Hadley
ONE MONTH LATER
“You look beautiful,”my mom said as she straightened the veil that hung down my back.
But I also looked likeme. Somehow, I’d kept wedding craziness in check and, surprisingly, my mother had only given me minimal pushback. The ceremony and party were small—just our families and a few close friends.
After the incident with Calla, I’d gained some notoriety for a while. Someone had made the connection between me and The Little Daredevil video channel, and the story had spun out of control from there. I had no desire for additional eyes on me anytime soon.
I might start the channel up again someday but for now, I simply wanted to live my life. To experience the freedom Calder had given me in so many ways. Most of all, to be myself and feel loved in all those incarnations.
I smoothed my hands down the dress. It was sort of boho chic with my brown cowboy boots peeking out from beneath the white. I turned, giving my mom a hug. “Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
“You’re making me cry again,” Everly said, dabbing at her eyes.
I shot my sister a look. “What about you, Shy? Any tears yet?”
She rolled her eyes. “I’m just glad you didn’t stick us in some sort of pink taffeta.”
Everly choked on a laugh. “That would’ve been epic.”
“I’d never do that to you two.”
Shy shifted, uncomfortable even in the more casual sundress she wore. “Thank God for small mercies.”
“You know, it’s not going to kill you to dress up for one danged day,” Mom griped at Shiloh.
I covered my laugh with a cough. Shiloh sent me a dirty look. “I’m doing it, aren’t I?”
Mom took a steadying breath. “You are, and today is going to be perfect.”
It wouldn’t be. Some sort of minor disaster would sideline some part of the ceremony or party. But that imperfection would only make today more meaningful, burning it into our memories a little bit more.
A knock sounded on the door.
“Who is it?” my mom asked.
“It’s the father of the bride, ready to get this show on the road.”
Everly opened the door. “Come on in, Gabe.”
My dad stepped into the room and froze. “Hadley,” he whispered.
I pointed a finger at him. “Don’t you dare make me cry.”
He sniffed but crossed to me, pulling me into his arms. “You’re breathtaking. And you couldn’t have picked a better man than Calder.”
I held him tight for a few more seconds. “I know. I learned who the good ones were from my dad.”
“Love you.”
“Love you more.” I straightened, looping my arm through his. “Let’s do this.”
Mom kissed my cheek and went downstairs with Shy and Everly. I didn’t let go of my dad’s arm as we followed.
Calder and I had decided to get married at the property that had once been mine and was now ours. The house had more life now with the four of us here. Shouting and laughter and love all seeping into its walls.