Cami digs around in my drawers until she finds what she needs. After she gives the hair accessories to Amelia, she grabs my makeup and gets to work.
Darcy comes in a few moments later, and plays with Layla. Keeping her occupied until Cami and Amelia are done glamming me up. I didn’t have this sort of treatment when I got ready for prom. It’s maddening trying to follow both of their directions. My head is being tilted and turned so much that a headache begins to form.
I breathe a sigh of relief when they are done. Amelia helps Layla pick up her toys while I pull all of our dresses from the back of my closet. Next are our shoes. Each of us will be sporting a pair of Converses as we walk down the aisle. There’s no point in being uncomfortable for the short amount of time we’ll be standing in front of everyone.
Amelia is about to make her departure when someone knocks on the door. “Tonya,” Reaf’s voice floats through the air.
Crap. “Don’t open it Amelia. If Mom finds out, she’ll throw a fit.”
“I’m not going to come in, weirdo.” His husky laugh sends tingles throughout my body.
Butterflies erupt in my stomach, and I’m beginning to feel nauseated. Why are my nerves kicking in now? It’s definitelynotthe time for that to happen. I lean against the door, wanting to know why he’s here when he should be in Layla’s room getting ready. “Do you need something?”
“No. I ju-,” he stutters, nerves making his voice waver. “I just want to tell you that I love you, and I cannot wait to make you my wife. You mean everything to me, and this is thebestday of my life.”
“Stop, you’re going to make me cry,” I sniffle. “I love you, too. You should probably get ready; the ceremony will begin soon.”
“Always so bossy,” I hear through the door. “I guess I’ll see you at the altar.”
“There’s no guessing. I’ll see you there.” A smile creeps onto my face. “Just remember, you signed up for this.”
“And, I’d do it again if I had to.”
This man, who wanted to date a pregnant girl, and has been there every step of the way for my daughter… He has me, heart and soul.
“Okay, Lover Boy,” Cami yells. “Get away from the door before I have to redo all of Tonya’s makeup.”
“Yes ma’am.” I’m sure he probably did a smart assed salute, and I wish I could see him right now. I’ll wait because seeing him at the altar will be worth it.
“I guess it’s time for me to get my ass dressed, too.”
“Yep, but let us get dressed first so we can get you into your dress and get Layla ready last. Caroline was finishing one last thing up, and she’ll be in here soon.”
Amelia takes the opportunity to exit the room without a word. I’m definitely going to have to figure out what’s going on with her.
* * *
The girls look amazing in their bridesmaids’ dresses. Now that they are the right ones, at least. They each wear a turquoise skater dress with black Converse. Plus side, they won’t be sweating while we’re outside.
I, however, feel like I’m carrying another body on me. I love the dress, even though you can’t see my turquoise shoes underneath all the tulle, I just didn’t expect for it to weigh so much after I put it on. Layla looks like a tiny princess. Her dress is almost exactly like mine except for the small sparkles adorning the skirt in various places. She’s wearing a crown of turquoise flowers on top of her head with ribbons curling behind her. This girl is going to be the showstopper.
Cami looks out the window to make sure everyone is where they are supposed to be. In less than twenty minutes I’ll be walking toward the person I love. The one who will always be my home.
Mom sweeps in and immediately bursts into tears. “Mija, you look beautiful.”
“Not you, too,” Cami groans. “If you make her cry, I won’t have enough time to fix her makeup.”
“Oh hush,” Mom chides. “Just wait until it’s your turn. I’ll be a blubbering mess then, too.”
Cami’s face scrunches up, and she pales. For someone in a committed relationship, I find it hilarious that marriage terrifies her.
“I wanted to give you these things before you walk into your new life. You already have something new and something blue.” She points to my dress and my shoes. “This necklace has been passed down from mother to daughter in our family. Lala gave it to me, and I’m giving it to you.” It’s a gold chain with a small, simple cross suspended from it. Mom stands behind me, pushes my hair to the side, and fastens the clasp before letting my hair fall back into place.
She taps her chin. “Now, for something borrowed.” She places the small white handkerchief she had clenched in her hand. “I want this back after the wedding.”
“Even if it’s all wet and snotty?”
“Even then,” she replies. “Reaf is already out there waiting for you. I’ll head out there so you girls can come out of this room. I’m sure you’re sick of being in here.”