Page 85
Michelle grinned at them and tipped her head toward the hall behind her. “You guys ready to get this show on the road?”
“God, yes!” Aspen shouted as she jumped to her feet.
“You sure?” Zann chuckled.
“Just a little,” Aspen sassed. She fretted with her open collar. “Do I look okay?”
“Better than okay,” Zann assured her, slapping her hands away before this sudden bout of nerves ruined things. “You look great. And Eve…” She winked at Alder. “You have tissues handy for this one?”
Alder laughed and pulled a little travel packet of Kleenex from her pocket. “Yep. All covered.”
“You both suck,” Aspen grumbled, though her smile belied her words.
Zann clapped her hands to get the room’s attention. “It’s go time, people!”
“Nash, turn off the game and let’s go, buddy,” Alder added.
Once everyone was ready, they filed out of the room and made their way as a group toward the patio, where Lydia and the rest of Eve’s bridesmaids had already gathered. They’d acquired flowers in the time since their photo shoot. Like Aspen, Michael was wearing a single pink-tipped, white peony as a boutonniere, while the women all held bouquets tied with wide, iridescent white ribbon.
Zann’s heart skipped a beat at the smile that lit Lydia’s face when she spotted her.
Someday it’ll be our turn, a hushed, hopeful voice in the back of her mind vowed as their eyes locked and held.
“Glinda was so right,” Kit mused, startling Zann from her romanticized thoughts.
“I…” Zann blinked at her in confusion. “What?”
Kit grinned and pointed at the bouquets. “Pink goes good with green.”
Zann laughed. “God, you’re such a nerd.”
“What? I love those books!”
“I know. I remember when you were obsessed with them in high school.”
“The movies were pretty good, too. Could’ve been gayer, but still good.”
“Is there anything that can’t be made gayer?” Jack asked as he joined them.
Kit pointed at him. “Good point.”
Before Zann could respond, the celebrant, Michelle, held up a hand and called, “Okay, so, now that we’re here, let’s run through it all one more time. Does everyone remember their order?” She paused, waiting for everyone to nod before she continued, “Stella will bring Eve out once we’ve begun the processional. Aspen, you’re on me. Everyone else, five long Mississippis between pairs. Still good?”
“We got it,” Kit assured her as everyone began pairing off.
“Hey, beautiful,” Zann greeted Lydia. She kissed her softly, being mindful to not disturb her makeup like she’d done earlier. “Is she ready?”
Lydia nodded. “More than.”
“Yeah, Asp too.” Zann nuzzled Lydia’s cheek, and hummed when Lydia lifted a hand to cup her face to hold her close. “I love you,” she whispered against her lips.
Her throat tightened with emotion as Lydia’s thumb swept over her cheek as she whispered back, just as ardently, “I love you.”
Zann smiled and leaned in to steal one more short, chaste kiss before fully pulling away with a murmured, “Later.”
“Mm, can’t wait,” Lydia purred.
“Me neither.” Zann offered Lydia her arm. “Shall we?”