Chapter 20
SUTTON
The day I’d been counting down to had arrived. Today, I’d marry Flint. But instead of glorious sunshine and endless blue skies, LA had delivered wild wind and raging rain. It had begun last night during our rehearsal dinner. I’d checked the weather app every hour and there’d been no sign of it easing.
Of all the days to rain!
I’d gone through every emotion...from being distraught, devastated, and frustrated, to elated, ecstatic, and carefree. I am getting married! Who cares about the weather? But it was torrential. There was too much time to kill until I walked down the aisle. My nerves played Tetris in my stomach. I fidgeted with the tie on my slinky white dressing robe with the word ‘Bride’ embroidered across the back and paced the length of the living room. The girls and I had slept at Kyle and Gemma’s house in Pacific Palisades last night. We’d get dressed here for my big day since it was only a short drive to Malibu. The guys had stayed at Andy’s mansion—our wedding venue.
“Sutt, will you stop worrying? There is nothing you can do about the rain.” Maddy threw me a reassuring smile as she sat at the dining table, getting her hair styled into a high bun of barrel curls. Her stunning makeup of glittery eyes and soft pink lips highlighted her beautiful face. Totally gorgeous.
I loved I got to spend almost every day with Maddy now she worked on Angels in LA. She’d been on the show for two months and had fitted in from day one. Having her by my side meant the world to me.
“I’m not worried, Mads.” A little, but not a lot. Nothing would stop me from marrying Flint. Not even this insane downpour.
Liliana, our hair and makeup goddess, and her assistant, Prue, had already worked their magic on Tia and me, and had nearly finished Maddy and Ava.
Ava closed her eyes for Liliana to dust glitter on them. “Isn’t it supposed to be good luck if it rains?”
“It’s not just raining, though.” I thrust my hand toward the window. Gutters overflowed. Rain hammered the panes. The wind whipped through the trees. “It’s a one-in-one-hundred-year event.” I honestly didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.
“It’ll make the day memorable, won’t it, Winter?” Tia cooed as she sat her daughter on her lap, rubbing and patting her back after feeding. Winter yawned wide. Her little eyes fluttered, as if she was totally milk-drunk and ready for another nap. Lucky her. I’d barely slept last night. Too excited. Too anxious. Too concerned about the weather.
So much for a sunset wedding!
But everything would be fine. Yes . . .No . . . Maybe.
I’d been out of bed since seven o’clock that morning. The girls and I had been pampered all day...manicures. Pedicures. Massages. We’d had a fabulous champagne-and-chicken-salad lunch. It was now three. Three hours until the big event. I’d been on my cell phone throughout the day, talking to Quill about plans A, B, C, and D. His meticulous planning, calm manner and being prepared for every scenario kept my anxiety on a leash... just . He took rearranging the day to accommodate the weather in his stride. Not sure he’d even broken a sweat. He’d texted three times before lunch with progress reports, reassuring me his crew were working overtime to set up more tents, and getting more space undercover for our guests.
Total miracle worker.
I’d called Flint several times, but he hadn’t answered. He hadn’t replied to my messages. Had he lost his phone? Forgotten to take it with him? Was he hungover? Passed out somewhere? Stuck out-of-town thanks to the weather? Visions of The Hangover movie flashed through my mind. What had the guys done last night when we’d left them? Flint had promised me they were going straight to bed. So where the hell was he?
My blood pressure inched higher as the weather worsened. I’d put on a brave front, laughed, and tried not to let the rain get to me. But with each passing minute, it did. As my bridesmaids were being attended to, and Kara, Gemma, and Lexi floated around getting ready, I needed a moment to pull myself together.
I’m okay. Yep. Absolutely . . . maybe . . . not!
“You girls look amazing. I’ll be back in a few minutes. Just ducking to the bathroom...upstairs.” I didn’t need the toilet—I just needed somewhere quiet to clear my head. Walk. Pace. Refocus. The weather was out of my control. There was nothing I could do about it. Flint would be okay. His cell phone location said he was—well, his phone was—at Andy’s house. I just needed to breathe.
