“Close your eyes,” she tells me.
I grin and obey, hearing the rustle of fabric as she pulls the cover off the mannequin.
“Voila!” she announces.
I open my eyes and gasp loudly.
Mireia bites her bottom lip, watching as I slowly make my way over to the dress, circling the mannequin without a single word.
The strapless mermaid gown is made of ivory silk tulle with lace appliqués that give it a romantic look. It has a fitted bodice with a plunging back, and the ruffled bottom of the skirt flares out into a detachable train that’s at least seven feet long.
It. Is. Absolutely. Stunning.
“Well?” Mireia eyes me anxiously. “What do you think?”
I turn and throw my arms around her neck. “It’s perfect!” I whisper fiercely. “I love it!”
She laughs in relief. “Thank God!”
There’s a knock on the door.
“Hey,” Susanna calls from the other side. “What’re you guys up to?”
“Come in and see for yourself,” I call out gleefully.
They spill into the room, bursting into delighted squeals and exclamations when they see my wedding dress.
“Isn’t it spectacular?” I gaze admiringly at the shimmering gown and kiss my fingers. “Bellissima!”
Mireia blushes with pleasure. “Grazie mille.”
The others gather around the dress, oohing and aahing over the exquisite design and exceptional craftsmanship.
“You’ve got some serious skills, Mireia,” Zoe declares.
“Totally,” Teagan and Daisy enthuse.
Susanna smiles, affectionately resting her head against her cousin’s. “You always designed the prettiest clothes for our paper dolls when we were growing up,” she reminisces. “You were born for this. Seriously, Mir. You have to start your own fashion house someday.”
“With your own bridal couture line,” Daisy adds. “Give Vera Wang a run for her money.”
Mireia laughs. “We’ll see.”
“Try on the dress,” Zoe urges me. “Let’s see you in it.”
“Yes, please. I need to know what alterations to make.” Mireia motions toward the changing screen across the room. “I’ll bring the dress to you. I have to take out a few pins.”
Grinning excitedly, I walk over and slip behind the screen to undress. “So who won the tennis match?”
“It got interrupted,” Teagan sulkily laments. “Just when Greer was working up a good sweat and we were hoping he’d take his shirt off, some old family friends showed up to visit Mireia’s dad.” She sighs. “What a cockblock.”
I laugh, shimmying out of my wraparound skirt. “Cheer up. You’ll get to see Greer’s abs at the pool party.”
“Can’t fucking wait.” Teagan cackles. “If we’re lucky, he’ll rock a Speedo so we can drool over his big package.”
“How do you know it’s big?” Zoe teases.
“He’s got big dick energy. If he’s not hung like a bull, I’m going into mourning.”
There’s an outbreak of amused snorts and giggles.
Suddenly Susanna blurts out, “I caught him skinny-dipping at the lake one summer.”
Dead silence.
I poke my head around the changing screen to join the others in staring at her.
“Well?” Teagan prompts with eager impatience. “What’s the verdict?”
Susanna bites her lip, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Let’s just say you won’t be needing any mourning dresses.”
The room erupts in bawdy laughter and hoots. It’s a long time before normal conversation can be resumed.
“This is gonna be one hell of a weekend,” Teagan says with relish.
“A weekend to remember.” There’s a smile in Daisy’s voice. “When’s your mom coming, Em?”
Something catches in my throat. “She couldn’t get off work sooner, so she’s not arriving until late Friday night.”
“You mean she’s going to miss the rehearsal dinner?”
“Probably.” I try not to sound as disappointed as I feel. My mother is the only family member who will be at my wedding. Her brother died in a plane crash when I was a kid. As a result, my grandparents hate flying and rarely leave Ireland. I don’t know anyone on my father’s side of the family. His parents passed away many years ago, and he’s estranged from his siblings for reasons he never explained. My mom is really all I have and it bothers me that she won’t arrive until the last minute, even though, in fairness to her, my wedding came totally out of the blue.
