Fifty-Six | Lyric | Six Months Later
Fifty-Six
Lyric
Six Months Later
“Why do I feel so nervous?” I asked as I ran my hands down the front of the wedding dress I had designed.
While it wasn’t part of the Mel and Me label that I launched a few months ago, it was so gorgeous that I considered starting a new bridal label and seeing where that took me.
Mel and Me had seen outstanding success, so I was hopeful that I had finally found my calling in life and that future labels would do just as well.
“Probably because the best things in life are the scariest,” Kara offered, meeting my eyes in the full-length mirror as I adjusted the thin strap of my dress for the hundredth time. “Or because Uncle Cole went wild and invited everyone in town to your vow renewal.”
“I think that might be it,” I replied with a laugh. “I know he meant well, but he should know that I don’t do well in large gatherings of people.”
“True, but how else are you going to launch your new bridal line if you don’t have a wedding to show it off at? You have all of those important people from New York coming, might as well give them something to ooh and ahh over.”
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly, taking my dress in one more time.
The intricate lace detail was my favorite part, but the pearl buttons that ran the length of my back came in second.
I had spent so much time designing the perfect dress that I almost considered pushing the date out so I could have more time to get everything right.
When we first started working on the invites right after the babies were born, Cole asked if I had anyone from New York that I wanted to invite.
I gave it some thought and realized that I had distanced myself from so many people over the years that it was time to stop doing that and allow people to get close to me again.
I made a quick list of those I felt closest to and sent out an invite.
What I hadn’t expected was that I would design all the clothing for our ceremony, including the suits Cole and Ben were wearing.
I had gotten so carried away with the design that I even came up with the cutest outfits for the twins to wear.
Everything paired together perfectly, and the next thing I knew, I had a solid line designed.
“We’re ready whenever you are,” Sherry said, popping her head through the door and smiling at us.
While she wasn’t wearing one of my designs, she had taken the time to pick a dress that complemented the mauve dresses Kara and Chloe were wearing.
“We’re ready,” I answered, returning her smile before turning around and taking the bouquet Kara handed me.
Sherry nodded and left, leaving Kara and me by ourselves again.
“I’m really happy for you,” Kara said, wrapping her arms around my waist and hugging me. “I’m glad that I get to keep both you and Uncle Cole in my life.”
“Thank you, sweetheart. I’m really happy we both get to be there, too.”
“Alright, let’s get you married... again.” She frowned as she tried to figure out the right words. “Or renewed? Are we renewing you?”
I laughed and shook my head as she grinned like a fool.
“It’s whatever you want to call it,” I answered. “But you'd better get your butt moving. I hear the music starting, and you know Ben gets impatient when he has to wait.”
She rolled her eyes and laughed as she rushed off, pulling her dress up slightly so the bottom didn’t drag on the floor.
I took a few minutes to collect myself, taking a few deep breaths until I looked up and saw Dean standing in the doorway, his arm extended for me. I walked to him and looped my arm through his, thankful that he had offered to give me away.
When I got married the first time, I had my entire family there to watch.
A pain zipped through me when I thought about all of the people I had lost over the years and how my family had changed so drastically.
Not having my brother or parents there to celebrate us felt wrong, but then I looked at Ben, Kara, and Chloe and felt their presence in each of them.
From the smiles on their faces to the tears of happiness in their eyes, I felt the love of a family who had been through a lot and still made it to the other side stronger than ever.
I grinned back at them as I made my way to the man who had never given up loving me, even when I wanted him to. I walked straight toward the family who had become the greatest treasures I ever had and the blessings I never knew I needed.