freakin’ way is that man undoing all these buttons. It’ll be in a pile of shredded lace on the floor in a few hours.”
“Yeah, I’m with him. That shit’s getting ripped off. It’s a shame because it’s a beautiful dress.” Cindy winked while appraising me with a sheen of tears in her eyes. “My god, you make a gorgeous bride.”
Chance grabbed a napkin to blot his own damp eyes. I stepped forward to the full length mirror to have a look. The dress was designed by Pronovias of Barcelona. It was a mermaid-styled lace gown and guipure—stretchable French lace made with silk—and decorated with shimmery gemstones. It had a Bateau neckline, which was a fancy way of saying a wide, high neckline, following the collarbone at the front, and plunging to a V in the back, finished with a scalloped boarder and decorated with guipure. It was part of the 2016 collection, and very pricy. However, after seeing it, I knew it was my dress. My veil was a simple, two-tier, mid-length veil with a pearl edge. It was simple and elegant and went perfect with my hair—a chignon held with a vintage blue sapphire comb. The comb was my something old, which I got from Cindy’s mother. Abel took care of my something new and blue with his necklace. My mother-in-law gave me my something borrowed—a pair of diamond earrings with a pearl teardrop that she received as a gift on her wedding day from Abel’s father. It was thoughtful, and I appreciated the love and support everyone had shown us from the beginning of this journey.
I chose a fresh, dewy look for my face and a peachy nude lip. I didn’t want to distract from the dress with an over-made face. I kept it simple. Abel’s preference was natural, too. His one request was not to wear perfume, as he loved my natural scent, and it was one that completely turned him on. “I feel gorgeous.” I turned to view the back of my dress. “I don’t know which side I prefer more. The front or the back.”
“He’s going to freak when he sees you, G. Speaking of which”—she looked over the balcony to the audience below—”looks like a full house.” She turned, and her eyes were glistening.
“Cindy, you look beautiful, and Woody’s going to drop dead on the spot.” I let her pick her dress. She chose a strapless Metallic Jacquard Vera Wang full-length gown with chic side pockets.
“Thanks, babe. Look at the specimen of hotness.” She smiled at Chance, who was blushing. He went elegant and regal in his traditional black Armani tuxedo. All the guys dressed the same, even though they weren’t in the wedding party, but I’m sure they were accessorized with piercings and jewelry. A complete contradiction to the style of the tuxedo. However, I wouldn’t want it any other way. They rocked personal style and individuality like no other.
“She’s right. You can easily be the face of Armani, Chance.” I gathered my dress to hug him. “Thank you for everything, but most of all, for your friendship. I don’t know what we would do without you.”
He held me for a minute and released me with a kiss. This time, it was Cindy blotting her eyes with a tissue.
“I love you guys,” I confessed, hoping I wouldn’t get too emotional.
“Ready?” Chance asked and offered me his arm, and Cindy handed me my bouquet.
It was the word “ready” that choked me up, because I was beyond ready to start my life. I’d been ready the day I met his looming silhouette in the doorway of his father’s office. Ready after the first time he took me. Ready when he asked me to marry him for the first time, and absolutely ready after the birth of our daughter.
“I am. Don’t let me fall, Chance,” I said as we made our way down the enormous flight of stairs to the first floor. The whole house was decorated in arrangements of white roses with red satin bows. I glanced back at Cindy, who held up the back of my gown.
“Never.” Chance squeezed my hand in a comfortable reassurance.
I nodded and we continued our slow descent. Abel’s mother waited at the bottom of the steps. She dabbed the corner of her eyes with a white handkerchief. Taken aback by the sudden rush of emotions, I gasped at what felt like a weight tugging my heart.
“Breathe, baby-girl,” Chance whispered, trying to soothe me. “You’ve got a long aisle to