Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 77551 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 388(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77551 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 388(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 259(@300wpm)
Jazz steps forward and engulfs me in a hug next. “We wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Behind me, Alex clears his throat, offering his hand to Mama. “It’s so nice to finally meet you.”
Mama looks him up and down before taking his hand. “So you’re the man who stole my baby girl’s heart.”
Alex chuckles at that, rubbing the back of his neck with his free hand. “Guilty, ma’am. You raised a charming and amazing young lady.”
Jazz looks between us, her grin widening. “Well, aren’t you two just the cutest! I can’t wait to see you walk down the aisle, Ariel.” She wraps an arm around Mama’s shoulders. “We’ve brought some things from home for the wedding.”
Before I can ask what she means, Emily and Sienna bustle into the room, their eyes wide with curiosity at our new guests.
“Sienna, Emily,” I say, “this is my mom and my best friend, Jazz.”
Sienna grins brightly as she steps forward to shake their hands. “It’s lovely to meet you. We’re thrilled to be a part of this.”
Emily nods, her gaze meeting mine over their shoulders. Emily was the first person I met here and the one I feel closest too. I was going to ask her to be my maid of honor, but I’m glad I haven’t had the time yet. Now that Jazz came all this way, I’ll have to ask her. But Emily will be my bridesmaid. Maybe Sienna too.
Jazz pulls a small box out of her purse. “This,” she says, handing it to me, “is something old and something borrowed.”
Opening the box, I find a delicate gold locket.
“It was my grandma’s,” Jazz says.
“It’s gorgeous.”
“And something new and blue,” Mama says, handing me a gift bag.
Inside the bag is a stunning pair of sapphire earrings, glinting brightly even in the dim light of the room.
“They’re beautiful,” I manage to say through a lump in my throat. “But Mama, can you—”
She lifts a hand to stop me. “I’ve been saving for a rainy day,” she says. “Besides, my only child deserves something special on her wedding day.”
“That’s right,” Alex says, kissing my cheek. “Your days of worrying about money are over, baby.”
“Now,” Jazz says, breaking our embrace to place a hand on my shoulder. “Are you going to give us the grand tour or what?”
I laugh, brushing away tears with the back of my hand. “Of course!”
“Allow me.” Alex holds out his arm.
Jazz grabs it eagerly, looking up into his hazel eyes. “Ariel is a lucky girl. You’re so handsome!”
Alex’s cheeks turn pink.
And jealousy rears its ugly head.
Jazz is a world-class flirt.
Emily leans toward me. “He only has eyes for you, love.”
I sigh. “You think?”
She chuckles. “I know. But go on after them. Keep an eye on your man.”
“Oh, I intend to, but before I do”—I grab her and Sienna by the hands—“I’d really love for the two of you to stand with me tomorrow. As my bridesmaids.”
“Of course,” Emily says.
“I’m honored.” Sienna squeezes my hand.
“Thanks a million. Or should I say a billion?” I giggle.
Emily and Sienna laugh along with me. I give them both a thankful smile before we all rush to catch up with Alex, Mama, and Jazz, who are already making their way toward the grand staircase.
Jazz is still hanging onto Alex’s arm, her laughter echoing throughout the hallway. But Emily is right. Alex only has eyes for me as he throws me an indulgent smile over his shoulder.
“Someone was supposed to put our luggage in our rooms,” Mama says.
“I think Jazz is staying in the suite that Ginger was in.” Alex points down the hallway once we reach the third floor.
“A suite?” Jazz’s eyes light up. “I’m glad I packed my cutest dresses and my sassiest heels. A girl’s got to match the vibe!”
“And you, Ms. Tanner—”
“Please, call me Cheryl,” Mama says to Alex.
“Of course. Cheryl,” he says, “you’ll be at the end of the hallway. Let me show you.” He untangles his arm from Jazz and leads Mama to her room.
Jazz pounces on me. “He’s prettier than you are, Ariel,” she whispers with a note of wickedness.
Emily must have heard, because she flashes me a sympathetic grin.
But I don’t care.
Jazz can flirt and say whatever she wants.
No one will bring me down today.
“Let me show you Ginger’s room,” Sienna says.
“You mean my room.” Jazz winks at Sienna and hooks her arm with hers as they head down the hallway.
I hang back with Emily, relishing in the comfort of her presence. “I still can’t believe they’re here,” I say, my heart swelling with joy.
Emily grins. “It’s going to be an amazing wedding, Ariel. I can feel it.”
But her smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Is something wrong?” I ask.
She draws in a breath. “Nothing in the world is wrong, love. This is all about you, so relish in it.”