Although we’ve talked a few times in the past week, neither of us has broached the subject of my father’s legal troubles. I can’t help wondering if she’s still upset about the argument we had. I can’t say that I’m completely over it. I’ve just had plenty of other things to distract me.
“At least she’ll be here for the wedding,” Zoe says, attempting to put a positive spin on the conversation. “That’s the most important thing.”
“Of course,” I murmur as Mireia comes behind the changing screen to help me into my dress.
“Between my sisters and cousins,” Teagan remarks, “I’ve been a bridesmaid more times than I care to recall. But I must say, Emerson, you are by far my favorite bride. Not only did your fiancé cover all our expenses and fly us out here on a private jet, but then you also gave us the most amazing bridesmaid gifts. Seriously. A Louis Vuitton clutch, a La Perla negligee and a bottle of Galindo Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon—which I honestly don’t know whether to drink or enshrine considering how much it’s worth.”
There’s a chorus of laughing agreement.
I smile warmly. “You guys dropped everything to be here to celebrate our special day. We just wanted to show our appreciation.”
Mireia adjusts the hem of my dress and then stands, looking me over with a smile of pure, unadulterated satisfaction. “Absolutely flawless.”
When I step out from behind the changing screen, the others take one look at me and swoon.
“Oh, my God, Em.” Zoe’s eyes shimmer with tears. “You look . . . I can’t even . . .”
“I know.” Susanna presses a hand to her heart with a dreamy sigh. “Reyes is going to cry when he sees you.”
My smile is as big as the room.
Teagan gazes softly at me. “Everything about this wedding has all the makings of the perfect fairy tale. Your powerful love story with Reyes. The beauty of the venue with the vineyard and mountains.” She shakes her head slowly. “Seeing you in this dress just completes the fantasy. I’m so happy for you, Em. I can’t think of anyone more deserving of her own happily ever after.”
I stare at her, surprised and touched by her words. “I think that’s the most sentimental thing you’ve ever said to me.”
“I know,” she acknowledges with a teary laugh. “I got caught up in the moment. Don’t get used to it.” She swipes at her watery eyes and flashes a wicked grin. “Now let’s get back to talking about hot abs and big dicks.”
We all look at one another and burst out laughing.
Chapter Thirty
EMERSON
On the morning of the wedding, I’m trapped in a suite of luxurious rooms located in the east wing.
The temporary bridal quarters have been transformed into a scene of chaos with bridesmaids running to and fro and Reyes’s aunts bustling around like frenzied hens, fussing at everyone and urging me to eat so I won’t pass out during the ceremony.
“Father Lozano has married and baptized three generations of Galindos,” Blanca warns, dazzling in Givenchy. “Trust me when I say that he can be very long-winded.”
I laugh. “Tell me about it. Our counseling session lasted half the day. And I did eat breakfast this morning.”
“Not much of it.” Tia Alba clucks her tongue.
My grin widens. “I was too jittery to eat more. But don’t worry. I’ve seen the reception menu, and I will definitely be stuffing my face.”
Laughter fills the ro
om.
I’m sitting in front of a vanity mirror surrounded by stylists doing my hair and makeup. They’ve already worked their magic on my bridesmaids. All five of them look movie-star gorgeous in a shimmering palette of daffodil yellows, blushing pinks and sky blues with matching flowers tucked into their tresses.
Once my hair and makeup are done, Blanca and Zoe help me into my dress while Mireia straightens out the lengthy train.
Admiring sighs and murmurs swirl around the room just as Àvia sweeps through the door. She looks regal in a long bronze gown, her silver hair swept up in an elaborate twist with jewels woven through it.
“Ah, Emerson.” She claps a hand over her heart, her face radiant with joy as she gazes at me. “Ets molt maca. You are so beautiful.”
“Moltes gràcies,” I say, smiling warmly. “You look wonderful as well.”
She beams and takes my hands in hers. “You’re going to make my beloved grandson so happy. And you’ll give him lots of babies, yes?”
I choke out a laugh. “Um . . . one step at a time.”
Everyone laughs.
