Eye roll as my Auntie Ellen chimed in. “Twenty-three minutes. This is some good shit, Pam.”
We arrived at Charleston’s, and I couldn’t help but smile at Tawnee’s excitement for the big day. Her face lit up as she leaned over to me. “Thank you for finding me last night. I can’t believe the panic that took over.”
For the first time in my life, I understood crippling panic. And now I understood getting past it. Having faith in someone and taking a risk that could be the best and most frightening thing we’d ever face. “I think everyone has those moments. Maybe you just needed a little time to decompress and let the hype settle down.”
She giggled. “Or you take the best man for a shirtless dance off, and all problems just melt away.”
“Right?”
Tawnee looked around. “His words just cut through everything I was worrying about. I’ve only known Gabe as long as I’ve known Ed, but something about him seems different.”
I felt hearts shooting from my eyes. “Really?”
“Yeah, he’s always been this tough guy, but he was so caring and helped me see through all the crap last night from a man’s perspective.”
After lunch, we headed back to the room, as my head bobbed around, hoping to see Gabe. Once in the room, the crew of beautifiers awaited our arrival, and they went to town with hair and makeup. Last but not least, I slid into my Maid of Honor dress.
Brandon opened his door, and I read his face.
“Yes, I look like a girly girl today.” I ran my hand across the stunning deep purple bridesmaid dress. It was long, elegant, and fit me like a glove. My cousin’s good taste had taken my figure up a notch as it hugged me in all the right places.
“Nice.” He walked around me. “Ass of a goddess…check. Tummy flat enough to host a body shot competition…check. Tits to make a stripper jealous…check. Girly girl doesn’t do it. Give me a spin.”
I spun in circles until he grabbed my hand. “Be careful. You’re going to hurt yourself.”
While I wanted to tell him to shut up, it was spot on advice for me.
“So what’s on the schedule now?”
“The car will be here to take the girls to the church shortly. Do you just want to meet me there at four?”
He sat on the chair in the corner. “Sure. When are you going to share the joyful news with Mr. Wonderful?”
“The wedding pictures aren’t until after the ceremony so probably won’t get to chat until after the I do’s.”
He stood and gave me a hug. “Well, I’m glad things are working out.” He pulled back and shot me a warning look. “I just want you to take this slow. He’s already hurt you?—”
“I hear you, but I think this is going to be my happy ending.”
He arched a brow. “Said Sleeping Beauty and Snow White.”
I popped my hands on hips. “But they ended happy…right?”
He sighed. “Did they?”
I honestly couldn’t remember. “Whatever. This is my story, and it ends in a memorable fashion. I know it.”
He gave a fretful sigh. “Explosion or eruption?”
I did a happy dance. “If he does it right—both.” That got him laughing as I skipped out the door.
“See you at four!”
Once at the church, the girls nibbled on the amazing snacks I was certain my mother had placed in the bride’s room.
The photographer stopped by to get some pictures of us as we helped Tawnee into her wedding gown. It was a strapless ball gown with bling, bling, and more bling. It was stunning, beautiful, unique, and I had no stinking clue on how she was going to squeeze through the damn door.
I ran through the church to make sure the florist had all the flowers where they were supposed to be, chatted with the videographer, and we were good to go.
