Page 59 of One More Chance
Me:I guess I’m bad too.
Placing my phone in my pocket, I finish my breakfast and bound upstairs for my shower. It takes all of us over an hour to rotate in and get ready. Afterward, we pile into the car fresh faced and legs shaved.
We made special arrangements at the salon for some sort of special bridal spa package, which includes a massage to get us nice and relaxed first before they tweeze us, wash us, tug at our hair, and smear makeup all over our faces with forty different brushes. At first I wanted to object, but the complimentary mimosas sealed the deal for me.
When we walk out of the place three hours later, we’re practically magazine ready from the collarbones up, but still donning our zippered jackets and leggings. Did I mention there’s a small tent attached to the big tent where we’ll be getting ready? It’s equipped with everything we’ll need, including mobile air conditioning, lighting, and mirrors, and Nan is transferring our dresses, shoes, accessories and anything else she can think of there while we make our way back. Until right before the ceremony, we’re essentially chained to this room. And until she walks down the aisle, Lyla is completely chained to this room. Yes, there’s bathroom access.
As we walk into our tent, I find my old camera sitting on one of the mirrored tables. I had asked Nan if she knew where it was, and she said she’d dig it out for me.
“Are you going to take pictures?” Lyla asks, her voice filled with excitement.
“I was thinking about it.”
“Please do it. You haven’t in so long,” she says.
I run my hands over the top edge of the lens and shrug my shoulders. “Why not? I’m sure I can get some decent shots.”
I start unpackaging the new battery and shove it into the back of the camera, then hold it up, adjusting the lens focus. I look through it, all around the tent until it lands on Lyla standing in front of her dress, staring up at it. The look on her face is pure elation and I can’t help but adjust the focus and snap the photo.
Cora and I dress quickly, then help Lyla into hers and adjust her long veil. It falls down over the backless gown so beautifully, it brings tears to my eyes. Speaking of tears, we all take turns freshening each other’s makeup for that very reason, making sure our hair is perfect as well. By the time we’re completely ready, there’s only thirty minutes before the ceremony begins.
I desperately wanted a moment with Jensen before the ceremony began, but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen. Luckily, he’ll be seated in the front next to Nan and Paw and we’ll be able to see each other the entire time. Unfortunately, he’ll be so close I’ll have a hard time concentrating. I’m willing to make the sacrifice, though.
Nan enters the tent to check on us. Her beautiful gray hair is pulled in a simple elegant braid to the side. Her make up is light and refined. She’s wearing a pale pink dress that sways when she walks. “You girls ready?” she asks, but her smile falls away when her eyes find Lyla. Tears begin to well up and her hand clutches her chest. “Oh, baby.”
“How do I look, Nan?” Lyla asks, smoothing her dress with the palms of her hands.
“Like an absolute angel. I’m so glad I’m here for this,” Nan says. “Let’s go. It’s time.”
We collect our bouquets. Pale pink flowers mixed with white honeysuckle are wrapped in gray lace. Lyla won’t tell me the joke behind the honeysuckle but her and Gentry give each other a look every time someone brings it up.
We shuffle out of the tent and around to the entrance of the larger one, readying ourselves to step in as the song begins to play. Cora’s in front, then me, and Lyla is hidden behind us with Nan and Paw on each side of her. She insisted they both do it.
“Ready?” I whisper to her.
“Absolutely,” she says.
The song Wild Horses by The Sundays begins to play softly, and it’s time.