Chapter 16
Ashley
I’M STANDING IN FRONT OF the mirror, still wearing my robe, and watching Shelby put the finishing touches on my makeup. I tell myself to breathe and pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming.
Today’s really happening. I’m marrying my best friend and we’re going to start our forever together.
“I come with presents.” I look over and see Leigh coming in. She stands to my side and hands me a small box. “From Landon, sweetie.”
“What is this?”
Leigh hugs me tight and leans over to kiss my cheek before stepping back to stand with Shelby. Both are looking at me to see the gift as well. A small gold package rests in my hands and I touch the note in between my fingers. It’s from Landon.
Ashley,
Do you remember when we were sixteen years old and we watched my parents dancing in the kitchen? I brought you over for another Sunday dinner and you leaned into me, telling me that one day you want that to be us. I kissed the side of your head and promised that it would be.
Now I get to give you that promise forever.
Inside the box you’ll find a necklace my daddy gave to my mama on their wedding day. When I was a little boy, telling her about you, she told me that one day I’d marry my best friend, and she’d give me the necklace my daddy gave her because it symbolizes eternal love and devotion. I want you to wear this necklace and know I will always and forever love you. I will devote my life to you and make sure every day you know how I feel.
This is your something old.
I love you,
Landon
I open the box and pick up the lovely necklace and see the radiance of the single teardrop diamond.
Leigh and Shelby sniff and I roll my eyes at their emotions.
“My goodness. Are we sure Landon’s an only child, because those words are the sweetest things I’ve heard.”
I turn to face the mirror and put the necklace on around my neck. It gently sits on my chest and a light breeze flows through the room. I look around and feel at ease.
“Thank you for raising a wonderful man,” I whisper into the breeze and look outside to the sky.
Shelby comes over to me, makes me sit down on the chair, and fixes my makeup. I can’t take my eyes off the necklace. My heart leaps and I’m doing everything I can to not cry.
“Clench your butt cheeks together. If you do, then it stops you from crying,” Leigh tells me.
“Are you sure?”
“I Googled it,” she says, and hands me her phone and do just that. A single tear rolls down my cheek and I hear Shelby’s exaggerated groan.
“It didn’t work,” she seethes through gritted teeth. “Now I have to redo her makeup. No more presents or letters! Tell Landon if he wants to get married today, he’ll have to wait until after they say I Do. I’m working way too hard to have my masterpiece get messed up.”
The wedding. Our wedding.
I didn’t want to wait to get married. The reception and ceremony is taking place at Memphis’ parents’ barn. It’s very big and so many of our family and friends worked overtime to turn it into our fairy tale.
A knock gets our attention and in walks Kemper. He looks so handsome in his tuxedo. Since our father isn’t in the picture, he’s going to walk me down the aisle and then stand with Landon with Memphis, Gunner, and Jeff.
“I have something for you.”
Shelby stops what she’s doing and walks over so she’s blocking us. “If that something makes her cry, you better believe I will hurt Landon.”
Kemper holds up his hands and laughs while handing me a small box. I look at it before slowly opening the letter that’s resting on top of the box. Once the letter is open, I read it and my heart explodes.
Ashley,
The moment you came back into my life, I tried everything to make sure you wouldn’t touch my heart. I failed. Once I realized the honesty behind your words, I could open myself and love you again.
Since the day you said yes, we’ve shared new memories and I can’t wait to share more with you. This new journey will be full of love and happiness. You mean the world to me. You are my world.
Inside you’ll find your something new. I hope this brings that smile to your face I love so much. I wish I were in there with you to see your expressions. You’re so beautiful, and in a few minutes, you’re going to walk to me and we’ll be husband and wife. This world sparkles now that you’re back. I’m never letting you walk away from me again. I love you so much, so hurry up and meet me under the lights.
Your future husband,
Landon
My butt cheeks are clenched and I’m still crying. Stupid Google search.
I carefully tear off the gold wrapping paper and open the box to find a beautiful diamond bracelet. Kemper takes the box from me and pulls out the bracelet while taking my hand. He puts it on for me and leans down to kiss my cheek.
“I’m so happy for you, baby sister.”
“Thank you, Kemper. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“Okay! Kemper get out,” Shelby snaps, “And Leigh get over here and help me get her dress on. I swear there better not be any more gifts.”
I look over and see my blue heels as my something blue and I’m wearing a pin my mama loves so much. It’s a heart with a diamond in the middle. The pin’s my something borrowed.
“Oh! Where the hell are Ellie and Ari? Can you please tell me them to get away from their men so they can come in and help?”
Before Kemper’s able to leave and get them, they walk in and hand me a glass of champagne. I look at the glass and smile, politely declining because I didn’t want to ruin my gloss and piss off Shelby.
In twenty minutes, I’m ready and standing next to Kemper with my arm through his as we wait for the music to start.