Page 365 of Saving Forever with the Hockey Captain

"If we keep this up, none of us will have any mascara left."

Jamie’s mother laughs. "I was thinking exactly the same thing."

The spell breaks just enough for all three of us to smile.

"Turn around," mom says gently.

"It's time."

I do.

Every movement feels almost ceremonial.

The final buttons on my gown are checked once more.

The delicate pearl necklace rests against my collarbone.

My mother's hands smooth the front of my dress one last time before she steps back.

"There."

She smiles, though her eyes glisten.

"My beautiful girl."

Jamie’s mother reaches for the veil lying across the bed.

"May I?"

I nod.

Very carefully, she settles it into place before arranging the soft layers over my shoulders.

For a long moment she studies me. Then she whispers, "Oh, Jamie..."

I laugh softly through fresh tears.

"I think he's going to like it."

She smiles.

"My dear...I don't think he's going to remember his own name."

All three of us laugh.

***

Just then...

Another quiet knock sounds at the door. We don’t answer immediately.

We all know who it is.

My mother walks across the room and opens the door to my father standing in the hallway.

For just a second...

He doesn't speak. He simply looks at me. His eyes widen. One hand comes up to cover his mouth.