“Yeah, we have an hour until it’s go time,” my dad says.
My parents have never met Lyla or her parents, they didn’t care though. They welcomed our wedding with open arms. I knew as soon as I called them, they’d be willing and ready to help us out.
“I’m ready when you are, is everything done?” I ask.
“Yep, we just left the venue, and everything is set up. All we have to do is show up,” Reed states.
“Whelp, I guess we better go get in our Sunday best, boys,” Dylan states, slapping me on the back. I watch him and his sons head to their room before turning back to look at my dad, “What are you thinking about over there?”
“How damn proud I am of you. You made your shop a massive success, didn’t take the offer we gave you to even help you start it, and now look at you. You’re so in love, much like I am with your Mom. I see nothing but good things from here on out for you and Lyla. Even without meeting her, I know she’s the one for you. Plus, look at how much her friends and family banded around you and Lyla for this to take off. I’m damn proud son, damn proud,” he reiterates while bringing me into a hug. My dad isn’t normally the one to tell you his emotions and how he feels — that’s usually Mom’s department. He even has me choked up with what he’s telling me.
“Thanks, Dad. It means a lot, you and Mom raised me not to take life for granted, not to live off of someone else’s wealth. I had to do this on my own, but without your advice I probably would have never made it,” I say with honesty.
“Love you, Colt,” He gives me a hug and I respond, “Love you too, Dad,” then we head off to get ready. I have a bride to marry.
25
Lyla
“Ouch,” I say out loud after pinching myself, feeling like I’m living in a fairytale right now. The girls helped me get ready, along with my mom and Colt’s Mom, who is so sweet. It’s like having another bonus Mom in our family.
I’m standing in front of the mirror, my hair is done in a low bun with soft tendrils falling around my face, my makeup is simple and understated, but my dress. Dear God, it’s the dream dress I envisioned when us three were teenagers and flipping through magazines looking at what would be our dream wedding. It’s cream in color. I never wanted the white dress with a puffy ball gown feel, instead I always wanted softer muted tones. A dress that was simple yet elegant, it has a plunging back, cap sleeves, it’s fitted to my frame, and detailed with all the lace overlay I could ever dream of.
“What are you ouching about?” Callie comes up beside me in her bridesmaid dress. She’s as beautiful as ever in her silverfish-grey colored, v-neck chiffon mermaid dress. Her and Presley look amazing in them.
“I swear it’s like I’m dreaming and this can’t be real life,” I blow out a puff of air, trying to calm the butterflies in my stomach. I’m not nervous about marrying Colt, it’s more like I’m so excited I can’t stand myself.
“Well you aren’t dreaming. You and Presley, you’ve been there for me every step of the way, and I couldn’t be happier and prouder than I am of you two now. Not to mention, both of the men you chose accepted all the craziness that goes along with us and Clairabella.” Tears are shimmering in her eyes, which is making my eyes tear up. “Oh my gosh, you two. Stop, I’m usually the one crying, why are you two crying?” Presley comes to join in.
“This woman, it’s all her fault,” I point my thumb at Callie blaming her, which causes us all to laugh. Callie is usually the one keeping us in line, now it seems to be Presley’s job.
“Well, we need to dry it up, we have fifteen minutes until we’re set to go and Clairabella has something to give you from Colt.”
“What in the world could that man give me that he already hasn’t?” I question.
“That’s easy to answer Auntie Lala,” she’s in her flower girl dress, ivory in color like my own, and a sash wrapped around her waist that’s the same color has Presley and Callie’s dress.
“Oh yeah, and how is that,” I bend down to give her a squeeze, when we break apart, she hands me a small wrapped box.
I take it out of her hand and ask her, “Will you pull the bow off for me?” she does as I ask with a big smile on her face. Opening the lid to the box my heart stops.