Page 126 of Falling Back to You

“We’ll have another, bigger ceremony later on with all the bells and whistles, but today is just about you and me.”

“Ozzie and Dial.” While I still thought this was outlandish, I allowed myself to imagine Ozzie’s face when I walked down the aisle. No, this was crazy—I needed a dress, we’d need flowers, and what about witnesses? “I don’t see how we pull this off.”

“Don’t worry about anything but the dress, and I’ll meet you at the altar.” Ozzie grabbed his phone, pressing buttons. “Hey, Cy, I know it’s early, but I’m gonna marry your sister today and I need your help.”

“Oh my God, I can’t stand it, you look so beautiful,” Fancy gushed.

I’d called in the big guns, and Fancy had not disappointed. She’d found a selection of dresses in a trunk filled with red-carpet looks. I’d chosen a stunning silk white dress with lace flowers detailing the bodice, and Reese had worked her magic to ensure the fit was immaculate.

“You think?” I fingered my locs, which were curled into an updo.

“You look so pretty, Momma.” Maple beamed up at me.

“I think I’m gonna cry.” Fancy fanned herself.

“Don’t.” If she cried, I would most likely follow suit, and the last thing I wanted to do was ruin my makeup, also courtesy of Fancy.

“When you called and said you were getting married today, I was waiting for the punch line, but we did it,” Reese said.

“I can’t thank you enough for showing up for me. I’m so lucky to have all of you in my life.”

“We’re your A-team!” Maple shouted.

“I’m just over the moon that I get to spend this day with the people I love the most.”

“Even me?” Fancy asked.

“Yes, Fancy. I’ve actually grown very fond of you.” I fussed with my necklace.

She shook with excitement. “Best friends, sisters-in-law—”

“Family, forever,” I said.

There was a knock on the door, interrupting the lovefest—which I was grateful for, because I was definitely on the verge of tears.

“Can we have a moment with the bride to be?” Cy entered the room with Edison in tow. They’d cleaned up nice in suits and ties.

“Sure, we’ll be outside when you’re ready.” Reese and Fancy led Maple out of the room.

“Wow,” Edison said. “You look… Wow.”

“Edison’s right,” Cy added. “I’m calling it now: Oz is gonna cry.”

“Thank you for being here,” I said.

“Are you kidding? Our sister’s getting married. Wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Edison pulled me into a delicate hug so as not to disturb the finery.

“Are you two here to talk me out of it?” I half joked.

“No, I wanted to tell you how proud I am of you,” Cy said.

“Because I’m marrying Oz?”

“No, because I know it wasn’t easy to get here. I’ve never been in love, but that’s because I’m chickenshit. Loving someone isn’t for the weak—it requires vulnerability, and sometimes letting someone else in is the hardest thing you can do. I also love that you picked my best friend.”

“You weren’t always happy about that,” I said.

“No, I hated the idea of you two together—but then I witnessed how he loved you, and protected you, and realized that there was no one better equipped to love my sister and treat her right. You’re amazing, Dial, so naturally, any man who landed you would have to be one of a kind. Thank you for making my best friend my brother.”