pregnant. You write thrillers and mysteries where someone always ends up dead.” Turning, she gasped. “Why would you consider killing one of us off? That’s awful! And on my wedding day?”
Mia walked over and smoothed the train of Sydney’s gown. “That wasn’t what I meant.”
“Then you seriously need to explain yourself because…wow.”
“I’ve been toying with the idea of creating a new pen name and writing something…lighter. Something a little romantic with a lot less…”
“Murdery stuff?”
“Exactly.”
“Well…I guess that could be a good thing. So why don’t you?”
“Because I have to finish the books I’m contracted for. As it is, the renovations on the house are starting in two weeks and I don’t know how I’ll work with all of it going on.”
“Trust me, you get used to it.”
“Oh, that’s right,” Mia said as if she just remembered. “Kyle was here working on your place when you first started working with me.”
“And look how well that turned out,” Sydney said with a grin. “Any chance of you being attracted to your contractor?”
“Um…he’s around sixty, going bald, and has a huge beer gut.”
“My question remains.”
“Ha, ha. Very funny.”
“Well, just go into it knowing it’s going to be loud and a little disruptive, and you may have to adjust your writing habits.”
“Ugh…you know how much I hate change and chaos.”
“Then you really should have waited to start the work on the house.”
“Too late now…”
Haley came walking back into the room and Sydney couldn’t help but smile at how beautiful she looked.
“Pastor Steve wanted me to let you know that they’re ready. Grandpa’s on his way back.”
“Thanks, Hales. You ready for this?”
“Heck yeah! I look awesome!” She smiled at Mia. “Thanks, Aunt Mia. I appreciate you convincing Aunt Syd that I can wear something a little more sophisticated than those kiddie dresses she had picked out.”
Mia walked over and hugged her. “No problem. I think you’re going to steal the show.”
“No way. It’s Aunt Syd’s day and look at her! She looks like a princess.”
“Do not make me cry,” Sydney said, trying hard to keep her tears at bay. “I still can’t believe I’m getting married today and that we pulled it off in such a short amount of time!”
“You were motivated,” Mia stated. “Plus, you seem to have a team of wedding professionals in the family.”
“What…?”
“From everything I heard at the rehearsal, it seems like the Jones family has had quite a lot of wedding activity in the last year or two. And clearly they know how to get things done.”
It was true.
“They’re all amazing and now they’re our family too, right Hales?”
She nodded. “It’s so cool, Aunt Mia. They include me in everything, and I get to babysit for Eli and Asher, and soon Courtney and Dean’s baby will be here and after that Hunter and Violet’s baby…it’s going to be so crowded when we all get together, but Grandpa Dominic says that’s the way it’s supposed to be.”
There was a knock on the door and Haley went to open it.
“Um, Haley?” Mia asked.
“Yeah?”
“I know that’s your grandfather, but can the two of you give your aunt and me a minute?”
“Okay, but don’t be long! Everyone’s waiting!”
Once Haley was out the door, Sydney turned to look curiously at her friend. “Everything okay?”
“That’s what I wanted to make sure. You’re good? This is really what you want?”
“Of course it is! Why would you even ask?”
She shrugged. “I guess I just needed to make sure one last time. You spent so many years while we were in college looking after me that I feel it’s time for me to return the favor.”
“This is exactly where I want to be, and I can’t wait to finally be Kyle’s wife.”
“Have you told him your news yet?”
“Not yet. Tonight. Once we get to the hotel and get settled, I’m going to tell him.”
“You’re going to be an amazing mother,” Mia said, taking both of Sydney’s hands in hers. Then she shook her head. “What am I saying…you already are. Seeing you with Haley and how much you love her…I know this baby is going to be very lucky.”
Pulling her hands free, she hugged Mia. “Thank you for saying that.”
There was another knock at the door and they immediately separated, and Mia handed her the massive bouquet.
“You ready?”
Sydney smiled and had to fight the urge to rip the door off the hinges in her rush to get to the altar. “I’ve waited more than a dozen years for this. I’m more than ready.”