowers, making each of the bright pearls look like the bud of a rose.
Melinda waved at her face as if to fend off tears. “You look beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.”
“You totally do,” Ashley agreed, smiling at me. “I predict Simon and Wyatt will get all misty-eyed at seeing their girl this way.”
“As for Dane,” began Hanna, “he is going to melt. Inwardly, that is. On the outside, he’ll look as collected as always, of course.” She flicked her hand. “It’s a psychopath thing.”
I sighed. “Woman, he’s not a psychopath.”
Hanna chuckled. “You’re so easy.”
I rolled my eyes. “Well, all three of you look beyond amazing.” I turned and thanked Phoebe, Jewel, and Sheena—all of whom were currently packing away their things.
“And now for the finishing touch,” announced Chris, handing me my bouquet. “I clipped Melinda’s pin to the ribbon for you.”
I felt my lips part. He’d completely transformed the white-rose bouquet to match the theme of the reception, adding acorns, mini pumpkins, seasonal berries, black feathers, and also deep crimson and gold leaves. I grinned at him. “I love it, Chris.”
He beamed. “Told you that you would.”
Floyd took more shots, frowning whenever Chris tried bossing him. People then gradually began to leave so that they could head to the venue.
Alone, I grabbed my ivory clutch and left the room. I walked along the hallway but stopped upon realizing that Dane stood at the bottom of the stairs. My breath caught. Damn if he