Àvia bows her head over our clasped hands, closes her eyes and whispers a prayer in Catalan. Though I can’t understand the words, I feel the love behind them.
She opens her eyes and gives me a quiet smile. “Savor this day. Take in every moment. It’s been a long time coming.”
I smile softly. “Yes, it has.”
She squeezes my hands and winks, then proceeds to shoo everyone out so that I can have some breathing room. I grin as she follows them out the door and closes it firmly behind her.
Alone for the first time in hours, I close my eyes and do some deep breathing exercises to help me relax. I’m not nervous about marrying Reyes, but the high level of excitement surrounding our big day has me wound up tighter than a spring.
Just as I’m exhaling another calming breath, I hear a knock on the door.
“Come in,” I call out.
My mother enters the room, fashionably elegant in a pale lemon sheath dress with nude heels peeking out from under the hem. Her red hair, two shades brighter than mine, is swept into a twisted updo and her makeup is expertly applied.
She got in late last night, so I only saw her briefly at breakfast before I was whisked off to get ready.
She gasps at the sight of me, her green eyes welling with tears. “Oh, Emerson.” She rushes forward to embrace me. “Tá brón orm! I’m so sorry about everything!”
“It’s okay, Mom,” I choke out, returning her hug with equal fervor. “I shouldn’t have been so unkind to you. I should have tried to be more understanding.”
“No, you shouldn’t have,” she argues tearfully. “You were rightfully hurt and angry. I was wrong not to tell you about your father. You deserved to know.”
We stand locked together in a tight embrace, clinging to each other before I pull away and grab her hands.
“You did what you thought was best for me, like you’ve always done. I can’t ask for more than that.”
She smiles through her tears, touching my face in quiet wonder. “You are so beautiful, a stór. I’m so proud of you. I’ve always been.”
I smile, blinking wetly. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“I wouldn’t have missed this day for anything in the world.” She sniffles. “Now don’t cry or you’ll ruin your makeup.”
“It’s okay,” I say with a watery grin. “The makeup artist promised to do a final touch-up at the church.”
Mom smiles. “She did such an amazing job. You look positively radiant, and your hair is to die for.”
“Thank you.” My hair falls loose around my shoulders in glamorous body waves that give it more bounce than usual.
“And this dress,” Mom gushes, looking me over. “It’s breathtaking. Mireia is so talented.”
“Isn’t she?” I beam at my reflection in the three-way mirror.
The strapless ivory gown hugs my curves and shows off the perfect amount of cleavage. It’s complemented by a pair of diamond drop earrings that Àvia gave me. On my feet are Sophia Webster butterfly heels. Crowning my head is the cathedral veil that was worn by Reyes’s mother on her wedding day. Held in place with a diamond-encrusted tiara worthy of a princess, the long veil flows down over the train of my dress.
“You’re an absolute vision.” Mom hugs me again, sighing rapturously. “I always knew this day would come, one way or another. I wish you and Reyes all the happiness in the world. You both deserve it. God knows you’ve been deprived long enough.”
I smile. No truer words were ever spoken.
A sudden twinkle enters Mom’s eyes. “I have a surprise for you.”
“What is it?” I ask curiously.
With a mysterious smile, she turns and walks to the door, poking her head around the corner. “You can come in now.”
A gray-haired couple with warm, sparkling eyes enters the room.
I gasp in shock. “Nana and Granda!”
They hold out their arms with beaming smiles. “Dia duit, Emmy!”
I pick up the hem of my dress and rush over to hug them, laughing and crying. “I didn’t think you were coming!”
They laugh warmly, patting my back. “So good to see you, poppet,” Nana says in her lilting Irish brogue. “It’s been too long.”
“I agree.” I pull back, smiling through my tears. “What a wonderful surprise this is.”
“That’s why I couldn’t get here sooner,” Mom explains. “You know how much your grandparents hate flying. After I finished administering my exams at school, I traveled to Ireland to personally escort Nana and Granda here. It took a few days to get them packed and ready to go. Reyes’s friend Greer was kind enough to send one of his fancy planes, which your grandparents really enjoyed.”
