“Everleigh,” she squeals as I carefully wrap my arms around her. “You’re freakin’ gorgeous.”
“Look at you! Your makeup is perfect, and that tiara looks great on you. You’re beautiful,” I say, pointing at the jewels. Her hair is in big ringlets that fall past her shoulders.
Gemma comes over and squeezes me. “You made it!”
“Of course! We’ve been waitin’ for this day since high school!” I flash Katie a wink since we all knew Noah was in love with her long before they ever got together.
Katie meets my eyes and sighs. “I’ve been waiting a lifetime.”
“And now the big day isfinallyhere,” Gemma cheers.
Katie’s mother comes in with one of her sisters, and they’re each holding one of the twin boys. They bring them over to the couch and sit.
“Oh my gosh! My ovaries! They look so adorable.” The twins are dressed in tiny tuxedos.
Leaving over, I kiss their rosy cheeks, happy my lipstick won’t easily wipe away. “You both look like mini princes right now.”
Owen enters and looks agitated.
“What’s wrong?” Katie asks, and he whispers something in her ear.
“I put some in the car. Go ask your dad for the keys,” she says, and he leaves.
“Forgot deodorant.” She snickers. “Boys.”
“At least he thought to ask,” Gemma says. “Some of the men at the gym could use that thought process.”
Scarlett starts crying, and that’s when I notice Belinda sitting in the corner of the room. Gemma rushes over, but I offer to take her. “Hey, sweetie pie. Why so fussy?”
She wraps her arms around me. “You need a nap, huh?”
“Bababa,” she demands.
“Mm-hmm. You’re right.”
Gemma chuckles, handing Scarlett some juice.
“You’re gettin’ heavy. Gonna be driving soon,” I say, adjusting my position.
Gemma shakes her head. “No, I want her to stay this little forever and ever.”
“Theyneverdo,” Katie interjects with a sweet smile.
As I keep Scarlett company, Belinda chats with Gemma. When Scarlett tires of me and begins reaching for Belinda, I hand her over.
“We’ll be sitting in the front row,” Belinda says, taking the diaper bag and walking out.
“They’re two peas in a pod.” Gemma beams with a sparkle in her eye.
“Tyler told me Belinda’s really stepped up as a grandmother,” I say.
“She has. Scarlett loves her so much, and Belinda loves to spoil her.”
Jerry couldn’t have found a better woman to spend the rest of his life with.
After Katie’s makeup is done, she stands, then spins so we can see the entire dress.
“Wow,” I say just as Katie’s mom bursts into tears. “You’re stunning.”