Chapter 25
CHAPTER 25
ROSE
D aphne is stretched out on the bed, acting as moral support while I do my makeup for the wedding. Much to my parents’ chagrin, and Mr. and Mrs. Finch too, Sage and Cara decided to pay for the wedding themselves, which made it easier to tell the parents no.
So Cara didn’t hire makeup artists, which suits me just fine.
“I wish I could sneak you in with me.” I stare into the mirror, then wipe off the eyeshadow. “I should probably use a different color. What do you think?”
“I think if you really want me at the wedding, I can call Richard and suggest he take me as his plus one.”
“I love you too much to ask that of you.” I start over on my eyes with a different shade. “I want to believe there is good in everyone, but so far, I haven’t found it in Richard.”
“He inherited the narcissism from his mom, I guess. He only thinks of himself. They named him appropriately.” She stands and poses like a stage actor. “Richard by any other name would still be a Richard.”
Now, I’m laughing too hard to see my reflection. “That line is going to be on repeat in my head all day. It’s hysterical. Why have I never thought of it?”
“You know what makes it even funnier? Your name is Rose. Because, you know, a Rose by any other name…”
“Yeah, I get it, Daphne. Oh, I need to hurry. Dallas will be here in a half hour.”
Daphne flops back onto the bed. “So I have an idea. It’s inspired by Cinderella. Because after you told me about how he slipped on your shoes, I keep thinking of Cinderella. Obviously. Anyway, in the fairy tale, she left her glass slipper at the ball. That’s how he found her?—”
“Finding me isn’t really an issue. Dallas knows where I live.”
“But if for any reason, he’s doubting how you feel and thinks the wedding marks the end of the agreement, he might need a reason to see you.”
“I want him to want me, Daphne. Not because of a glass slipper or anything else.”
“As I’ve said, he does. The whole world can see it written on his face, but maybe he hasn’t looked in a mirror. He might be the last one to figure it out. My point is you should leave something in his truck after the wedding. And when he finds it, he has a reason to see you. There is no downside. If y’all are dating and he finds it, he’ll take it over on one of his regular visits. If the deal ends, then it gives him a reason.”
“I’m not sure I like the idea, but I’ll think about it.”
I hurriedly finish applying my makeup. “How do I look?”
“Your face is fabulous, but I think the shorts and T-shirt are a bit casual for a bridesmaid.”
“I’m not wearing this to the wedding. The dress would be all wrinkled if I wore it while riding to the venue.”
“Okay. Thankfully, y’all have perfect weather. It was chilly last weekend, but you could actually wear shorts and not be cold today.”
“I’m happy about that. The ceremony is outdoors, and I hate being cold.”
Daphne laughs. “Good thing Dallas is always warm.”
I’m thankful Cara didn’t ask me to be the maid of honor because I wouldn’t want to be the first to walk down the aisle. After watching two others make the trek, I copy their pace. As I take intentional steps toward the front, I feel Dallas’s gaze on me.
When I sneak a glance at him, he winks, which nearly makes me trip on my own feet.
Focusing on the front, I manage to make it there without toppling headfirst into the ground. As soon as I’m in place, the music changes.
My brother’s smile is wide and bright, and his gaze is fixed on the end of the aisle. I can tell from his expression when Cara comes into view. Tears brim in his eyes, and I pinch my lips, trying not to ruin my makeup at the beginning of the ceremony.
Cara is smiling at my brother, and my heart is about to burst. I’m so happy for them. In spite of the crazy that threads through our families, they found love with each other. I wish them decades of love and togetherness. And very shiny spines. They’re going to need it.
As the minister speaks, I concentrate on his words, only occasionally glancing at Dallas. I want to be this happy forever.
We’re halfway through the reception, and Tanya is telling some of my other cousins about the night Dallas proposed. I’m trying to focus, but then panic washes over me. Mom has been on her best behavior. And that worries me. I know better than to think she just relented to my desires. And Dad hasn’t said a word about the shop. It doesn’t make sense for it to sit, unopened. Why pay for a place that isn’t generating money?
But it won’t do me any good to worry about it tonight. Easier said than done.
Dallas catches my attention, and I excuse myself from the conversation. “My fiancé is calling.”
As I walk away, I hear a collective sigh.
Dallas leads me onto the dance floor. “Another blue dress. I now have a favorite color.”
“Are you saying you didn’t have a favorite color before?”
He gives a shrug. “It never mattered.”
“That’s crazy. Of course it matters.”
“I like that it matters to you, Zuzu.”
I rest my head on his shoulder, then pull back. “I don’t want to get makeup on your jacket.”
“It isn’t a rental. I’ll just have it cleaned.”
“You bought a tuxedo?”
“Is that a problem?” His thumb brushes my back.
I lean my head down again. “Not at all. It just surprises me.”
As we step off the floor after dancing to several songs, Cara runs up. “Rose, come with me. I want to do some pictures in the photo booth with my bridesmaids. Dallas, you don’t mind if I steal her away for a few minutes, do you?”
“Have fun.” He blows me a kiss as I step away, and I’m even more excited about what tomorrow brings.