AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I nod and offer my hand. “The ceremony is starting soon, we should hurry.”
“I’ll go find Chase,” Aiden mutters.
“I’ll hold off the band,” Noah offers.
“Wait,” Emma calls. “If anyone asks…”
“You’re her Aunt Robin,” Aiden finishes.
She smiles with a sigh of relief. “Robin. Yes.”
I walk slowly and wordlessly with Pepper’s mother across the field. Afraid one wrong move would send the woman running in the other direction.
“It’s so beautiful,” Emma whispers.
I take in the view from her perspective, and it truly is a stunning setup.
The bridal suite is elegantly decorated with soft pink roses and white lace. I spent the morning ensuring every detail was perfect. Every ribbon tied, every white rose in place. Now, I find myself standing at the entrance of the tent, my heart pounding with the only thing that will really matter at the end of the day.
“Are you ready?” I whisper with a shaky breath.
She gives me a warm smile. “Absolutely.”
We step inside. The air is thick with the scent of flowers and sweet perfume. Pepper is in her shimmery ivory gown. It's an A line design with a fully beaded torso and open V in the back.
She's facing the mirror, struggling with the veil and her mother's tiara. “There you are,” she whines and turns. “Can you help me with—”
Her eyes widen as they fall on the woman she lost nearly a decade ago.
Emma swallows back tears. “I’d love to help you with that, sweetheart.”
The veil slips from Pepper's fingers. “Mom?” Her voice is just above a breath, barely audible over the pounding of my heart.
Emma nods. Her voice trembling as she steps closer. “It’s me.”
Pepper closes the distance between them in a heartbeat. “I’m dreaming,” she sobs, tears streaming down her cheeks. “This is a dream isn’t it?”
“Oh, sweetheart, I’ve missed you like you wouldn’t believe.” Emma’s voice is heavy with regret and…maybe a little anger?
My best friend pulls back, scanning the woman's features head to toe. “You’re here. You came. How did you know? Where have you been? Where’s—”
Emma shakes her head, pressing her finger to her daughter's lips. “Today, I’m your Aunt Robin.” She waits for understanding before sliding her finger down. “Your…uncle couldn’t come this time, but he sends his love. And…he’ll see you soon.”
Pepper nods in acceptance. "Whatever you need to stay safe."
Relief washes over Emma and she starts to adjust the tiara into Pepper's hair. “I received a message from one of the few people who know how to reach us. He said a little lady with blonde hair stopped by with a gentleman. She claimed to be my daughter.”
Pepper frowns in confusion, then looks at me.
I take a step back. “I’ll give you two some space.”
“Charlie—” She lifts her gown and races over, wrapping her arms around me. “This is the best wedding gift,” she whispers in my ear.
I nod, drying my tears. “Noah is stalling, but you need to get out there soon,” I tell her quietly.
“It’s okay,” Emma assures Pepper. “I’m staying for the whole thing and then…" she shrugs shyly. "I could use a place to stay tonight and maybe catch up?”
Pepper nods but I can see the disappointment in her eyes knowing her mother will be leaving again. “You’ll stay with us. For as long as you need.”
