Page 117 of Book Club Confidential

Hallie took slow, controlled breaths. “I just want you to be proud of me.”

Tessa’s eyes filled with tears. She was obscenely proud of Hallie. She certainly hoped she knew.

Gina huffed a laugh, one hand on her rounded abdomen. “You’re funny. You think we’re not proud of you? You’re the one we brag about. You’re the one who got away. I mean, little Junior in here is probably going to be one hell of a high school football player like his daddy was, but we’re never leaving our little towns and our small lives. That’s where we belong. It’s who we are. But it’s never been you. You went after all the things you wanted, even when we laughed because we didn’t understand why you wanted any of it. I still don’t,” she clarified, giving the grand hallway around her a wrinkled-nose stare. “But you do, and you should have it. But on your terms.”

“You deserve everything you want in this life,” her mama said. “And some things come with compromise, like wearing a stupid hat. Or when the Piggly Wiggly drops prices on strawberries and sweet corn, but you know you’re going to have to spend a bunch of time picking through everything to find the decent ones, because some already went bad.”

“I hate that,” Hallie said.

“Sometimes it’s worth it,” her mama said. “But you have to figure out what’s a good deal for you and what’s not.”

The door sucked open again, and Tessa jumped.

Kate looked wide eyed at the group. “Sorry! I thought you saw me coming. The preacher has another rehearsal across town in an hour. We have to get started or rehearse without him. Bryce said that was up to you. He doesn’t want to rush you.”

Hallie made a small smile. “I’m ready.” She nodded at her mama. “Tell him I said thank you.”

Mrs. Montgomery kissed her daughter’s cheek, then hurried into the gardens.

Gina returned Hallie’s hat with a pointed stare, and Hallie nodded.

Kate moved into line with the other bridesmaids, and the processional began.

Tessa was the last to walk the aisle behind Kate. They moved onto the plush green grass, past rows of white folding chairs and the eager faces of onlookers.

Bryce stood with his groomsmen, hands clasped before him.

The preacher checked his watch.

Then, everyone turned to watch Hallie walk the aisle. She was a vision in black, despite the goofy sash and small white hat covering her purple hair.

Bryce smiled a broad prideful smile.

Tessa bristled. She always watched the groom at this moment in a wedding, and they typically looked like weeping babies. Men humbled before the women they adored. Emotionally knocked off their feet by the fact these beautiful goddesses wanted to be their partners in life forever.

Bryce looked like he was posing for a picture, and he looked at his parents as often as he looked at his approaching bride.

When Hallie reached Bryce, the preacher gave instructions to the couple and read abbreviated versions of tomorrow’s service, then he moved on to the truncated vows. Bryce performed his part first.

Then all eyes returned to Hallie.

“This is where I’ll repeat the phrases with you,” the preacher said. “And you’ll answer. Any questions?”

“Yes,” Hallie said. “Just a few.” Her gaze darted nervously to the preacher, her groom, then Mrs. Haymaker. “If I may.”

“Of course.” The preacher raised his brows, ready to assist.

Hallie focused on Bryce. “Can you name all my bridesmaids?”

Bryce’s features bunched. “What?” He looked past her to the line of cousins, now waving coyly.

Kate bit her lip as she looked to Tessa.

“What’s this about?” Bryce asked. Apparently, the answer to Hallie’s question was no. He hadn’t bothered learning her cousins’ names.

Hallie nodded and turned to his mother. “Is this hat an actual family tradition? Or did you just want to cover my hair?” She removed the hat and held it out in her direction, in case the other woman needed a better look.

Mrs. Haymaker shifted and tittered. “I don’t understand. What is it that you’re doing?”