Willa dropped the spatula she was holding. “What?”

Right there in the kitchen, Nick got down on one knee. “Willa Iscove, will you marry me right here and now?”

She stared at him, as did the rest of them. “You’re crazy.”

Nick grinned. “Is that a yes?”

She glanced over her shoulder at Monalisa. “I don’t want to take away from your special day.”

Monalisa waved the comment away. “You won’t be. How can more love make our day less special? Do it.”

Van nodded. “I agree.”

Willa smiled at Nick. “Then that is a yes.”

When the cheering and clapping died down, Van pointed at Harlan. “We need another reservation.”

Breakfast went by in a flurry of conversation, passing plates, and delicious food. Harlan was on the phone during part of the meal, securing a second reservation for Nick and Willa. There was an urgency to the meal they all felt, but a buoyancy too. Joy filled the air despite the pressure of all that had to be done.

As soon as they were done eating, they all went to the courthouse to get the licenses. From there, the group split. The women left to buy dresses and get their hair done. Van couldn’t imagine how long that might take, and renting tuxes shouldn’t be such a big deal, so he, Nick, and Harlan went back to clean up the breakfast mess, then headed out to a formalwear shop that Harlan had already called.

But due to Van’s and Nick’s size, the tuxes took a lot longer than anticipated. By the time they were done (having dropped a large sum of cash and thoroughly exhausted two hardworking seamstresses), they barely had time to buy some simple wedding bands and get to the chapel.

Harlan dropped Van off at the door, then he and Nick went to park.

Pandora was in the lobby when Van went in. She wore a lavender bridesmaid dress. “Wow, you look great in a tux.”

“You look very pretty too.” The place was covered in ivy, white roses, and tiny sparkling lights. Off to one side, a tall gold cage housed two fancy white doves. He rubbed his forehead as it all became real. He was about to get married.

She grabbed his arm. “You okay?”

He nodded. “Fine. Just…I am getting married.”

She laughed softly. “Yes, you are, but you’re going to be great at it.”

“Are you sure? I want to be a good husband.”

“You will be.” Her eyes got a little teary. “You’re a great friend and a wonderful person. You’re the brother I never had, and I couldn’t be happier to have you in my life. I love you, and so does Monalisa. I know that for a fact after spending time with her today. And while I totally approve of her, she’s still lucky to have you, and if she ever forgets it, I will be the first to tell her.”

He smiled and kissed her on the cheek. “Kotyonok, I love you too. Thank you for that.”

“You’re welcome. Anytime.”

Nick and Harlan walked in.

Pandora looked past Van. “All right, the gang’s all here, including grooms one and two. Let’s make some happily ever afters.”

The thudding of Monalisa’s heart threatened to drown out all other sound. But nerves were not going to keep her from walking through those chapel doors. Nothing would. And since she had no one to give her away, she’d asked Pandora and Willa to walk with her down the aisle instead of going ahead of her.

They stood beside her now, holding their bouquets of lavender roses and greenery and looking so pretty in their bridesmaid dresses.

She glanced at both of them, taking comfort in these new friendships. Not only was she getting married, but she was going to be part of Willa’s wedding right after her own. “It means so much that you’re here with me. Thank you.”

“I am honored,” Willa said.

“Me too.” Pandora looked like she was about to weep. “Van is crazy about you, you know.”

Monalisa nodded, not wanting to start crying herself. Who knew getting married could make you so emotional? She’d almost shed a few tears at the bridal shop when she’d seen herself in the white gown she now wore. She’d never thought there’d be a dress like this in her life, and yet, here she was, draped in silk. A bride.

“Okay, no crying,” Pandora said, laughing. “You’re going to make me start too, and I still have Willa and Nick’s ceremony to get through. You have everything, right? Your old, new, borrowed, blue?”

Monalisa nodded. Pandora knew all this, but she was clearly trying to help lighten the moment. “For the old, I have this coin Van gave me.” She pulled the small gold coin from the sash of her dress, showed it to them, then tucked it away again. “For my new, I have my dress.”

“Which is perfect,” Pandora added.

“I agree.” Monalisa lifted her wrist. “And for borrowed and blue, I have this gorgeous bracelet from Willa.”

“Ooh, that is so pretty.” Pandora looked at Willa. “What is that?”

“Iolite, topaz, and moonstone.” The fae jeweler smiled. “Some of my favorites, which is why I had it with me.”

“Good thing.” Pandora glanced toward the chapel as the sweet strains of Pachelbel’s Canon in D began to play. “That’s your cue, Monalisa.”

Willa put a gentle hand on Monalisa’s shoulder. “Are you ready?”

“Yes,” Monalisa said. Pandora’s distraction had helped. Monalisa’s pulse was almost normal now. It also helped knowing that Van was waiting for her in that chapel. “I absolutely am.”