But the second I walked into my room upstairs and closed the door, torrential rain bucketed down in thick curtains, slamming onto the roof with deafening pelts and overflowing the downpipes. I stepped over to the window. Waves of water flooded the pavements. Rivers ran down the driveway and along the curbsides. Puddles the size of reservoirs formed on the lawn. Shit . As I turned away from the deluge, I caught sight of my beautiful wedding dress hanging on the front of the closet door. My chin trembled, and I burst into tears. It would be ruined in the wet. Shit.
I sank onto the window seat, covered my face with my hands, and sobbed. I was allowed to be a little emotional, wasn’t I? It was my fucking wedding day.
I just needed to have a cry, release my frustrations over Flint not calling, and erase my disappointment in the weather. Then I’d be okay.
Yep. I’m good.
Absolutely.
I was strong. I got this.
I sniffled, sucked in a deep breath, and dabbed my eyes with my fingertips. Yep. Better . I didn’t want red eyes on my wedding day. I didn’t want to ruin my makeup.
Car tires splashed through the water and pulled into the driveway. I knew that engine. Flint’s Ferrari. What was he doing here? Shit! What has happened?
The car door slammed. The doorbell rang. Before I had time to rush out and meet him, Flint charged through my bedroom door. He stopped six feet from me. Water dripped from the long ends of his black hair. His ice-blue eyes rippled with concern. “Sutt?”
“Flint?” I closed the gap between us, flung my arms around him, and held him tight. I didn’t care that he was wet. “What are you doing here?”
“I had to see you.” He rubbed my arms up and down, then massaged my shoulders. “I knew you’d be stressing and upset about the weather.”
I placed my hand on his chest. His heartbeat raced beneath my touch. “It’s shit, isn’t it?” A laugh-cry escaped me. “It’s so bad. Maybe we should call it off? Get married another day.” Yeah, there is no chance in hell I’ll be doing that.
“What? No.” He drew me into another hug. God , he smelled so good, all citrusy. He kissed the side of my head. “It’s under control. Everything is ready.”
“Why didn’t you call?” I rested my cheek against his shoulder. “I’ve been going out of my mind.”
“I’m sorry.” He rubbed my back. “I’ve been busy helping Quill’s team. I left my cell phone upstairs in my room. When the extra flooring and tent arrived, the guys and I rushed around, helping them set up and change things around.” He tightened his embrace. “Sutt, I’m so sorry. When I saw all your missed calls and texts, I thought it would be best to come see you in person. To let you know everything is okay.”
Shaking my head, I eased out of his hold. “We have to face reality. It’s crap outside. We can’t get married in this.” Oh, yes, we will.
“Yes, we can.” Certainty set in his voice. “We won’t be in the rain. We set up a new tent and flooring between the house and the main tent so no one will get wet. Our guests will have drinks in there and along the patio we enclosed with clear blinds, not down on the beach. The tents are so tied down they won’t blow away, even in this wind. Quill’s got everything under control.”
Before he took another breath and rattled on any further, I placed my finger over his lips. Smiling, I softened my gaze. “Flint?...I’m fucking with you. We always said we’d get married in the rain, hail, or sunshine. We got rain. It’s not ideal, but it’s okay.”
The weather was far from perfect, but it was no deal-breaker. I’d gotten overwhelmed, but nothing, not even a Category Five hurricane, could stop me from marrying Flint. I would traipse through knee-high mud, get soaked through to my skin, and say ‘ I do’ in the downpour if I had to. But wow...he’d been so concerned he’d driven over here to make sure I was okay. To reassure me that everything was fine. God, I loved him.
“Why, you...?” Chuckling, he gave me the sauciest evil-eye, then hugged me. “I was so worried. You wanted this perfect day, and it’s insane out there.”
“It is.” I leaned back, still locked in his arms. “But I’ve learned from you to chill and take things in my stride. We were prepared for the unexpected and had backup plans in place. You and Quill have helped to keep my stress levels under control during all the preparations for today. They’re up there but not bubbling over and turning me into a wreck.” Not completely anyway.
