“You ready to do this thing?” She nods my way as if spurring my answer along.
“Let’s get her done.”
The gift my father had for me was left hanging on my bedroom door.
My perfect dress, the one I fell in love with at Minty’s the day I went in to question McKenna. It glows bright white as it gathers at my hips and drapes to the floor. The gold braided shoulder straps gleam against my skin, and I feel every bit like a goddess in this dress.
The bluff just past the inn is already flooded with guests as Emmie and Lottie walk over with me. The large pots that Archie had delivered have all been removed and turned over to forensics. And in their place are smaller arrangements that Jordy put together with glorious mums enwreathed with adorable little pumpkins.
The gazebo is covered with fall leaves and dozens upon dozens of peach and pink roses. White ladder back chairs are set out—nearly every one of them is filled with family and friends—and the white runner is already dotted with peach rose petals. I hired the same string quartet that McKenna had and the melodic music is putting me at ease.
Sherlock Bones has on the black and white tuxedo he was gifted a few months back at the doggy fashion show, along with the top hat that McKenna and Caleb let us have—specially designed to adhere to fuzzy little heads. Fish agreed to wear a miniature veil and a white floral collar, and she looks every bit the adorable little flower girl. There’s a small pillow attached to Sherlock’s bowtie, and both of our rings are attached by a ribbon.
“We can’t go any further,” Emmie says as she cranes her neck toward the crowd. “I don’t want Jasper to see you in your dress.”
“Fine.” I give her a quick embrace. “Go line up with Leo. I see him there ogling you.” It’s true. Not only is he ogling her, but his thoughts have been reduced to white-hot noise.
Emmie pats my hair. “Your updo is perfect,” she whispers. She steps back and takes me in, her eyes are misty and her lips are quivering. Emmie looks like a dream in her peach chiffon dress. Leo is wearing a dark gray suit, and Jasper has on the same—not that I’ve seen him to affirm this. But we went over the wardrobe, and I just know he’s going to have my knees melting before I make it down that aisle.
“I love you, Bizzy.” Emmie gives me a firm embrace, her chest bucking against mine as she sobs silent tears. “I can’t believe this is happening.” She wipes down her face as she laughs. “Just know that I’m so happy for you.” She trots over to Leo, where he welcomes her with open arms.
“Bizzy.” Lottie steps over and gives my dress a tug as she adjusts it. “You are stunning. This is one of the most beautiful wedding dresses I have ever seen. Jasper is going to faint.”
Fish mewls. Let’s hope not.
I laugh as I translate it to Lottie.
Sherlock barks as he runs our way. I just saw Jasper! He says he’s ready for you, Bizzy. He can hardly wait until you’re man and wife.
My lips invert in an effort to keep my emotions in check.
Lottie shrugs. “I take it Jasper is just as excited as you are.”
I give a quick nod. “You don’t think I’ll trip and fall, do you? I’m not exactly an expert in heels. Or what if I forget my lines? Wait. Do I have lines? What about my name? Do I have to state my name? Oh my God, my driver’s license. Would you run back to my cottage? I left it in my wallet by my nightstand.”
A quick laugh trembles from her. “You won’t need your driver’s license. In fact, you don’t need anything but a smile. I’m sure whoever is officiating the ceremony will know exactly how to guide you. It will be fine.”
I suck in a quick breath. “But I’m having Georgie officiate the ceremony.”
Lottie grimaces. “Georgie Georgie?”
“Georgie Georgie.”
“Okay then.” Lottie shrugs. “I will see you on the flipside.” She dots my cheek with a kiss before taking off for her seat. Dear God, I need to google how to officiate a wedding in the event I’m needed to pinch-hit.
“Great,” I whisper just as my father appears by my side.
“Bizzy Bizzy.” His eyes are watery as he presses out a pained smile. “My baby girl.” He envelops me in his strong arms as the music picks up tempo.
Emmie and Leo head down the aisle first, followed by Sherlock Bones and Fish.
Sherlock bites the air with a bark. They’re all happy to see us! Look! Georgie is waving bacon at me!
He takes off like a bullet, and the crowd erupts with laughter.
The tempo of the music shifts, and my father’s chest expands.
“We’re up, kiddo.” He gives a lopsided smile my way. “Are you ready for this? There’s still time to run if you want. I’ve got my car idling in the lot. We could hit the state line in an hour, the way I drive.”
“Dad.” I frown over at him as I link my arm to his. “I’m not changing my mind. Your car isn’t really idling in the lot, is it?”
He shakes his head, his blue eyes filling with tears once again.
“You are a beautiful bride, Bizzy. When you were a baby, I dreamed of walking you down the aisle one day, and here we are five minutes later.” He closes his eyes a moment. And here I am losing her. I thought we’d have forever, and I blew it. I was never there. And now it’s too late. I’ve failed as a father. I failed, Bizzy.
“Hey?” I brush his tears away with my thumbs. “You are a terrific father. And you’re my father. You’re not losing me, Dad. I know it sounds cliché, but you really are gaining a son. Jasper cares
