Gabby had been hearing about this dress for weeks, all the drama and tweaks, and complaints, but now, she gasped. Her sister had done it. She had taken Candy’s rather loud fashion sense and made a gown that was both dramatic yet elegant, showy but feminine. It was, to use Candy’s own word, perfect.
The sisters were all helping Candy up the stairs now, and Gabby hurried back inside to double-check their bouquets. They’d walk in order of age, Maddie starting things off, Britt going last. She knew this was a complicated event for them; they all missed their mother. But today Gabby saw nothing but happiness in their eyes—a reminder that life kept going, even when it felt like the world was coming to an end.
“The procession will start after this song ends,” Gabby said, catching Amelia’s eye.
Her cousin reached out and squeezed her hand. “My dad’s in place?”
“Looking very handsome,” Gabby said, giving Candy a sly grin.
“Why do I feel nervous even though it’s not even my wedding day?” Maddie suddenly asked, clutching her bouquet. “Why do I have to go first?”
“Hey, I thought you’d be happy to go first for a change. Now you see how it feels!” Britt whispered. She handed Gabby her bouquet so she could smooth the back of Candy’s train. It wasn’t an easy task.
After a few minutes to allow for any last-minute arrivals, the music stopped and the women all exchanged glances and excited smiles. Gabby knew that Jenna wouldn’t start playing the next song until the doors were open and everyone was in position.
Gabby looked at Candy, given a silent nod, asking for consent. “Ready?”
“Honey, I’ve been ready since the day I knocked on that man’s door.”
Gabby laughed and, with a big breath, opened first one door, and then the next, careful to stand to the side where she couldn’t be seen. The music started and Maddie lifted her chin and began her walk down the aisle. Cora was next. The music was slow, but time felt slower, like it was moving at a different pace. Like somehow this moment was meant to last.
“Amelia, get ready,” Gabby whispered, glancing through the space in the door hinge.
Amelia started her walk next, leaving only Britt and Candy. Gabby knew that Britt had struggled the most with the idea of a new woman in her father’s life, but it was Britt who turned around and adjusted Candy’s veil—because of course, Candy had a veil that would need to be lifted by her groom. Maximum drama was important to her, and they’d all ended up loving her for it.
Even Gabby.
Britt gave Candy’s hand one last squeeze and then turned, took a deep breath, and walked down the aisle to her father and sisters. When she reached the end, the music would swell and—
“Gabby!” Candy hissed.
Gabby looked at Candy in alarm. Oh, no. She was afraid of this. Not something wrong with the flowers. Or the dress. Not a last-minute change. She wasn’t equipped. Well, she might have a few extra roses in the van but—
“What is it?” Gabby’s eyes darted to the aisle. Britt was nearly halfway down now.
“I’m sorry for setting you up last night. I saw how upset you were.”
“Oh, Candy. No, it’s fine!” Gabby was starting to panic. Could they really be having this conversation right now?
“I knew that Billy wasn’t the one for you. I just thought that by inviting him, it might give you and Doug a little…nudge.”
Ah. So it all came back to Doug. Gabby was sensing a theme. “It’s fine, Candy,” Gabby whispered. Her heart was beginning to race as she darted her eyes through the door again.
“You were right, Gabby. You shouldn’t force love. You should just…feel it. And don’t listen to those sisters of yours. When you know, you know. You just have to keep believing and have hope.” She held up her bouquet, her smile so wide through her veil that Gabby could see the shine in her eyes. “I’m proof of that.”
“You’re a beautiful bride,” Gabby said sincerely. “I’m so glad you’re a part of our family.”
“Just remember that when it comes time for me to plan Britt’s wedding for her.” Candy laughed.
Gabby frowned. “You mean?”
“Oh, you know me. I never can keep a secret. But Robbie asked Denny for her hand and…well, she’s in for a surprise soon!”
Gabby smiled as she looked down the aisle to where Britt was now giving her father a kiss on the cheek, muttering some words to him, and then sliding over to stand beside her sisters.
Jenna paused, long enough to glance over at the door, where Candy stood, ever the picture of a blushing bride, in a full ballgown, clutching a ten-pound bouquet as if it were weightless, and for one brief, telling moment, Jenna’s entire face broke into a smile before she went back to her music sheet and positioned her hands over the keys.
The music swelled and the guests all stood, and Candy’s smile was radiant as she began her wedding march, her twenty-five-foot train trailing behind her.
Gabby didn’t rush to take her seat. Instead, she stood at the back of the room, watching from a distance, her eyes brimming with hot tears because, even though she’d said it before, this was truly the most beautiful wedding she had ever attended.
Gabby sipped her champagne and watched from a distance as the bridal party posed for the photographer—Uncle Dennis, Candy, and the four sisters. Their significant others hung back until they were called over to join the group that was standing along the shore of Lake Huron, the water smooth in the distance, the sky clear and blue.
“It’s a beautiful wedding,” a voice said behind her, and
