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Oliver would be spending the night at Wilmer's, meeting his groomsmen there to dress for our wedding. Matthew had agreed to watch Trouble during our honeymoon. It all felt so surreal – months of planning finally coming to fruition.
I slipped into the floral dress I'd chosen for the rehearsal, pairing it with strappy white sandals and my favorite teardrop diamond earrings. A swipe of strawberry-flavored lip gloss completed the look.
When I emerged from the bedroom, I found Oliver in the living room, engaged in a playful tug-of-war with Trouble. My breath caught as he stood, revealing his impeccable outfit: black slacks, a crisp lavender shirt, and a sleek black tie. His freshly cut hair was styled into a short fade, the top neatly arranged with pomade. I was pleased to see he'd left a hint of scruff – just the way I loved him best.
"You look handsome," I said, my voice soft with admiration.
Oliver's eyes lit up as he took me in. "And you're gorgeous," he said, his tone dreamy. "How did I get so lucky?"
A blush crept up my cheeks as I smiled back at him. "Funny, I've asked myself the same thing."
"Ready to go?" he asked, offering his arm.
I nodded, linking my arm through his. "If you are."
He pulled me close, burying his face in my hair and inhaling deeply. As I pressed my head to his chest, I felt a quiet rumble. I knew we were both thinking the same thing.
"Twenty-four hours," I murmured, both excited and nervous.
Oliver's arms tightened around me. "Will you be all right by yourself tonight?"
I pulled back slightly, meeting his concerned gaze. "Yes, I'll be fine."
"Trouble won't be here," he reminded me. "Vlad's dropping him off after the rehearsal dinner."
"I know," I assured him. "It'll be fine. Brenda is staying with me."
Oliver's brow furrowed. "I didn't ask her to."
"I did," I admitted, averting my eyes.
His frown deepened. "You don't feel safe?"
I bit my lip, considering how to explain the swirl of emotions I'd been grappling with. It wasn't just about safety – it was the enormity of what tomorrow would bring.
"It's not that," I began, searching for the right words. "It's just... everything. Tomorrow's a big day, and I thought having Brenda here might help keep me calm."
“You could always stay at The Diamond Square. I could get you a suite.”
I shook my head. “It’s not necessary. I’ll be up early and over to Sadie’s. She’s having a catered breakfast while we get our hair, makeup and nails done. Thank you for the gift.”
“Nothing but the best for you. I didn’t want everyone to trek to the salon.”
We separated and he took my hand to lead me downstairs. Vlad was waiting with the limo to take us to the hotel.
My head was spinning as we entered The Diamond Square for dinner. The room Oliver chose was immense, far larger than what our party of forty required. I had invited my extended family, and Oliver's groomsmen had brought dates. I picked at my food, nerves gnawing at me as our upcoming nuptials loomed.
Oliver, after sharing a couple of shots of tequila with his groomsmen, finally sat down beside me.
"Not hungry?" he asked, his voice a soothing contrast to the chaos in my mind.
"Not really. I’m so nervous."
"Don’t be," he said, leaning over to kiss me softly on the cheek. "It'll be over before you know it, and we’ll be on our way to St. Croix for two weeks of well-deserved relaxation and sun."
I took a few sips of champagne and tried to eat the chicken marsala on my plate. I knew sleep would elude me tonight; I'd probably end up reading or having a drink to calm my racing thoughts. Next to me, Oliver dove into his prime rib and fingerling potatoes with gusto. Just as he took a bite of potato, his phone rang.
"Excuse me, sweetheart," he said, standing up. He walked to the corner of the room, but his voice carried over the music, especially when I heard Jonah's name. Oliver's face tightened as he spoke, his hand movements growing more animated—a clear sign he was upset. After a few minutes, he returned to the table.
