“I wouldn’t miss your wedding day for anything, Em.”
“You should try and talk to him later. It may give you both some closure.”
I see the tears glistening her eyes before she turns her face away. That concerns me. She’s as tough as nails, she never cries. “I can’t.”
I’m not going to push it. I’d never pressure her. “I love you,” I say, kissing her cheek.
A small smile tugs at her lips as she looks back at me. “I love you, too, Em.”
When there’s a knock on the door, I release her. “Are you ready?” my dad asks, stepping into the room. “It’s time. The cars have arrived.”
“Yes,” I reply. This day has been a long time coming.
Reaching out, I give Carla’s hand one last squeeze before I hook my arm through my father’s. My dad holds out his other elbow for her, and tears rise to her eyes once more. Her family may suck, but I’m more than willing to share mine with her.
The three of us walk down the long corridor toward the front door. The church where we’ll say our nuptials is in Rancho Palos Verdes, so Valentina insisted we get ready here. My father, Charlotte, Duchess, and I spent the night. Ashton and Grayson stayed at our home in Hermosa. Carla arrived early this morning because she still doesn’t do sleepovers.
The reception will be held here at the Barclay’s estate. A huge white marquee was erected in the backyard overlooking the ocean, and fairy lights have been strung everywhere. I got my first glimpse of the yard last night once the sun went down. It was breathtaking. A sea of fresh flowers arrived this morning. Ashton’s parents spared no expense on today.
Tomorrow morning, Ashton and I are flying to Paris for our honeymoon. Since we’re leaving our daughter here with her grandmother, we’re only staying a week. Seven days without her seems like an eternity.
We descend the front steps where Ashton’s parents are waiting. Charlotte is chasing Duchess around the three white Rolls Royces parked in the circular driveway, under their watchful eye. She looks so sweet in her white flower girl dress. The bodice is lace, and the skirt is very similar to mine.
Valentina had one of her designer friends make our one-of-a-kind dresses. I’m so in love with mine. It’s everything I imaged and more. The elegant sweetheart gown hugs my torso perfectly, thousands of hand-sewn crystals adorn the bodice, making it shimmer in the sunlight. The A-line skirt is a splendorous display of tulle and chic organza layered swirls.
“Momma,” Charlotte calls, running toward us.
My father’s hand covers mine. “You look so beautiful, pumpkin. I only wish your mother could be here to see her only daughter get married. She’d be so proud of the woman you’ve become.”
“Thanks, Dad.” She’s in my heart. She’ll always be in my heart.
“And me, Pa? I bootiful.”
My father’s eyes shine with love as he looks down at his granddaughter. This little girl has brought so much happiness into all our lives. We named her Charlotte after my mother, Charlie for short, and she’s the apple of Ashton’s eye. He worships the ground she walks on.
“Exceptionally beautiful, even prettier than your momma, Charlie-bear,” he says, looking at me and winking.
“I bootiful,” she says, spinning around in a circle, making me laugh. She has her father’s ego.
It’s been almost three years since Ashton told me we were getting married. He did come home the following day, though, with a princess cut diamond ring and got down on one knee. He wanted to have the wedding before the baby came along, but I didn’t want to rush into it. I already knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him, but I wanted us both to be sure before finally taking the plunge.
We did things ass-about with Charlie, but we’re ready to expand our family, and this time we decided to get the nuptials out of the way first. We both grew up without siblings, so it’s important to us both that Charlie has that.
Removing my arm from the crook of my dad’s elbow, I bend down, so I’m eye-level with my little girl. Although she looks just like I did when I was a child, she has her father’s sapphire blue eyes.
I straighten the halo of flowers circling her dark curly hair as I speak, “Do you remember what you’re supposed to do when we get to the church?” We went there last night to do a practice run with her.
“Yes, Momma,” she says in her sweet voice.
“Just like we practiced. Sprinkle the rose petals on the floor as you walk down the aisle toward Daddy.” Although last night it was more like throwing large chunks rather than delicate sprinkles.
Charlotte’s eyes light up at the mention of her father’s name. She cried herself to sleep last night because he wasn’t there to read her a bedtime story. She’s his shadow and goes with him everywhere.
“Yes, Momma,” she repeats.
“Good girl.” I place my lips against her chubby cheek before I stand.
I’d originally planned to have her walk down with Carla, but little miss independent wanted to do it on her own.
Twenty minutes later, we gather at the entrance to the church. Ashton’s parents disappear inside with Duchess cradled in Valentina’s arm.
“You’ve got this, babe,” I say, running my arm down Carla’s arm. My heart hurts for her. For them both. Together they were exceptional, but apart neither of them seem whole.
She looks stunning in the floor-length strapless, figure-hugging, ruby red dress she’s wearing, reminding me of a real-life Jessica Rabbit. Her long blonde hair is down and curled at the ends. It’s a different look for her, but she looks beautiful.
“This is your special day, don’t worry about me.”
“I’ll always worry about you, Car.”
She smiles, but it doesn’t quite reach her eyes. I can only hope today will be a turning point for them both.
The double doors to the church open and my heart starts to hammer in my chest. I’m not as nervous as I thought I’d be, I’m eager more than anything. Today, I marry the man of my dreams. Every day that passes is a blessing because I’m loved wholeheartedly by him.
The music starts, and Charlie takes a tentative step forward. “Daddy,” she squeals the second she spots him. Casting the small wicker basket to the side, the petals fly through the air as she takes off down the aisle toward him.
So much for that.
Since becoming a mother, I’ve learned even the best-laid plans can go awry in an instant. But I wouldn’t change one single thing about my precious girl.
She’s imperfectly perfect.
Ashton’s smile is huge as she races toward him. Bending down, he opens his arms wide ready to capture her as soon as she’s close enough.
Charlotte squeals with delight when he stands, swinging her around in the air. My heart swells as I watch them together.
Drawing her body back, she places her small hands on his cheeks as she stares into his eyes. “Daddy, I miss you.” There are collective “ahs” from the women throughout the room. It’s a heart-melting moment. It’s like they haven’t seen each other for years when in fact, it’s only been hours.
“I missed you, too, princess,” Ashton says, burying his face in her neck.
“You snagged yourself a good one there, pumpkin.”