Page 35 of Her BRATVA Protector
“Jasmine.”
She stops, her eyes fall on our joined hands and the ring, and her whole face changes. My girl sinks down next to me and lifts my hand.
“Mama.”
“Yeah, baby.”
“Look at thisthing.”
“I know, sweetheart.”
“I can’t even…”
“I know, baby.”
She starts crying. So I start crying again…because ofcourse… And we sit on the edge of the bed, hearing a vacuum going somewhere downstairs, with a Scottish maniac’s diamond on my finger. My baby, sobbing, and Imelda judging us both from her throne, aka my pillow.
Jasmine wipes her face, sniffling.
“Are you happy?”
I look at the ring, then at my sweet girl
“Yes, baby.” It comes out shaky. “I’m happy.”
She throws herself at my neck, squeezing tight, then yanks herself back.
“You’re getting married inhours, Ma.”
“…apparently.”
“Weneed to go!”
There’s another knock and a woman in a black blazer opens my door without waiting… she’s holding a clipboard, wearing a headset, and has the face of someone who’s run a hundred weddings, never once let one collapse, and is not about to start with mine.
“Mrs. Maksimov.”
I make a strangled sound.
“I’m Beth, your wedding planner.” She smiles. A real one. Like she’s actually happy to be here, part of this craziness. “I’m sorry, but we’re on a schedule and we’re slightly behind.You have hair and makeup at three, then your dress, and the ceremony at sunset. Anything you need before we get started?”
I let out a huff of laughter.
“Coffee, maybe?”
Beth winks. “On its way.” Then she steps out and closes the door.
Jasmine and I exchange a look.
“Go shower, Ma.”
I nod and go get in the shower.
* * *
I don’t have words for the next few hours. It’s a whirlwind of bath, hair, delicious food brought over on trays, coffee…thank you, Beth, you terrifying angel.The florist comes up to ask, peonies or small roses, while a woman pins up my hair. Half up, in soft curls that fall around my face. I look in the mirror and barely recognize the woman staring back. She’s fucking beautiful, and her eyes are shining with… pure joy.
Lord.That’s me. That’s been me the whole damn time, and life just had me locked up where I couldn’t see her.
