“Thank you.” Sam laughed. “I just imagined they were a class full of students excited about birds.”
Jess groaned. “God, you are such a dork.”
“Hey, it worked!” She swatted at her friend with her bouquet.
“I’ll take it. Whatever gets you through today.” I adjusted her veil.
“How is Alex?” Sam looked at me with big eyes. She hadn’t seen him since the rehearsal dinner the night before.
“He’s waiting on you.” I smiled. “Are you ready?”
She took a deep breath. “I’m ready.”
“Then let’s do this.” I looked over at Chadwick, who was talking into an earpiece.
“They’re ready.” My stomach fluttered in excitement. After all the work, planning, and stress, the moment had come to see if it had all been worth it. And from the smile on Sam’s face, I was pretty sure I’d managed to pull it all together.
“Alex is ready?” Sam reached up and touched the tiara on her head and took a slow breath.
“Yes. He is in place.” Chadwick took a step in front of Sam. “This is going to be over so quickly, you’ll barely be able to remember it.”
“And the only thing that matters is you and Alex.” Jess touched her friend’s shoulder.
“Guys.” Sam laughed. “I’m fine. Really. I’m just ready to get this over with and start the reception.”
“Did you drug her?” I leaned close to Chadwick and lowered my voice.
“No. Though I did come prepared just in case.” He winked at me. “She genuinely woke up this morning ready to go. I’m a little worried that she might drag Patricia down the aisle.”
“Good thing the children will be walking in front of her.”
“Are you kidding? She might climb right over them.” Chadwick flinched.
“I’m not going to murder children on my wedding day.” Sam frowned as she fidgeted with the green and purple flowers of her bouquet.
“You mean you’d never murder children, right dear?” Mother asked.
“Oh yeah. Of course.” Sam looked up. “Unless they are zombies after my brains. Then all bets are off.”
“Thank you for that important information.” Mother shook her head, used to Sam’s random ramblings. “I have to take my seat.” Stepping forward, she grabbed Sam’s hand. “I’m truly honored that you’re joining our family.”
“That means a great deal to me.” Sam kissed Mother’s cheek briefly and I had to choke back tears. I remembered how scared she had been having lunch with my family so long ago. And now she was comfortable hugging us whenever the thought struck her.
“I’ll see you outside.” Mother turned and made her way out of sight. She would need enough time to be guided to her seat before we could take our places.
“Flowers, party members, clothing. All check.” One of the coordinators looked us over like we were lambs going to slaughter. “You’re ready. Remember, when you hit the outdoor stairs, wait for the music. This will be your cue to begin your march.”
“Thanks.” Sam smiled at the woman.
The children bearing the ring and a small flower basket were escorted into the room next to the outer door with the rest of us. Leo smiled at Sam while digging in one nostril with determination.
“You look pretty.” Violet smiled up at Sam.
“Thank you, but I think you look much prettier.” Sam knelt down and tweaked the little girl’s nose. “I especially like the flowers in your hair.”
“You can wear them if you want. I don’t care.” She reached up to pull at the leaves and flowers worked into her hair.
“No, no. I think it looks too pretty on you to take off now.” Sam stilled the little girl’s hand. “Besides, I heard that only the special flower girls are allowed to wear such pretty things in their hair.”
“Oh. Well, I am special.” Violet smiled at Sam, showing the gap between her two front teeth. My tiny cousin was just over two years old at this point and said everything that was on her mind.
“That you are.” Sam stood up and looked at Leo. “Have you found what you’re looking for?”
“I lost a popcorn kernel.” He tilted his head backward. “Can you see it?”
“How did a popcorn kernel get up your nose?” I knelt down in front of him while his nanny made panicking motions behind his back.
“I was hungry!” He put his hands on his hips and glared at me. “I can’t walk if I can’t breathe!”
“Okay. Look up and let me check.” He tilted his head so far back that he lost his balance and almost fell over a gilded chair. I grabbed his arm before he hit the ground, and held on to my irritation. Who had given the kids popcorn as a snack?