Athena
ชร
I stood in front of the full–length mirror in the bridal boutique’s private fitting room, turning slightly to see how the dress accommodated my growing belly.
At five months pregnant, I was showing much more than I had when we’d first done fittings, and the seamstress had done an
excellent job with the alterations.
“Perfect fit,” the seamstress said, adjusting the fabric one last time. “The adjustments accommodate your belly beautifully. You’ll be
comfortable all day.”
“Thank you,” I said, running my hands over the bump. Both babies were active today, little flutters of movement that made me smile.
“You look absolutely stunning,” Sarah said from behind me, her voice thick with emotion. She was already tearing up, and we hadn’t
even gotten to the actual wedding yet.
“Don’t start crying again,” I warned her, though I was smiling. “You’ve cried at every single fitting.”
“I can’t help it,” she said, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. “You’re just so beautiful, and this is all so perfect, and I’m so happy for
you.”
Kiara, stood beside Sarah in her bridesmaid dress.
“She’s right though,” she said, adjusting the strap of her dress. “You look absolutely gorgeous. Tristan’s going to lose his mind when
he sees you.”
I smiled at the thought. We’d been legally married for months now, but the anticipation for this ceremony, the one where we’d
exchange vows in front of everyone we loved, felt just as powerful as signing that certificate had been.
“Okay, let’s get you out of this,” the seamstress said, coming over to help me with the buttons.
As I carefully changed back into my regular clothes, maternity jeans and a flowing top that accommodated my belly, my phone buzzed
with a text from Tristan.
How’s the fitting going? Missing you.
I smiled and typed back: Perfect. Missing you too. How’s your day?
Derek’s driving me crazy with wedding logistics. When did he become a wedding planner?
I laughed out loud, causing Sarah and Kiara to look at me questioningly.
18:24 Fri, Jan 30 …
Chapter 364
‘Derek’s apparently taken over wedding planning duties,” I explained.
Kiara rolled her eyes. “Of course he has. That man has an opinion about everything.”
“You two still haven’t figured out how to coexist peacefully?” I asked.
“Why would I want to coexist peacefully with someone who thinks he knows everything about everything?” Kiara said, but there was a
spark in her eyes that suggested she enjoyed their verbal sparring more than she wanted to admit.
“He doesn’t think he knows everything,” Sarah defended, though she was grinning. “He just… has strong opinions.”
“Strong, wrong opinions,” Kiara muttered.
We finished up at the boutique and headed to lunch, the three of us settling into a corner booth at our favorite café.
Leah called earlier that she couldn’t make it today, and I didn’t mind. Because I knew she had a life of her own.
The conversation naturally drifted to the wedding, and I pulled out my phone to show them the updated timeline Derek had sent me
that morning.
“See? This is what I mean,” Kiara said, scanning through it. “Who needs a minute–by–minute breakdown of the rehearsal dinner? It’s
dinner. We eat. We practice walking down an aisle. Done.”
“Derek likes things organized,” I said diplomatically.
“Derek likes control,” Kiara corrected. “There’s a difference.”
“You’re going to have to work with him, till this wedding is over,” Sarah pointed out but I could see the look on her face. “He’s the best man, you’re the maid of honor. You’ll be paired up for everything…walking down the aisle, the photos, the reception entrance, the
toasts…”
Kiara groaned. “Don’t remind me.”
‘It’ll be fine,” I assured her. “You should have fun.”
‘When Derek is there? Doubtful” Kiara said, but she was smiling.
The rehearsal was scheduled for Friday evening, exactly one week before the wedding.
The venue was beautiful, a historic estate with manicured gardens and a gazebo where we’d exchange our vows.
18:24 Fri, Jan 30 M
The Biker Alpha Who Became My Second Chance Mate
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