I turn to stare at her. “You mean Reyes knew they were coming?”
“Yes.” She gives me a misty-eyed smile. “He wanted to surprise you.”
A huge lump rises in my throat. “Oh, Reyes . . .”
Granda smiles. “That boy has always been crazy about you, Emmy.”
“Yes, he has.” Nana fondly pats my cheek, her green eyes soft and warm. “You look so beautiful, poppet. The prettiest blushing bride I ever saw.”
“She sure is,” Granda says proudly.
I beam at them. “Having you both here means the world to me.”
“We’re glad we could come,” Nana says, kissing my cheek.
Abril appears at the door, smiling shyly. “The limos are here to take us to the church.”
I smile at her. “Thank you, Abril. We’ll be right out.”
Mom, Nana and Granda gaze at me for a long moment, their eyes reflecting memories of me as a little girl catching frogs and chasing fireflies.
“Well, this is it.” Mom clasps my hands between hers and smiles tenderly. “Today is the beginning of the rest of your life.”
The cathedral boasts a beautiful eighteenth-century baroque facade.
The interior is even more stunning. The gilded stucco walls are covered with ornate plaster statues and flowers. The domed ceiling is inset with frescoes of crowned figures and winged cherubs. At the end of the long aisle is a richly gilded altar flanked by columns. Beautiful arrangements of white lilies adorn the altar and the end of each pew.
The late afternoon sun shines through the stained glass windows, spreading shafts of colored light across the guests’ smiling faces. The entire village must have showed up because every row is filled.
I catch glimpses of all this while waiting in the vestibule with Granda and Reyes’s father, who are both giving me away.
Reyes and I decided early on that our wedding would be a blend of American and Spanish cultures, incorporating some customs and discarding others. In honor of Reyes’s mother, Father Lozano graciously agreed to make slight modifications to our wedding ceremony, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
Clutching my bouquet of orange blossoms, I smile when I hear the first majestic chords of
the soaring instrumental chosen for my processional.
Granda holds out his arm to me and winks. “Ready, poppet?”
“Absolutely.” Grinning, I slip my arm through his while Brooks tucks his hand through the crook of my right elbow so that I can hold my bouquet in front of me. When the gilded double doors swing open, we step through them together.
A collective gasp rises from the standing crowd. The sea of admiring faces is a blur to me. I only have eyes for my fiancé as I walk down the aisle, my long veil and train floating behind me like an ethereal waterfall.
Reyes stares at me like I’m the most miraculous sight he’s ever seen.
Wow, he mouths, his eyes flowing over my body in amazed wonder.
I beam at him. He looks insanely handsome and debonair in his bespoke tuxedo, the thick waves of his black hair falling over his forehead.
By the time I reach the end of the aisle, he has tears in his eyes. We both do.
As the music swells to a thundering crescendo and then ebbs away, Father Lozano casts a benevolent gaze around the packed sanctuary.
“Dearly beloved,” he begins in his thick Catalan accent, “we are gathered here today to celebrate the sacrament of marriage between Reyes and Emerson.”
After his introductory remarks, Granda and Brooks proudly hand me off to Reyes.
He takes my hand and tenderly kisses my knuckles, setting off more butterflies in my stomach as we climb the steps to the altar.
The ceremony is traditional but powerfully stirring. After prayers and Scripture readings by Reyes’s grandmother and godparents, the church choir sings a beautiful rendition of Il Divo’s “Hasta Mi Final (Until the Day).”
Despite my Catholic upbringing, I’ve never considered myself a religious person. But as I gaze up at Reyes that afternoon and see the fierce love shining in his eyes, it’s hard not to believe in the divine will of a higher power. This day, this very moment, was written in the stars before we were born.
Our voices are threaded with deep emotion as we share the vows we wrote, expressing the feelings we had for each other long before we understood what falling in love meant. Our words move each other to tears and have many of our guests dabbing at watery eyes.
Get Over You (Dare Me Book 1) Page 30