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EIGHT MONTHS LATER
I stare at myself in the mirror in awe of myself standing here in a white dress on my wedding day. Who thought I would make it here? Not me for sure, but here I am. I made it. I'm here, less than twenty minutes away from getting married to the love of my life.
And yet, I feel more serene than ever. Completely calm, completely at ease. I'm at peace. No pre-wedding jitters, no doubts, nothing like I've ever felt in my life because I am completely and undeniably sure that the man I'm marrying in ten minutes is the love of my life.
I turn around as I hear Ronnie rush in, two glasses of champagne in her hand. She stops in front of me and stares. "I know I've already seen you in this dress and I know I've said it a thousand times today already, but goddamn do you look sexy, JoJo," She says to me. "And beautiful, of course. Sexy and beautiful."
I run my fingers down my dress, so satisfied with my pick. It didn't take long to find a dress, I knew exactly what I wanted -- something simple, classic and glamorous and this dress is exactly that. It's a silk dress with a cowl neckline and sinched in waist with an a-line flare skirt. It's not overly dramatic, and it's also not boring. It's perfect. My hair is curled into soft beach waves that I've pulled back and my makeup is light, natural and glowy to match the sunset waiting for me outside.
I shake my head and laugh as she walks towards me and hands me a glass. "I was thinking you might need this. You know, to break down the nerves."
I take the glass from her and say, "I'll never turn down a glass of champagne, but honestly, I'm not nervous."
She raises her eyebrows. "Not at all? You're getting married in ten minutes. That's eternal, babe. Rest of your life kinda shit. Till death do you part, ya know," She says to me and I eye her suspiciously.
"What are you trying to make me nervous or something?"
"No, no. I guess I just didn't expect it from you, after everything you have gone through, but it shows how much you've grown," She tells me, rubbing my shoulder. "Connor's the right one. You're right not to be nervous."
"He really is, isn't he?" I say with a smile as I bring the glass of champagne to my lips, careful not to smudge my soft pink lipstick.
"Not to rain on the parade, but he's here, you know," She says. "Greyson."
I smile. "I know, I invited him, Ron," I say with a laugh.
"I know, but just wanted you to know he actually came."
I roll my eyes and grab her softly. "Ron, don't worry. I'm over him, way way over him. I'm literally getting married in ten minutes, not to mention I invited the guy! With his wife I may add," I say to her. Taylor and Greyson got married as planned back in June. They invited me and Connor, but we weren't able to make it because it was a busy weekend for me at the gallery.
