Total pages in book: 188
Estimated words: 182255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 911(@200wpm)___ 729(@250wpm)___ 608(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 182255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 911(@200wpm)___ 729(@250wpm)___ 608(@300wpm)
Heavenly stood and pulled Grace into a fierce hug. “I’m so sorry. But you’re doing the right thing. You deserve peace.”
“Thank you, sweetheart. This spring, Carl will be building us a house on a gorgeous piece of property we found with a lovely view of the Hudson. We’re excited.”
“That’s fantastic.”
“I’m jealous,” Maggie chimed in. “The neighborhood is beautiful. Wait until you see it.”
The chatter and laughter continued as Raine continued her ministrations. Heavenly closed her eyes and took in the moment until finally her bestie sprayed her makeup and swept her hair into an elegant bridal ’do. Then she stepped back with a gasp. “You look gorgeous!”
Heavenly opened her eyes and gasped.
The woman staring back at her in the vanity mirror looked...ethereal. Raine had worked magic, creating soft, romantic waves that framed her face while the rest was swept up in an elegant twist. Her makeup was flawless but natural—dewy skin, rose-tinted cheeks, lips painted a soft pink. Her eyes looked bigger, brighter, shimmering with barely contained tears.
She looked like a bride. Not just any bride, but herself—enhanced, glowing, ready.
“Oh, my god,” she whispered, one hand flying to her mouth.
“Right?” Raine grinned, clearly proud of her work. “I told you. Gorgeous.”
“I can’t believe that’s me.”
“Believe it, honey.” Gloria squeezed her shoulder. “You’re stunning.”
Raine clapped her hands, bringing everyone back to the moment. “Okay, ladies. We’ve got forty-five minutes and a bride who needs to get into her dress. Grace, you’re on zipper duty. Gloria, accessories. Let’s move.”
The next thirty minutes passed in a flurry of activity. Heavenly stepped into her dress—the ivory lace hugging her curves perfectly, the beading catching the light with every movement. The zipper closed without incident, much to her relief.
Grace fastened the gift Beck and Seth had given her into place—a simple bracelet with three interlocking circles. Gloria slipped pearl earrings into place. Raine made final adjustments to her hair and makeup, then stepped back with a satisfied nod.
“Perfect,” Raine breathed. “Absolutely perfect.”
Heavenly turned to the full-length mirror and barely recognized herself. She looked...radiant. Luminous. Like a woman deeply, irrevocably in love. Like a bride about to marry the two men who’d saved her in every way that mattered.
“Oh, sweetheart.” Grace pressed a hand to her mouth, tears streaming freely now. “You’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”
Maggie crossed to Heavenly and pulled her into a careful hug. “You look amazing. I’m so happy for all three of you.”
“Thank you,” Heavenly whispered, squeezing her tight. “For everything.”
“That’s what family’s for.” Maggie sent her a watery laugh. “I’m ruining my makeup. I should get back to Danny before Anna decides the pool is more interesting than his lap. Good luck.”
She slipped out, leaving the door open just a crack.
“You look beautiful.” Gloria stepped forward next, her usual brassy confidence softened by genuine emotion. She cupped Heavenly’s face in both hands, eyes searching hers. “You’re going to be so happy, honey. If there’s one thing Mama Gloria knows, it’s men. And those two you’ve got worship the ground you walk on. You three deserve every bit of happiness.”
“Thank you, Gloria. For everything you’ve done for me. And especially for Beck. He loves you to pieces.”
“I love him, too, and don’t you dare make me cry.” Gloria fanned her face, then pulled Heavenly into a fierce hug. “And just remember, when you and Ken and Seth need a babysitter…” She paused dramatically. “Don’t call me.”
Heavenly giggled. “Wouldn’t dream of it. Love you.”
“Love you, too, honey. Now go marry those men!” Then Gloria swept out, leaving a trail of expensive perfume in her wake.
“Men,” Grace echoed with a shake of her head. “A year ago, I never would have imagined saying that and meaning it.”
Heavenly met Grace’s eyes in the mirror. “Thank you,” she said quietly. “For being here. For understanding. For…everything.”
Grace lingered, straightening Heavenly’s veil with trembling fingers. “Welcome to the family, sweetheart. Officially.” Her voice cracked. “I’m so grateful Seth found you and Beck. That you all found each other.”
“Me too,” Heavenly whispered.
“And for the record, if I’m in town, I’d love to babysit,” she said pointedly, shooting a look at the door Gloria had just exited through. “I’m hoping you three are planning for more babies. Lots more.”
As enthusiastic as Beck and Seth were about her being pregnant with this one? “We are. You’ll have lots of grandkids to spoil.”
“I’m so blessed. Now if I could just get Matt to find a nice girl and settle down…” Grace’s expression turned wistful as she pulled Heavenly in for a long, tight hug.
It was all the acceptance Heavenly needed.
Finally, Grace pulled back, dabbing at her eyes with a tissue. “All right. I need to leave before I completely fall apart.” She kissed Heavenly’s forehead. “See you out there.”
The door clicked shut behind her, leaving Heavenly alone with Raine.
Her best friend stood, studying her with an expression Heavenly couldn’t quite read. Not quite sad, not quite happy—something deeper, more complex.