Page 70 of The Heiress Bride
The longer I sit in this chair, the longer the team fusses over my hairstyle, my makeup, and just theright shade of lipstick, the more I want to bolt into the arms of the men I love.
Which is just wild.
Ridiculous.
Frustrating.
Shon watches me over the edge of her glass, gaze zeroing in on my bouncing foot. “So tell me about your dress. What’s your favorite part?”
Bless her. The question dives deep into my brain, chasing away the shadows and bringing the light, effervescent delight I’ve experienced since I stepped foot on Our Wildfire all those weeks ago.
“It has pockets!”
A knock at the door interrupts my excitement, and Shon scurries over to answer it. She says something I can’t hear and then shuts the door, returning to my side with a trio of small, elegantly wrapped boxes.
The white paisley print shimmers in the evening light, as do the gold satin bows.
“Presents for the bride,” Shon says, taking my glass before handing the bundle over.
There’s a small card attached to each box, and my nose tingles as I reach for the first one. What are they up to? Don’t they know my composure is trading at an all-time low? I’m one sweet gesture away from needing a box of tissues.
Beauty,
Add this charm to your bracelet so you’ll always remember you’re the heart of our family. The glue that binds us and holds us together. We’re beyond lucky to call you ours.
Alex
Right on cue, Shon hands me a tissue.
“Sorry,” I croak to the make-up artist who just spent way too long perfecting my mascara.
She smiles. “It’s waterproof.”
“Oh, thank goodness,” Shon says as I tear off the paper and pop the lid to reveal a golden, heart-shaped charm with a diamond in it. She’s right there, looking over my shoulder.
“Lovely. He’s got incredible taste.”
“Doesn’t he?” My hands tremble as I try to take off my bracelet. See? I’m a complete mess.
Shon removes it for me and gets to work adding the newest addition, then puts it back on my wrist.
The next reads Princess in a bold, black scrawl.
A little something to complete your outfit, the way you complete my life. There’s no one else who grounds, challenges, and lifts me the way you do.
Gabe
Ihand the note to Shon so she can swoon along with me, then run my finger under the tape and peel back the fancy wrapping paper. I recognize the box immediately because it, like the jewelry inside, is nothing short of a work of art.
As I pop open the lid, I get my first glimpse at a stunning bracelet. Simple and elegant but obviously expertly crafted and bursting with diamonds. I run a fingertip along the incredibly detailed flowers and the leaves that form a vine to wind around my wrist.
It’s not lost on me that the pale green stones are the same shade as my engagement ring. Or that the man who’s longed to fit in and stand out would find such a unique and expensive gift. A status symbol, if you will. But also tasteful and thoughtful.
“Keep the tissues coming, ladies,” I murmur, eyes moist with a fresh round of waterworks.
I’m too choked up to say much else, so I hand the box to Shon and let her work on the clasp. Thank goodness she has some dexterity left because the giddiness pummeling my veins is making me wonder how I’m going to function for the rest of the evening. There’s the ceremony. Drinks. Dinner. Dancing.
Shon slips Gabe’s bracelet onto my other wrist, and I hold both up so we can admire the uniquely sentimental gifts.
