"Uh, noted.Thank you for looking out for my fiancée's wellbeing," he says, dropping a kiss on my head.
Collective "awws" fill the air.
"You two are perfect," Amanda sighs."Have you set a date?"
"No, I need time to find a wedding dress."
Amanda claps excitedly."Oh yes!You're going to be the most beautiful, fashionable bride in the world.I'm clearing my schedule."
After more chatting, we hang up and join Nick and Cole, who are celebrating with Cole's exclusive beer.My future husband pulls me close, his hand warm on my knee.I glance up at him, unable to contain my grin.
I'm getting MARRIED!
My mind drifts to earlier, to our conversation about babies.Maybe soon there'll be more than just a wedding to celebrate.The thought makes me snuggle closer to Cole, my heart so full it might burst.
Everything I never knew I wanted, right here in my arms.My fierce, tender man.Our growing family.Our future.
Perfect.
46
ALISHA
"You’re breathtaking, honey.Your beauty will knock the air out of Cole's lungs," my mom says, tears welling in her eyes as she opens her arms.
I hug her tight, breathing in her familiar perfume."I love you, Mom.But please don't break down.If you cry, I will too, and then I'll have to redo my makeup."Again- morning sickness has already made me touch it up twice, though no one knows that yet.
"I know, give me a moment."She sniffles, tightening her hold.My parents are everything I hope to be someday.They taught me to be true to myself, to love who I am regardless of others' opinions.Those lessons made me the strong woman I am today - the woman who'll soon be both wife and mother.My hand drifts unconsciously to my still-flat stomach.
"Are you ready to see yourself?"Mom steps back, catching the gesture with a knowing look that makes me wonder if she suspects.
I turn to face the full-length mirror, and my breath catches.The wedding dress is absolute perfection - a sexy sheer open back with modern lace patterns flowing into a sleek crepe skirt.The sheer organza bodice with French lace makes the details pop, creating gorgeous straps that lead to an open keyhole back.Fabric-covered buttons trail down the length of the train like delicate pearls.My loose waves frame my face, and there's a glow to my skin that has nothing to do with makeup.
"Oh, I'm smoking."And carrying a precious secret.
A knock interrupts my thoughts."Can we please come in?"Amanda calls impatiently.
I laugh at the chorus of whispers from my friends.Mom grins as she opens the door, and squeals of delight fill the room.
"Alisha, you're...I will not cry," Amanda says, though she's already sniffling."This finished look is extraordinary."
Bella and Emma wait their turn to gush."My god, you take being a bride to another level.Your soon-to-be husband will need to pick his jaw off the ground," Bella grins.
"His self-control will be tested today," Emma adds with a wink."Bet he can't wait to get you alone after he slides that ring on your finger."
If only they knew about the tiny secret growing inside me - Cole's self-control is about to be tested in more ways than one.
"You girls look remarkable too."I admire my best friends in their romantic chiffon spaghetti strap bridesmaid dresses, the v-necks elegant and flowing.
"Are you ready to claim your man?"Emma asks.
Butterflies - or maybe morning sickness - swirl in my stomach at the thought of my personal Thor in his suit.Last night at my parents' house was the first night we'd spent apart since the proposal, and I already miss him.He stayed home with Samantha and Brian, probably driving them crazy with pre-wedding jitters.
We chose Six-Pack for our venue - where we first met, where our adventure began.When we asked Brian if we could transform his club for the ceremony, he'd beamed and said, "Hell yes.We'll turn it into your dream venue."
My eyes fill with tears as Carmen enters with Samantha and Charlotte.Their matching dresses feature satin v-neck tops with delicate straps flowing into effortless chiffon skirts.The sight of them makes my hormones surge - or maybe it's the thought of telling Samantha she'll be a big sister.
I stop in front of Sam, taking her hands in mine."You are one gorgeous lady."