“Sutt, you amaze me.” Light sparkled in his eyes, making my heart flutter. “We’re going to have a fabulous evening. The flowers arrived, and looked incredible. There are twinkle lights everywhere. Catering was setting up in the kitchen when I left. The only thing we have to change is where we have photos taken after the ceremony.” He toyed with a bouncy curl brushing the side of my cheek. His eyebrows did a cute flick upward. I loved the way he looked at me, when heat simmered in the depths of his gaze, like he couldn’t wait to have his way with me. It wouldn’t be long before we could have each other...forever. “We can have pictures taken upstairs in the house in that really nice living area, or in the main tent with all the decorations around us, or we say, ‘ Fuck it,’ and have them done in the garden as planned. I don’t care about getting wet.”
“I do. I’m not getting rained on in my dress.” Shit. My dress. He hadn’t obviously seen it hanging on the closet door behind him.
The sexiest, most suggestive smile I’d ever seen slid across his lips. His mischievous gaze ran down the front of my robe. “Is this what you’re wearing?” He caught hold of my sash and tugged on the ties. “I do like it. I wanted you to wear something I could get you out of quickly.”
I slapped his hands away and tightened the knot. I didn’t want him to see my wedding lingerie before tonight. “You shouldn’t be here. Isn’t it bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony? ”
“Never.” He slid his hands around my waist, clutched my ass, and rested his forehead against mine. “Sutt, tonight will be amazing. I will be there at the front of that tent waiting for you. I can’t wait to get married.” He swiped his thumb down the length of my cheek, then kissed my lips. “Regardless of the shitty weather, let’s have fun this evening.”
“We will. I don’t care if no one comes other than you, me, the officiant, and Maddy and Slip to be our witnesses. I mean that. I just want to marry you.” But shit...we’d invited one hundred and seventy guests; they’d better turn up.
“I love you.” He touched his lips to mine, then eased back and whispered, “My very, very soon-to-be wife.”
“I can’t wait.” I tapped him on the chest. “But you’d better go. It’s nearly three-thirty. I have to get dressed, have photos with the girls, and then get my ass to Malibu.”
“You do that. I’ll be there, ready and waiting.”
“I’ll see you soon, husband-to-be.” I kissed him, smiled against his lips, then covered his eyes with my hands. “I’m gonna guide you out of the room. I don’t want you to see my dress. Okay?”
“Shit. Yeah. Okay.”
I walked him out the door, gave him one last deep, long kiss, just to give him something to look forward to, then waved him off. “Love you. Drive safe. See you at six. Don’t be late.” I was a stickler for being on time. I’d be there. Guaranteed.
“I won’t be late, I promise.” Flint slipped out of my hold, skipped down the stairs, and rushed out the door, back into the rain.
I drew in a deep breath and placed my hand over my stomach to settle the butterflies. Damn. I was so lucky to have found someone so amazing.
Maddy ambled into the foyer, then leaned over the glass panel at the bottom of the staircase. Her hair and makeup were complete. “Was that Flint? Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, it is.” I nodded. “He came to make sure I wasn’t having a meltdown over the weather.”
“Oh...that’s so sweet.” She pouted and splayed her hand across her chest. But then worry furrowed her brow. “Are you?”
“No.”
“Good. You don’t need to worry about anything. That’s Quill’s job.” She smiled her sweet smile and pointed at me. “You just have to enjoy yourself.”
“That’s what Flint said. I am and I will.” I filled my lungs with air, feeling lighter every second. If this evening went off without a hitch, Quill would be worth every excessive dime.
I leaned against the top glass panel and rounded my shoulders. “I had my little cry, but I’m okay now.” I really was. “We’re going to make the most of it and have a fabulous time.”
“We certainly are. Would you like a quick snack?” She waved toward the kitchen. “Diego and the kids have made protein balls and a fruit platter.”
