Mending Heart |18+|

Chapter 23

The Wedding

"We're all just a bunch of sinners, but we do the best we can." – Dolly Parton

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"Meg!" I gritted, poking her side. "Stay still."

"I'm trying." She snapped back, shooting me a sharp glare. "I knew I should have gone on a detox last week." I couldn't help but roll my eyes at her.

I was currently trying to zip up her wedding dress, but we were having some issues with the zipper. "Suck it in," I mumbled, once again tugging at the zipper on the back of the dress. After a few more tries and nearly breaking my nail off, I finally got the zipper to go all the way up.

The big day had finally arrived, and Megan looked like she was seconds away from throwing up all over the hotel room carpet.

I did tell her it wasn't too late to back out and that I could have an Uber here in ten minutes, but all that did was earn me a smack on the shoulder. Of course, I was partially joking. But if that's what she wanted, I wasn't going to stop her – I would be right by her side in the getaway car.

I wish someone had offered me those same words of advice seven years ago. 

"There." I smiled triumphantly behind her in the full-length mirror. "You look beautiful, Meg."

"Thank you." She smiled brightly, admiring her reflection. She had on a white Floral Applique Tulle Ball Gown designed by Pnina Tornai that cost more than I make in a month. Her hair was pulled back in a low chignon with gentle twists feeding into it, and lots of loose pieces around the face. And to top off her look, Megan also wore a crystal headband which added a bit of sparkle to an otherwise classic look.

"Are you girls ready?" Megan's mom, Jenny, poked her head through the door.

"We'll be right out mom," Megan replied before turning to face me. "I know I don't say this enough," She smiled, taking my hands into hers. "But I am so grateful to have you as my best friend. This day would have probably gone to shit a long time ago if it weren't for you."

"You promised you weren't going to cry." I narrowed my eyes at her, fighting back my own tears. My best friend was all grown up, and before I know it, she was probably going to start popping out kids too.

"Shut up." She rolled her eyes, blinking rapidly so none of the tears that had welled up would fall and ruin her makeup. "Thank you for being my maid of honor and putting up with my bridezilla attitude the past month."

"At least you can admit it." I snorted, picking up the flower bouquet and handing it to her. It was a mixture of red and white poppies and roses, with a touch of blush and green throughout the design. "It's showtime."

With one last glance at her reflection, Megan took the bouquet from me and headed for the door – with me not too far behind.

........

The church ceremony was held at the Fourth Presbyterian Church not too far from our hotel, followed by pictures on the Chicago Riverwalk.

The photographer Megan hired must have had a severe case of OCD because we were outside in the searing sun for at least three hours. It was hot, humid and I could feel the make-up begin to melt off my face.

While Chicago winters are typically brutal, summers aren't much better. Especially in one hundred degrees weather, in August.

"One more."