I took the small gift bag from her and removed the tissue. Inside was the most hideous bird broach I had ever seen. I schooled my features before forcing a smile and meeting McKenna’s gaze. “I will be happy to wear this.” The bird was one of those plastic, feather covered red birds. The feathers were so worn you could see red plastic in places.
“I know it’s ugly, but at least it’s with your color theme. My wedding was pink and I had to wear that bird attached to my shoulder. We can attach it at the waist, honey. I wouldn’t dream of making you wear it on your shoulder or chest.”
“Thank you.” Now I was nervous to see what the hell else she brought.
“That’s the worst, I swear. Here, next is something blue.” She handed me another small gift bag.
I was hesitant to peek inside; I slowly removed the sheet of tissue paper and saw the brightest blue cloth ever. It looked to be a handkerchief. I pressed my lips together as I removed it. “Where am I supposed to put this?” My eyes met McKenna’s before I heard Jamie laughing. I wondered what was keeping her silent for so long. Maybe she hadn’t been able to see.
I looked back at the handkerchief, which wasn’t a handkerchief at all. It was fucking boxers. Men’s boxers. Tears welled in my eyes. “What?”
McKenna nervously chewed on her lower lip. “Cole wanted you to wear them under your dress, that way you had a part of him with you all day.”
“Of course he does! Shit, I’m just glad this isn’t the thing from my father in law.”
“Oh, honey no. I wouldn’t do that to you. I’m sorry; I should have been more explanatory. Christopher bought you your something new. He said he wanted to make sure you had something special. Here you go, your something new.”
I wiped away a few tears, thankful they hadn’t started on my make up yet. I opened the jewelry box. The box was slightly bigger than a ring box, and I guessed earrings. As I thumbed open the box, I smiled at the shiny earrings sitting inside. They were black and white diamond checkered race flags, and they were perfect. “I love them. Thank you for everything.” I picked my phone up off my lap and called Christopher to thank him.
After our hair was curled, rolled, and pinned to the top of our heads, we went to a late lunch. I actually loved the way my hair turned out. Susan did classic fifties rolls on the front, pulling it half up and leaving the remaining hair falling is large curls past my shoulders displaying my red tips in the curls and pinned rolls. She added baby’s breath and a red rose behind my right ear.
With just over an hour before I would say “I do,” we headed over to the house. I had Jamie stop so I could pick up a little something that I had ordered for Cole. They messed up and had to redo it, and now I was picking it up on the day of my wedding. I ordered him a platinum money clip; the face of it was etched with checkered flags crossing each other, our initials, and our wedding date. They had it in a silver gift bag, but I pulled it out to inspect it before leaving the store. “It’s perfect, thank you.”
Climbing back into the car I handed it to Jamie. “Can you take this to Cole as soon as we get there?”
“Let me help you get everything upstairs and then yes, I will find him and deliver it for you.”
We walked into our master bedroom and tears sprung to my eyes. Cole had covered the room in red roses. On the bed were four presents and an envelope. I spun around the room, taking in the beautiful sight and scents. Tears crested on my lashes before streaming down my cheeks. I clutched the note in my hands before opening the envelope. I sat on the edge of the bed and read.
Ry,
I can’t wait to make you legally mine. You’ve been mine and me yours for years, and now it’s time to make it legal, baby.
The gifts are numbered; please open them in the correct order, it’s important. You will find your something old, blue, and borrowed and then your something special from the guy that loves you.
I’ll see you at the altar, babe. Love you.
Cole
I grabbed the box that said number one on it and carefully unwrapped the present; the white square box gave away no clue as to what it was. I lifted the lid and a note rested on top, and as I pulled it off I gasped at the thick white gold choker necklace that had the same checkered flag design as my earrings and engagement ring. The note simply stated, “You’re something special. Racing lead you back to me, and I will forever be grateful.”
The second box contained a small checkered flag; its note asked me to keep it in my bra, so he would be close to my heart and in case I started to cry. “I don’t mind if you blow your snot on it or me for the rest of our lives.” I recognize it as one of Cole’s flags from his trophy room.