Page 40 of Found in Wild Sage

Evie

The last two hours have been a whirlwind of pampering and attention, and I hardly know what to do with myself.

It’s unexpected, but not unwelcome, that I feel like it’s really my wedding day. Then I have to remind myself that even though he didn’t drop to one knee and propose out of the overflow of love in his heart and the need to bind himself to me for all of our days, this is my wedding day.

And funny enough, I’m marrying a man I would absolutely say yes to if he asked. Then again, he did ask. Sort of. Suggested, maybe? Offer is best. Whatever. Today, I’m marrying Dr. Declan Ryan, a man I’ve had a massive, borderline problematic crush on since the day he walked into the clinic over a year ago, and there’s no going back.

“Okay, you’re zipped.” Sam pats my back over the zipper of my wedding dress.

That’s right. My gorgeous tea-length dress. It has a sweetheart neckline in the front, a fitted bodice, and then a full skirt that twirls beautifully and rests a little below my knee. It’s so beautiful and girly and sweet, but I also somehow feel kind of sexy in it, too. My hair is in loose curls that have more volume than I could ever achieve on my own thanks to the stylist Mary insisted on hiring, and my makeup is immaculate for the same reason.

I face Sam and she presses her lips together. “You’re stunning.”

Only Mary and the owner of the new wedding and dress shop in Silverton have seen me in it, so I’m relieved to see her reaction.

“You think?” I smooth my hands down the front, relishing the silky texture. I am strapped in here with a built-in bustier and all kinds of things to keep everything in place, but on the outside, it’s all simple and smooth.

“Oh my gosh, Dec is going to lose his mind when he sees you.” May announces this when she, Eirinn, and Mary all join us. “You are gorgeous! I mean you always are, but this dress looks like it was made for you!”

She hugs me, and Mary does, too. Eirinn gives me a bright smile, and Sam dabs at the side of her eye.

“No crying, now. We can’t get Evie going and ruin her makeup,” Mary says. “And not too long from now, Sam dear, it’ll be your turn.”

Sam beams, and my heart glows for my friend. I generally feel rather glowy all around. I’m grateful to have these women with me, and I’m genuinely glad to have a reason to get to know May and Eirinn better. Eirinn has been less involved than May, but she’s here today, and that’s so meaningful.

“Ladies. Five minutes to first look.”

My pulse instantly accelerates.

“Oh, I’m so excited to see the pictures! Are you sure we can’t just⁠—”

“No, dear. This is a moment just for the bride and groom.”

Mary shuts down May’s question and I’m grateful. At the same time, I’m so nervous to see Declan. I haven’t seen him since I left his house on Thursday night. I’d taken Friday off already since we were planning to do the courthouse that day, and instead of going in, Mary insisted we have a girls’ day of pampering. She took us to a fancy spa between Juniper View and Silverton where we all got manicures, pedicures, facials, body scrubs, massages, and sipped on cucumber mint water with electrolytes while relaxing spa music and the sound of trickling water fixtures helped us unwind.

It was heavenly, and it’s part of the reason I feel so polished today. But it’s also why I didn’t see Declan or do more than exchange a few texts with him today.

Sam holds up her phone. “Clementine just texted to say Charlie is doing great. She gave him a little snack, checked his diaper, and he’ll get his little jacket on soon. Oh my gosh, I can’t wait.”

Everyone chimes in with their excitement to see Charlie in his little suit. I’ve seen it on the hanger, but not on my boy. His wonderful teacher, Clementine, offered to help with Charlie during the ceremony, and I accepted. Part of me wanted him here, but when Mary suggested I let her and allow myself this time to prepare for the wedding, she was right.

I’ve needed this time. Even though I haven’t had any great revelations, the space to let my thoughts take shape and meander a bit without attending to Charlie’s needs has been helpful.

It has reminded me I’m ready for this—as ready as possible. I have no doubts about Declan. In many ways, I have no doubts about us.

It’s not conventional, but I’ve long since decided I’ll do anything to protect my son.

At this point, I think I’m just ready to see my future husband and get this thing going.

“It’s time!” May claps, and everyone holds newly filled champagne glasses high. I hardly sipped mine, but I’m happy to toast.

“To a lifetime of love, perseverance, and laughter together as a family,” Mary says.

“To a friendship that never fails,” Eirinn adds.

“To lots of fabulous sex and maybe a few more babies!” Sam says, and May immediately gags audibly.

We all laugh. Meanwhile, my insides fizz. I may or may not turn the color of the raspberry sauce I think about regularly and give Sam a wide-eyed glare. It’s almost mean, wishing that for us, though I can’t help but wish for it, too—only because I’m swept up in the moment.