Pippa snorted. “That’s so true. I’m convinced cosmetic companies should just pay her to endorse their products.”
“Close your eyes, Ash,” Carly said. “Time for mascara. Just a bit, though. Don’t want you looking clumpy on the big day.”
Ashley frowned. “Definitely not clumpy.”
“Darling, are you almost done?” Ashley’s mother sang out from the doorway. “You’re on in ten minutes.”
“Ten minutes?” Tabitha shrieked. “No way. Can you stall them, Mrs. C.?”
“I’m not going to be late to my own wedding,” Ashley said firmly. “Just hurry faster, Tab. My hair will be fine. Just put the veil over the knot.”
“Just put the veil over the knot,” Tabitha grumbled. “As if it’s that easy.”
Sylvia rolled her eyes, pushed between Tabitha and Ashley and quickly affixed the veil to the elegant chignon. “There, Ashley. You look beautiful.”
“Lip gloss and we’re done,” Carly announced. “Make a kissy face.”
Ashley smacked her lips and a moment later, Carly pulled away to allow Ashley to see herself in the mirror.
“Oh, you guys,” she whispered.
Her best friends beamed back at her in the mirror.
“You look beautiful,” Pippa said, her eyes bright with tears. “The most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”
“Absolutely you do,” Tabitha said.
The four women crowded in to hug her.
“Girls, time for you to go. Your escorts are waiting. We don’t want to make the bride late,” Ashley’s mother called.
Her friends scrambled toward the door, bouquets in hand.
“Your father is coming to get you now,” her mother said as she walked over. She paused when she got to Ashley and then smiled, tears glittering in her eyes. “My baby, all grown up. You look so beautiful. I’m so proud of you.”
“Don’t make me cry, Mom. You know I have no willpower.”
Her mom laughed and reached for her hands. She squeezed them and then helped her to her feet.
“Let me fix your gown. Your father will be pacing outside the door. You know how he hates to be late for anything.”
She fussed with Ashley’s dress and then there was a knock on the dressing room door.
“That will be him now. Are you ready, darling?”
Sudden nerves gripped Ashley and her palms went sweaty. But she nodded. Oh, God, this was really it. She was about to walk down the aisle and become Mrs. Devon Carter.
She threw her arms around her mom and hugged her tight. “Love you, Mom.”
Her mother squeezed her back. “Love you, too, baby. Now let’s go before your father wears a hole in the floor.”