Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 82524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
“That is a sexy-ass name,” Presley says, and Clarabella hits her arm with her hand. “What? It is.”
“Can we focus on getting Sofia in her dress, please?” I urge. “I’ll go get your mother so we can get you in it.”
“I’ll go get Hazel,” Shelby volunteers. “You stay here and have a shot of sweet tea. You look like someone died and then kicked your dog after telling you Santa isn’t real.” She takes a deep breath. “It’s not a good look.”
“Wow,” Clarabella chides, “smooth.”
“When are you guys changing into your dresses?” Sofia asks, and we all look at her. “All my bridal party is wearing lilac, and I expect the four of you to wear it also.”
“But—” I start to say.
“But nothing. It’s my day, and you will do what I say,” she huffs as the door opens, and her mother pops her head in.
“Not to be pushy or anything, but Matty is getting antsy. He started to bounce on his heels and then your grandfather asked him if he wanted to go shooting in the woods.” She smiles but you can see the panic in her eyes. “We don’t think that is a good idea.”
“I thought they put all the guns away!” I shriek. “Billy said he would.”
“Oh, Charlotte told them if they so much as leave this area, no one is getting any food,” Hazel informs us, coming in. “Now let’s get you dressed.”
I smile at the two of them as she leads her over to her wedding dress. “Here.” Presley hands me a lilac dress. “You get the off-the-shoulder one.”
“I don’t know about that. I need to wear a bra ever since Avery and breastfeeding, well, they aren’t praising Jesus anymore.” I look at the beautiful satin gown.
“No one’s are praising Jesus anymore,” Clarabella deadpans. “Just put it on, you’ll be fine.” I walk into the bathroom and slip on the lilac satin dress. It hugs every single one of the curves I also got after I had Avery. The sweetheart neckline is attached to small cap sleeves. I zip up the dress in the back as much as I can before I have to ask for help.
“Your ass looks amazing in this dress,” Presley declares. “He’s going to want to eat you all up.”
“I don’t want him eating anything,” I tell them, avoiding looking at them. “Now, you three need to get out there and make sure it’s all good.”
“It’s perfect,” Shelby says. “I just went to see, but we’ll go take our seats.” She comes over to me. “You’ve got this.” I blink away the tears that are threatening again.
The three of them leave the room, and Sofia steps out, and I gasp at how gorgeous she is. “Holy shit,” I say, and then my hand flies to my mouth, “you look…”
“Do you think he’ll like it?” she asks me, and I nod.
“Are you kidding me?” I can’t help but smile at her. “He’s going to love it,” I assure her, blinking away tears. “Now, why don’t we get out there and get you married?”
She nods as I pick up her train and veil, and we walk out. Reed paces back and forth, waiting for her, and the minute he sees her, he puts his hand on his chest. “Don’t you dare cry,” Sofia hisses. “I can’t walk down the aisle a blubbering mess.”
“I’m not going to cry,” Reed denies, but at the same time, tears are pouring down his face.
I smile at them as I hand Sofia her bouquet before turning and looking at the flower girls and ring bearers. “Okay, you guys.” I squat down. “Remember, girls first and then the boys.”
“I’m going to keep some flowers for after,” Avery whispers to me, “so I can throw them again.”
“Okay,” I reply, kissing her nose, knowing her life is going to change so much.
I stand in place, making sure everyone makes it down the aisle before I let out a big sigh of relief. It went off without a hitch. Matty was wiping away tears the minute he saw her, and I, for one, can’t wait to see the pictures.
I stand in the back, trying to focus on the vows, but my eyes scan the room, looking at the back of Stefano’s head. He’s sitting right next to his girlfriend, and my hand goes to my stomach. I look down at my shaking hands, remembering the night I met him.
I got to the bar an hour after I said I was going to be there. It took me that long to decide to even go. I pushed my way through the people, heading straight to the back where they usually sat and saw they were definitely gone. I pulled out my phone and saw a text from Chloe.
Went to the diner to grab some grub.