I nodded. “And more.”
“What does that mean?”
“Nothing. Last week made me realize that Van’s past will never be gone, but it also taught me that he’ll do whatever he can to keep us protected from it.”
Vicki’s nose scrunched. “That was his brother at your parents’ house. Does he have other family?”
“A sister and parents. Oh, and a niece.”
“Are any of them coming?”
I shook my head. “They had a falling-out, or maybe multiple fallings-out.” I reached for Vicki’s hands and smiled. “Family is who we love, and I love you. I can’t believe you’re here.”
“I wouldn’t have made it without Van’s help. Now, let me see your wedding dress.” She looked around. “You know, sometimes it’s nice to keep things small and simple.”
“No Ana,” I said with a grin.
“That may have been what I was thinking.”
I tugged her hand. “Bring your coffee if you want. My dress is upstairs.” I stopped. “What are you going to wear during the wedding?”
Vicki shrugged. “I have no idea. Van asked my size.”
“He did what?”
“I mean, I said I could wear the bridesmaid dress from weddings one and two. He promised something else.”
I caught my lower lip between my teeth. Not only hadn’t Van mentioned Vicki’s arrival, but he also hadn’t said anything about a bridesmaid’s dress. “What you’re wearing is absolutely perfect.”
As we made it to the staircase, the doorbell chimed.
“Are you expecting company?” she asked.
I peeked beyond the French doors. “I’ll introduce you to Margaret.”
After scanning my handprint, I opened the front door. Margaret came in carrying a garment bag. “Special delivery for a maid of honor.”
“Did you all conspire against me?”
“No, Julia,” Margaret answered. “We all want this day to be the best it can be. By the way, Mom’s at the cabin and the decorations are up. Michael is there keeping an eye on things. Albert is outside, and Jonathon is in charge of bringing the judge.”
“Then I guess it’s time we go upstairs and get me ready.”
Vicki took a step back, scanning me from my slipper-clad feet to my satin robe. “I mean, you look pretty hot already.”
“Come upstairs and see my dress.”
Van
A few minutes earlier
As I walked away from Julia and Vicki, I had the oddest sensation.
It was normalcy.
Is that even possible for a man like me?
I slowed my stride and turned back. From this distance, the ladies’ words were out of range. Their expressions weren’t. The joy on Julia’s face, the way her lips gaped as she laughed. It was such a simple gesture and yet somehow it felt monumental.