Tonya takes a deep breath and then exhales. She does it three more times before her shoulders relax. Some of the severity leaves her gaze, and she finally speaks. "I appreciate what you and Dad were trying to do. Notice how I saidtrying." She gives me a stern look. The kind only a mother knows how to deliver. "Even though I am the last to know, I forgive you and Dad for withholding the information. Only because I know your hearts were in the right place." She smacks my arm with the back of her hand. "Though, if any shit like this happens again, you better tell me or I will have your ass."
"So," I ask uncertainly. "Are we okay?"
"Yes." She nods to emphasize her answer. "But I'm not playing. If you want me to rely on you more, and come to you first. You need to do the same."
"I will, I promise." I grab her hand and lace my fingers through hers. "I'm so sorry for keeping it from you. You have no idea how much I've worried myself over this whole thing."
`"Apology accepted. Besides, I'm sure it will all be handled before Saturday if Dad and Jake have anything to do with it." She leans into me, her mouth presses against mine, giving me a soft kiss that I immediately want to turn into more. Tonya pulls away before I can even wrap my arms around her. "Now go home and get some rest, we have a lot of work to do tomorrow."
That is not how I saw this kiss ending. I’ll do as she says, though. Anything to make her life easier. “Goodnight. I’ll see you in the morning.” I kiss her on the forehead before making my way to her door.
“I love you,” she whispers to my retreating back.
“I love you, too. Go to sleep.”
That conversation could have gone a completely different way. A way that might have ended with no wedding. I’m just happy that my girl is level-headed, and can see that I wasn’t trying to be malicious.
I call for Bryce, and we head home. We are going to have to bust ass in the morning to make this a perfect day for Tonya.
Nine
Tonya
My body issore and aching. Which is why I'm sprawled out across my bed letting everybody else take care of the final touches. Yesterday all hands were on deck to finish up the archway and arrange the chairs in rows across the backyard. We set the tables against the side of the house until they are needed after the ceremony. I have to say, we did a damn good job putting this wedding together after having to change the venue on such short notice.
Layla is pulling out every toy she owns from the toybox. I can't even find the energy get up and get ready, much less freak out about the mess she is making. The wedding begins in two hours, and a tiny part of me feels horrible for not being out there and helping our families set everything up.
I roll over and peek out of the window only to see Reaf and Travis carrying the arch to the back of the yard. There's a roll of white fabric sitting front and center, waiting to be rolled out when it's time for me to walk toward my new future.
Tears form in my eyes, and slowly roll down my cheek. This whole wedding is something I never envisioned for myself. When I found out I was pregnant with Layla, I figured I would be single until she was grown. I could barely balance school and work in the beginning of my pregnancy. Then Reaf came along and changed everything. He was stubborn and went for what he wanted. And… he wantedme. I am beyond lucky to have him in my life.
A knock at my door pulls my attention away from the window, and forces me to get off of my bed. I ease the door open just a sliver to see who it is. When I notice my cousin, Amelia, standing on the other side, I throw the door open and wrap my arms around her. We used to be so close growing up and when we got into high school, we sort of drifted apart. I didn't realize how much I missed her until now.
"Cuz, loosen your grip. I can't breathe." She's patting me on the back with one hand, while the other is trying to push me back to give her some space.
"I didn't know you were going to be here." I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. Some of my best memories include her, and I’m happy she’s here to celebrate this special day with me.
She takes a step back. "Well, I couldn't miss my favorite cousin's wedding. What kind of a crappy person would I be if I didn't come?"
"Don't just stand in my doorway like some sort of creeper, come in." I turn around and pick Layla up, adjusting her on my hip. "Close the door because Mom is crazy serious about the whole bride not seeing the groom thing."
Amelia closes the door and walks closer until she is standing right in front of me. She grabs Little Bean’s tiny hand and gently shakes it. "Hi, Layla. I know it’s only been three months since I last saw you, but you’ve gotten so much bigger." Of course, she’s talking in that ridiculous baby voice I loathe so much.
My cousin is making goofy faces, and Layla is giggling as if it's the funniest thing she’s ever seen. All three of us sit on my bed so that me and Amelia can catch up. It’s been too long since we have had any sort of girl talk, and she has changed so much since I last saw her. There is a new shyness that she didn't have before. I want to know what killed the exuberant person she used to be. She was the life of the party when we were younger, and now… Now, she folds into herself, like she’s scared of anyone seeing her. I noticed it when she was here for New Year’s, but it’s even more apparent now. I miss the old Amelia.
Cami barges into the room. Doesn’t bother knocking, or anything else. “Tonya, the wedding starts in an hour and a half. Why aren’t you getting ready?” Her voice is high and demanding. “I want your butt in that chair,now.”
My eyes go wide, and Amelia laughs. “Hey Cami,” she says over her shoulder. “Long time no see.”
“I saw you not that long ago,” Cami rolls her eyes. “You are now on hair duty while I do her makeup.”
“Um, okay.” Amelia breathes out, and it sounds more like a question than agreement. “How do you want your hair, cuz?”
“I don’t know. Ask drill sergeant, Cami over there.”
Cami huffs in frustration. “You were always great at braids when we were kids, why don’t you do french braids on the sides to meet up in the middle. Then, we can do loose curls for the unbraided hair.”
“I can do that,” Amelia replies. “I need a few hair ties and bobby pins.”