I turn from the mirror where my mom is zipping me into my own dress to admire my daughters in their little ivory dresses with pink sashes and pink roses in their dark hair, both smiling so proudly.
“You are both beautiful,” I announce and kiss both of their cheeks. “Caleb is going to be so excited when he sees you.”
“He’s wearing a suit,” Josie informs me with a giggle. “He looks really big in it.”
“The man has the broadest shoulders I’ve ever seen,” Mom agrees with a chuckle.
“I think they’re ready,” Stacy announces as she walks into Steven and Gail’s formal living room, which has been dubbed the bride’s dressing room for today’s event. “Oh, honey, you’re so beautiful.” Her eyes fill with tears and I shake my head adamantly.
“No! No, no, no! No tears today. My makeup is done and I’ll look all red and stupid if I cry, and if you start I will too.” I pull my sweet cousin into a tight hug and fight tears.
“You know, this means we’re really sisters now. Who knew we’d end up marrying brothers?” She giggles as she pulls away and smiles happily. “I’m so happy for both of you.”
“Thank you.”
“Come on!” My dad calls as he steps in the room. “They’re not going to wait forever.”
“Oh please,” Mom waves him off with a roll of the eyes. “She’s the bride. They’ll wait as long as she wants. Where are they going to go?”
“I’m ready,” I assure them as I turn to take one more look in the mirror. The dress I chose is a simple ivory gown. It’s strapless and form-fitting, but has rouching all the way down to my feet, which are in pink satin Louboutin’s, a gift from Natalie and Jules.
Those girls and their shoes.
My hair is up in a twist at the base of my neck, and I’ve decided to forgo the veil.
I want to see him clear as day when I walk out there before our family and pledge myself and my children to him.
“Okay, I’ll see you out there.” Mom kisses my cheek and smiles wide before leaving the room.
“Here we go.”
Stacy leads us to the back door, and I take a moment to peek out at the beautiful back yard I’m about to get married in. Steven Montgomery’s yard is always lovely, especially in the spring. The fresh scent of lilacs fills the air. Seattle weather had mercy on me today and the sun is out with a light breeze floating through, making it perfect.
Alecia has outdone herself, as usual. She managed to get my favorite restaurant to cater, and they are set up and ready to go under the cover of the patio. Steven’s sound system has been wirelessly piped outside and At Last by Etta James has just started to play.
The family is seated in white folding chairs in the center of the yard in a semi-circle, and everyone is here. Leo Nash even returned late last night from his tour schedule so he could attend.
“Okay, girls, follow me.” Stacy winks at me and clenches her pink-rose bouquet in front of her as she sets off down the yard, and the girls follow, side by side, also clutching small bouquets rather than baskets of petals. When Caleb sees them, his face breaks out in a wide smile and he winks at the girls as they stand off to the side.
“Ready, baby girl?” Daddy smiles down at me.
“Absolutely. Let’s go.”
We step outside as everyone stands and smiles at us, but I only have eyes for my handsome man. His gorgeous blue eyes are soft and happy as he watches us approach.
“Nervous?” Dad whispers to me.
“Not a bit,” I whisper back.
“You may be seated,” The justice of the peace, Brian Parker, announces.
“Beena!” Olivia announces from Luke’s lap, making us chuckle.
“Yes, Brynna is pretty,” Luke murmurs.
“Who presents Brynna to Caleb?” Mr. Parker asks.
“Her mother and I do,” Dad answers, kisses my cheek and joins my hand with Caleb’s before taking his seat.
I pass my bouquet to Stacy and stand facing Caleb. He winks at me, making me chuckle.
“We are gathered here to celebrate the union of Caleb and Brynna in marriage, but we are also here to celebrate the union of a family.”
I swallow hard as I watch Caleb’s eyes.
“The sacred vows about to be exchanged are not just between Brynna and Caleb because you will not only be a new couple, you will be a new family. So, Madeline and Joseline, will you please join us now for the special family rites of this wedding?”
Caleb and I step back as Josie and Maddie approach, standing between us. Caleb pulls two necklaces out of his jacket pocket. They are platinum chains with heart pendants that have today’s date inscribed on the back.
As he drapes the first necklace over Maddie’s neck, his strong voice fills the air with the vows he’s written for each of them.
“I love you, Maddie, and I am devoted to making your life full of happiness and accomplishments, nurturing your creativity, encouraging your independence and making sure you always know what a gift you are to this world.” He kisses her forehead and she smiles up at him happily before admiring her pretty new necklace.
My eyes fill with tears as he turns to Josie.
“I love you, Josie, and I am devoted to making your life full of happiness and accomplishments, ensuring that you thrive to your fullest potential and that while you reach for the sky, you remain grounded by the love of our family and our home.”
There are many sniffles coming from our family now as Caleb kisses Josie’s forehead and then turns back to me.