Good. Nothing to make me bloat. I didn’t need a bulging tummy in my wedding photos. Everhide’s nanny had his hands full looking after the band’s five children. He’d been amazing, entertaining them, keeping them busy while the girls and I had gotten our hair and makeup done. But now...my bladder called to me. I needed the bathroom. “Sure. I’ll be down in a sec. I still need to pee.”
Over a quick snack, the girls and I had another champagne. It helped to calm my jittery nerves and bubbling excitement.
I finished my drink and glanced at the clock. Four o’clock. It was time. Time to be a bride.
The girls and I headed upstairs to get dressed. Kara and Gemma helped us while Lexi flitted around, taking photos. Our main photographer was with the guys. Ava, Tia, and Maddy slipped into their long, pale pink, strapless gowns, and me...my wedding dress.
My heartbeat skipped and cartwheeled as I slid into my white minidress, covered in thousands of sequins, beads, and rhinestones. The short, strapless gown was heavy, but the fitted bodice and skirt molded to my body, hugging my hips and caressing my chest perfectly. Yep. My boobs look fantastic. Maddy zipped me in, then Kara draped the detachable train around me and buckled the rhinestone belt at my waist. The long, open skirt of palm-sized chiffon roses cascaded to the floor in billowing waves like a pillow of soft, silky petals. I bobbed down for Maddy to attach my veil above my bun with a rhinestone encrusted hair clip.
“Perfect.” Kara admired the gorgeous gown she’d designed for me.
With sparkling, silver high heels adorning my feet, and my diamond necklace, earrings, and bracelet in place, my outfit was complete.
“My God, Sutt. You look beautiful.” Maddy’s eyes glistened with tears as she straightened my veil.
“Absolutely stunning.” Gemma fluffed out my train with Kara’s help. “You’re going to blow Flint’s mind.”
“You rock that dress, Sutt. But shit...” Tia clutched her boobs. She dashed into the bathroom, then reappeared with a dry face cloth and stuffed it down her top. “I just fed Winter, and my boobs are already leaking. This sucks. Winter cries and my tits run. They hurt all the time. I’m gonna have to wear three absorption pads to make it through the ceremony.”
“Tia?” I stepped over to her and rubbed her arms. “You had a baby three months ago. I’m beyond happy that you’re here. If you need to have Winter with you, or rush off to feed her, or be with her at any time, that’s okay. You do what is best for you and your baby. I love you, no matter what.”
“Thank you, but I’ll be fine.” She stuffed the cloth into her bra and wriggled her strapless dress into place. “I just don’t want to ruin my dress before photos.”
“Well, we’d better get them done before we head off.” Giggling, I waggled a finger in front of her chest. “Stuff a diaper down your top if that helps.”
She sighed and slumped her shoulders. “My boobs are big enough without more padding.”
“Enjoy them while they last.” Ava came over and hugged Tia sideways. “Once you stop feeding, they disappear.”
“Winter is the only one who’s allowed near them.” Tia smirked and arched one fine eyebrow. “Good thing Lewis is more of an ass man. But enough about my tits. It’s photo time.”
“Yes, it is. But before we go...” I grabbed the girls’ hands, and we formed a circle. “I have waited for this day for a long time. In case I forget, I want to thank you for being here to celebrate with me. I need you girls to promise me a few things. Promise me you’ll have fun. The weather won’t stop us from having a fabulous evening. And we’re going to dance up a storm all night.”
“Guaranteed. Today will be amazing and beautiful, just like you.” Maddy hugged me, then took my hand and dragged me toward the door. “Let’s go. It’s time to get your smile on.”
That was already in place. I didn’t think I could stop smiling, even if I tried. At the top of the staircase, I hooked up my skirt. The gorgeous, silky chiffon roses swished around my legs and trailed behind me. As I headed down the steps, I felt immaculate. Like a billion dollars. Like a beautiful bride.
I am a bride!
I was surrounded by my friends on the way to marry the man of my dreams, in a spectacular house overlooking the beach.
Yes . . . it was time.
Time to get married.
Fuck the stupid weather!