Page 123 of Before We Break

“Do it, Mom,” Lexi calls over the wall.

I sigh and start to strip. “Don’t think I haven’t forgotten that you didn’t invite me to your wedding.”

Angelina laughs. “In my defense, I didn’t know there was going to be a wedding. Take it up with Griffin.”

I shimmy into the unforgiving ballgown with a pearl-embellished sweetheart neckline and sleeves that drape off the shoulder. The back has a million buttons, but Angelina came equipped with clips to hold the bodice closed.

With a smug smile, she holds open the curtains, and I step out into the showroom to crickets. Either I look terrible, or everybody is speechless.

I lift the skirt and stare at my feet as I make my way to the pedestal. When I finally look up and see myself in the mirror, a rush of emotion consumes me. I wasn’t prepared for the longing I would feel. I thought I’d come out here, give them all a show, and change back into my clothes. I didn’t realize how much I’d want this.

A part of me gave up on marriage a long time ago. I resigned myself to the idea that I’d never walk down the aisle to the man I love. It feels like a possibility now more than ever, but there are obstacles standing in the way.

Do I dare to hope that Noah feels the same way? Could he overcome his cynicism and be the man standing at the end of the aisle waiting for me? My foolish heart wants to make it so, but I still have my doubts.

I meet Lexi’s wide-eyed gaze in the mirror. She holds up her phone and snaps a photo. “I call dibs on maid of honor.”

“Oh. Great. Now I just need a groom.”

NOAH

Auggie’s eyes widen almost comically as Lexi comes out of her room in a purple sparkly dress. “Lexi looks like a princess.”

I don’t disagree.

Hayden stands from the couch, running his hands down his slacks before adjusting his matching purple tie. He holds out the bouquet of flowers, then lowers them, awkwardly repeating the motion until Lexi takes them from him. “Wow. You look…. Wow.”

She buries her face in the flowers and inhales, then she steps forward and runs her hand over the lapel of his navy blue suit. “You clean up nice.”

“Are you feeling ok? No morning sickness or… whatever?”

She giggles. “I’m fine. Let’s just… not talk about that tonight.”

Clio reaches out a trembling hand and threads her fingers through mine.

“You ok, princess?”

“Would you believe me if I said yes?”

I chuckle and press a kiss to her temple. “Not even a little bit.”

My phone chimes with a text from my sister letting us know she’s waiting for us. Clio asked her if she’d be willing to take prom photos for Lexi and her friends, and she happily agreed.

It’s a short walk up the block to the gazebo where Emma and a few of Lexi and Hayden’s friends are waiting. I recognize most of them from the musical. Emma directs them into various poses, then Auggie insists on having his photo taken with Lexi, too. I snap a few on my phone for Clio, who’s too busy dabbing at her tears to do it herself. She’s been an emotional wreck all day.

Ten minutes later, a white stretch limo parks across the street and lays on the horn.

“That’s us,” Hayden says. “Is everybody ready?”

“Wait. I need a picture with my mom first.” She motions for Clio to join her on the top step.

Clio blows out a steadying breath and places her damp tissue in my hand, and I can’t help but laugh. She takes her place beside Lexi and looks up at the sky, blinking rapidly as she adjusts that familiar sunset silk dress. She glances over to me one last time. “Do I look ok?”

The words get stuck in my throat, so I nod.

Emma snaps a few photos and the horn blares again.

“Sorry. I just need one more,” Lexi calls to the waiting driver as the rest of her friends pile into the limo. “Noah?”