Camila
Everything feels chaotic but, at the same time, calm.
The wedding coordinator rapidly talks through her headset, shouting orders while my mom fluffs the bottom of Selena’s dress.
Then Hess appears.
Black suit, black tie, stubble trimmed to perfection, hair curling just enough over his ears to make my fingers itch with the urge to touch it. My breath catches, because yes, he’s handsome, but it’s more than that. It’s the way he carries himself—confident, grounded, a gentleness behind every manly feature. Then his eyes land on me, and his hand slowly lifts, resting on the back of his head as his gaze sweeps down the length of my black bridesmaid dress, halting for a moment on the slit on my upper thigh, then continuing up to my face. There’s no mistaking the appreciation in his stare. He likes what he sees. Heat rushes up my neck, and before I can say anything, he says it out loud.
“You’re stunning.” His words come out on a reverent breath, and nothing has ever made me feel more beautiful than this moment.
“So are you.”
He pulls me into a soft hug, whispering into my ear, “How many hours do I have to wait until I’m alone with you?”
My head falls back with light laughter. “Quite a few.”
He kisses the soft spot just below my ear, scattering chills down my spine. “Something to look forward to.”
The wedding coordinator snaps, telling us all to line up. Behind the barn doors, violins swell louder. I glance over my shoulder, and my heart expands. Selena, radiant in white lace, her arm looped through Mamá’s, a huge smile on her face. My heart expands, so happy that my mom has the honor of walking Selena down the aisle.
It’s fitting.
She raised an incredible woman, and now she gets to give her away.
I lean in, whispering to them. “Let’s go get you married to the love of your life.”
But before I can turn back, she reaches out, grabs my arm, and pulls me into a hug. “Thank you for supporting me, Cami. I couldn’t do this without you.”
Emotion swells, stinging the corners of my eyes as I hug her back tightly. There have been times over the years when I resented the ease of Selena’s life. The fact that she didn’t have to carry any of the same burdens I had to, but all that melts away into perfect love. Everything I did for Selena growing up was so that she could have a better life. Every sacrifice led to this moment, so she could have the unattainable fairy tale I wished for so badly when I was younger. There’s a swell of pride that I was able to help make this moment possible.
I sheltered her enough to keep her from becoming jaded like me.
“You’re my baby sister. I love you so much.” I pull back to meet her gaze. “I’ll support you no matter what.”
The doors creak open, and a collective gasp ripples through the guests. I slide my arm through Hess’s, and he nudges us forward. My pulse pounds in rhythm with the music as we step down the aisle, smiles surrounding us.
He leans close, voice pitched low for only me. “Do you remember our wedding day?”
A short laugh escapes me. “How could I forget?”
His eyes glint with mischief. “Bit different vibe this time, huh?”
“I don’t anticipate the groom quotingThe Princess Brideduring the ceremony.”
“Sorry I did that. That was dumb and immature.”
I squeeze his arm. “It was exactly what I needed in that moment.”
His lips press into a closed-mouth smile as we stare at each other until we reach the front. I switch my gaze to Landon. He’s already tearing up. I send him a small smile, a silent approvalthat I’m happy he’s marrying my sister. Then Hess presses a featherlight kiss to my cheek before we split to opposite sides.
The violins deepen, and the crowd stands.
Escorted by Mamá, Selena walks down the aisle, eyes locked on Landon, and I’m struck by how much I want this kind of love to run me over like a freight train. My gaze flips to Hess. He’s already watching me, and in his eyes, I swear I see my future.
It’s beautiful and scary at the same time.
The ceremony begins. Words about love, honor, and forever fill the air. I should be watching Selena and Landon, but I can’t stop finding Hess’s eyes across the aisle. Every time the preacher says something about having and holding, in sickness and in health, Hess holds my gaze, and I know he believes all of those vows.
