“Wow, I’m lost for words.”
“He loves you, P. And so do I. I’m so happy that you’re going to be my sister.” Paige and I hug. When we part, she helps me slip it onto my wrist.
“I have your something blue.” Josie steps forward. I open the bag and pull out a blue garter.
“Oh boy,” I say as I let it hang from my finger. “I have a feeling the reception is going to get a bit rowdy tonight.” Everyone laughs.
“And I have your something borrowed.” Mom holds out her hand, there’s a set of small diamond earrings resting in her palm. “I know we live this glamorous life, where we have everything, but these were a gift from your father and I thought that maybe you’d like to wear them today.”
The tears I’ve been holding back arrive in full force. Elle’s dabbing my face and cursing up a storm, while I hug my mom. “I’d be honored,” I tell her through my tears. I always knew weddings could be touching, but I guess when you have a family like mine, who’ve been through what we have, there’s even more reason to cry when you’re supposed to be happy.
After my mom, Josie, and Paige leave, it’s just my sister and me. We hug for a long time. It doesn’t matter that we haven’t lived together in years or that we’ve gone our own ways, this is a turning point for us.
“Are you changing your last name?” she asks as she helps put the diamond studs into my ears.
“I am. I’ve thought about it for a long time and being a Westbury feels right. Professionally, I’ll stay James, but I can’t wait to be Peyton Westbury and have it be real. Have it be mine.”
Elle smiles and brushes a stray curl over my shoulder. “Noah’s one lucky guy.”
“I’m the lucky one, Elle. I almost lost him.”
“That would’ve never happened.” Her voice is strong and confident. She’s so much stronger than I am.
My sister helps me into my dress and hands me my bouquet just as there’s a knock on the door. She stands there with her hands on my shoulders, her smile is soft. “Daddy… I mean, our father, he would’ve been so proud of you, Peyton. I know I am. Being your sister is the best part of my life.”
“Elle…”
“No, don’t cry.” She pulls a tissue from her pocket. Of course, she would buy a gown with pockets. “You deserve every happiness, and I’m so happy that it’s Noah who gets you for the rest of your life because you’re pretty freaking awesome.”
“Thank you.” I want to tell her that it’s okay to refer to our father as daddy. I certainly have and would never think badly of her if she did. I touch the earrings and smile. “I have him with me, always.”
“He’s here now. I can feel him. He wouldn’t miss this day for anything.”
Her words give me pause. I’ve done everything I can to block him out. Not because I don’t love him, but felt consumed by his presence, and I needed to focus on Noah and the life we’re trying to build.
There’s a knock on the door. My sister presses her forehead to mine. “I love you, P.”
“I love you more,” I tell her.
She smiles and inhales deeply before turning her attention to the door. “Come in,” she says.
Our dad and Quinn walk in, both dressed handsomely in the suits I picked out. “Wow,” Dad says. “Just wow.”
“She’s gorgeous,” Elle adds. “The perfect bride.”
Quinn comes over and whispers. “Say the word and we ride away on my bike. I can take him out, if need be.” I chuckle.
“He’s your best friend.”
“You’re my sister. Marriage will never ever change that.”
“I love you, Quinn.”
“I love you more,” he says, kissing me on the cheek. He leaves with Elle, giving me a minute with our dad.
“You up for this?” I ask him.
He nods, and his lips go into a fine line. He’s holding back, keeping his emotions in check. “I can stand here and say a bunch of stuff about how beautiful you are, how strong and resilient you’ve been, and how lucky Noah is, but you know this already. The only thing I want to say is thank you.”