Summer Breeze Kisses - Addison Moore Page 0,56

honeymoon bound 747s.

Baya waves from the main room, and I make my way past countless bridal parties as they fawn over their own brides in the making.

“Where’s Laney?” I give her a quick hug before joining Annie and Roxy on the white velvet sofa.

“Trying on her dress.” Roxy hammers it out devoid of any emotion. Roxy has had the same hardcore personality since she was a kid. She’s consistent, I’ll give her that.

“Have you seen it?” Baya bounces in her seat so hard that the entire sofa shakes with her Richter scale exuberance.

“No, but I’m dying to.” I’ve invested more than Laney will ever know to make sure she gets her happily ever after.

Annie pulls out her phone and jots something down before flashing it at me.

Baya says you’re seeing my brother.

I bite my lip and resist the urge to smile.

“I don’t know, am I?” I shrug, and give a little laugh.

Annie is quick to type out a reply.

Are you coming to my Mom’s birthday party tomorrow night? She’s turning 50. It’s a pretty big deal. I’ll be cooking. I promise, it won’t kill you. I’m actually getting better in the kitchen.

I give a little smile. My stomach cinches. I’m not sure Holt and I are at that phase in our non-relationship, but a part of me wants him to ask. I’ll be seeing him later. Maybe he will.

“That would be nice.” My throat dries out at the thought. A family party is the exact kind of thing that couples do. “But he hasn’t really mentioned it.”

I’m sure he will. She gives a sheepish smile. I’m glad you’re with Holt. I think you’re cute together.

“Thank you. I’m glad I’m with Holt, too.” There, the words slipped out like oil, and I didn’t cringe or explode into a thousand remorseful pieces. Maybe it’s okay for me to say those words—to feel that way.

Annie drops her phone and cups her hands over her mouth. Roxy gasps, and Baya jumps to her feet. I turn to find Laney—stunning, beautiful Laney—heading in this direction.

“Oh my, God.” The words stream from me in a deflated whisper. I stand to greet her and take up her hands. She’s wearing a full white gown with layers of tulle and a sweetheart neckline. “You are a princess, through and through.” Tears spring to my eyes, and I don’t fight them.

Laney beams as she steps up on the pedestal. She does a quick rotation in the three way mirror and presses her lips together because she’s about to lose it herself.

“Your turn, Baya.” She wipes her face down as Baya makes her way to the back.

“Laney, I can’t tell you enough how beautiful you look,” I say, trying to compose myself.

“It’s true. You look like the perfect cake topper,” Roxy pipes up. “I’m just glad you’re letting me wear black. Come to think of it, I’ll probably wear black to my own wedding.”

“You throwing your hat in the ring?” Laney glances at herself in the mirror from over her shoulder.

“No way,” Roxy is quick to set her straight. “Cole and I are waiting until after graduation.” She turns to me. “We plan on hitting the ground running with our own businesses. He’s doing construction, and I’m opening a bakery.”

“Sounds like I’ll be visiting you a lot.”

Her eyes widen as Baya comes out. Baya stuns in a sleek mermaid gown with a full train and just enough sparkle to catch the light. She heads over to Laney and clasps her arms around her waist.

“You both look amazing.” They look like jewels, like treasures, and they are.

Annie, Roxy, and I each try on our bridesmaid dresses. Roxy and Annie both look gorgeous in the gowns they’ve chosen.

The dress Laney hand selected for me is long with a rhinestone-encrusted waist and a plunging neckline that showcases my own jewels. I have to admit I look pretty damn good, but it’s a far cry from the matronly number I picked out for myself. In a way, I guess, the two dresses are symbolic of the lost girl I was and the woman slowly emerging in me. Holt pulled me from the mud and mire of the past. He’s washing me anew with his love. And now I can’t wait for him to see me in this dress—and then out of it.

I wrap an arm around Laney as we look in the mirror.

“It’s going to be a perfect day,” I whisper.

Baya, Roxy, and Annie head back to change and Laney picks up both my