It’s finally here. Not the wedding, but the rehearsal dinner. So maybe instead I should say it’s almost wedding time. And after the whole venue hiccup and the best man almost missing—thank goodness Ethan’s brother caught a later flight—I’m ready to find a proverbial cloud to float on.
And this pink dress with tiny white rose polka dots is going a long way to get me there. When I first laid eyes on it at the Pink Hibiscus—another exceptional Sarabella shop I can’t wait to feature in my future column—I knew it was perfect.
I’m excited to show it off for Luke, even though it’s not technically adatedate. So far, all of our dates have been more like happenstance. I want a real first date with Luke that’s planned and just about us. No bus rides, hockey games, rehearsal dinners, or weddings. Once this weekend is over and the dust settles, we can finally focus on us because I think I may have finally broken my romance curse.
I check my bag to make sure I have all my camera equipment and then some, since I promised Mia I would take plenty of pictures of tonight. She hired a great photographer for the wedding, but tonight is my gift to her.
That’s just one aspect of my duties tonight, along with making sure the bride doesn’t have a meltdown and the groom doesn’t flake out. Not that Ethan would, but weddings have a way of making people do—and say—crazy things.
My fingers brush over gift I brought for Luke. A framed picture of him hugging Kinsley after the game she attended before going back to New York. When I went through the images later that day, saw the image, I knew I had to get a print made. I think I’m more excited about giving it to him than the wedding. Definitely not going to mention that to Mia.
But the true heart squeeze came when I viewed the pictures Kinsley took of Luke and me. The look in his eyes melted me into a puddle. I revisit these often, then pinch myself to make sure it’s real.
As soon as I arrive at the Turtle Tide, I get busy hanging the photo garland I created from shots I stole of them when they weren’t looking and images their families provided on the sly. The series of pictures shows their love story. I can’twait to see Mia’s reaction when she sees it because she loves these kinds of things.
A gasp from behind whirls me around. Mia stands there, her tear-filled eyes taking in the garland swagged over the seats where she and Ethan will sit for the dinner.
“Soph, I…I…” She waves her hands in front of her face. “Oh, mascara!”
I nab one of the drink napkins from a nearby table and hand it to her. “Do you like it?”
She holds the napkin under her eyes to catch her tears. “Are you kidding? It’s so beautiful.”
With a sob, she throws her arms around me, all concern about her mascara tossed aside. I pat her back, thinking about the mascara stains I left on Luke’s shirt and worrying about my new pink polka dot dress. But what can I do? Something else must be happening because she’s still sobbing.
I pull away enough to see her face. “Mia, what’s going on?”
She dabs her eyes with what’s left of the cocktail napkin. “I’m just so happy.”
I lean to the side so I can get a look at her downturned face. “Are you sure that’s all it is?”
She bobs her head. “Yes. No.” She sniffs, then looks as if she’s about to wail. “I got my period!”
“Oh, sweetie. I’m so sorry.” Which I am. Not a fun way to start a honeymoon, but I’m relieved it’s not cold feet or something worse, like a groom gone rogue. “Let’s get you cleaned up, okay? Some cool water on those eyes will do the trick. And I brought my makeup bag, just in case.”
Ethan gives me a concerned look as we walk past. Once again, I do my best using facial expressions and hand signals to reassure him everything is fine as I grab my case and lead Mia to the restroom. If this is our only hiccup for the evening, I will consider the night a win.
Once we’re in the bathroom, Mia makes a beeline for the mirrors and is on the verge of another emotional breakdownwhen she sees raccoon eyes staring back at her. “Why do I have to be allergic to waterproof mascara?”
“It’s okay.” I pull her hair away from her face. “Just cup the water to your face and we’ll redo your makeup.”
My phone chimes, alerting me to a text message. Luke said he would meet me here after he was done with practice since the dinner was planned to be early to accommodate Mia’s grandparents, who go to bed at seven every night. I know the timing’s tight, so I hope his text says he’s on the way.
Once Mia’s face is dry, I let go of her hair and bring out my makeup case, mentally thanking my gut for the nudge to include it and check my phone.
Only it wasn’t Luke, who texted me. His sister did.
KINSLEY: I need your help.
CHAPTER 26
LUKE
Igrab Derek’s wrist and check his watch for the third time during practice. Normally, we’re heading to the showers about now, but Gabe’s running us extra hard today in prep for our next game. There’s a lot of expectation riding on this one, for some reason, and I’m not entirely sure why.
Gabe let Ethan leave early since it’s his rehearsal dinner and his bride-to-be would probably go full throttle on him for being late, but I don’t think being the ‘special guest’ of the maid of honor will hold any clout with Coach. Not in the mood he’s in today.
“Got someplace to be, hotshot?”
