And, for once, it felt like everything was actually going right.
Behind Tessa, on the first floor of the Summer House, the models lined up, each wearing a stunning bridal or bridesmaid gown, excitement buzzing in the air. The hairstylists adjusted final curls while the makeup artists dabbed last-minute touches of shimmer. The whole operation was a well-oiled machine, and Tessa couldn’t help but feel genuine pride in her work.
Her gaze landed on Nolie, standing in her soft pink flower girl dress, dancing on her little Mary Janes in anticipation of how she would pirouette down the boardwalk. The layers of tulle fluttered around her, her dark hair spilling on her shoulders under a tiny tiara, her eyes bright with excitement.
Looking at that little angel, Tessa felt an unexpected lump in her throat.
She knew how much this moment meant to Nolie—to feel special, to be part of something dazzling. The real thrill was for Tessa, though. She’d made a permanent change in Nolie’s life, and she’d been able to give that child the same kind of love and attention Artie had given her.
“She loves you so much.”
Tessa turned at the words, finding Crista next to her, wearing the pale blue bridesmaid dress she would be modeling today.
“That’s funny,” Tessa said. “I was just thinking the same thing about her.”
Crista put a hand on Tessa’s arm. “Thank you so much for all you’ve done for her.”
“I got a lot out of it, too,” she said, then leaned in with a raised brow. “And, uh, how are you doing?”
Crista gave a slow, knowing smile. “Well, you can be the second person to know that I am?—”
Just then, Anthony joined them, slipping a hand around Crista’s waist. “You okay, babe? Want to sit down before you walk the aisle?”
“Yes, yes, I’m good. I was just talking to Tessa.”
“It’s fine,” Tessa said, giving her arm a squeeze. “I know what you are.”
Crista exhaled a small laugh, but Nolie came running up to all of them so Crista could get a good look at her “high heels and crown.”
Anthony inched closer to Tessa. “Nolie can’t rave about you enough,” he added. “You’ve made her feel like a star.”
Giving him a wink, Tessa crouched down to Nolie’s level. “You ready to steal the show, Figsworth?”
Nolie giggled, spinning again. “I was born ready!”
Before Tessa could respond, Jonah emerged from the guys’ dressing room—the bathroom—in a tuxedo, looking equal parts jaw-dropping and uncomfortable.
“Dude, you clean up very nice,” Tessa said as she stepped closer to him.
The man was clearly unused to wearing anything more formal than a button-down, and even that was rare. Now, stuffed into an expensive tux, he tugged at the collar like it was strangling him.
“Let’s get this over with before I die of asphyxiation,” he grumbled, but couldn’t help smiling as he shook back his locks. He turned to Eli, who was looking sharp in a slate-gray morning suit and tails. “But at least I’m not dressed like the guy on the Monopoly board.”
Eli laughed but his smile faltered as the “brides” dressing room door opened and Kate walked out. She wore a shimmery A-line white gown, looking ethereal and perfect and…holy cow, Tessa thought she might cry.
And Eli looked like he already was.
“You’re so beautiful,” he sighed, walking toward her with the same expression Tessa had seen on so many grooms during the highly photographed “first look” moments at the weddings she’d coordinated.
Jonah and Tessa shared a quick look, their eyes wide.
“He’s a goner,” Jonah mumbled. “You better get that woman to move here.”
“Operation Kate Relo? I’m on it.”
“Oh, look at Aunt Vivien.” Jonah’s smile grew as he peered over Tessa’s shoulder.
She turned to spy her friend rising from the hair and makeup station. She sashayed over in an emerald-green tea-length dress, her freshly done lashes popping wide at Jonah.
