“I’ll be done here in a minute,” the hair stylist says. The makeup artist has already finished and packs up her stuff.
A few minutes later, her hair is done and it looks amazing. It’s pulled back into a sleek bun, secured at the back of her neck.
She hops up and we help her into her dress, all the while the wedding photographer is snapping away.
When the veil is added and Rae looks in the mirror, she starts to cry.
She looks beautiful.
Truly.
Her makeup is done soft so that her natural beauty shines through, and the dress she chose is stunning. It’s a tank-top style top that dips down into a V in the front, fitting until her waist with lace detailing, where it then billows out with an explosion of tulle.
“You look like a princess,” I tell her, tears in my eyes. Being pregnant is turning me into a weepy mess.
She twirls around and around, letting out a tinkling laugh. She stops in front of us, her cheeks rosy and her eyes brimming with tears.
“I’m ready to marry my man now.”
I laugh. “Cade’s going to shit himself when he sees you.”
“Let’s not go that far.” She laughs. “I’d love for him to cry, though.”
We’re ushered out of the room and down the hall and we line up outside the closed double doors.
Jace and Nova are walking first and then Xander and me, with the bride bringing up the rear with her dad.
“Hey, hot stuff.” I loop my arm through the crook of Xander’s and someone who I think is part of the hotel staff hands me my bouquet.
Xander bends his head and kisses my cheek.
“What was that for?” I ask.
He shrugs, straightening up. “Because I wanted to.”
I smile. “I like that answer.”
He chuckles.
“You look beautiful—really.”
“Thanks.” I smooth my hands down my dress. “It’s a little tight, but …”
“I like it.” He presses his hand to my belly and the baby kicks in response.
“You’re going to have to rip me out of it tonight.”
He grins, stifling a laugh. “I like the sound of that.”
“It’s time,” someone tells us. “Show time.”
The doors open and Jace and Nova walk ahead of us.
Xander waits for our turn and then starts forward. He walks slow, matching my pace.
We separate taking our places and then the music changes.
Everybody stands, looking toward the entrance for Rae.