Eventually Yours

✽ 78

~Aubree

“So I checked in with the priest today and we're good to go,” I said. “The caterers have every food you want at the reception under control and I'm going to stick around and make sure the cleaning company waxed the floors till I can see my unborn child's reflection in it.” 

Dove tossed her hair over her shoulder and laughed.

“You know we could've just hired a wedding planner right?”

“No way. I'm more than happy to do this Birdie. With Breanna and her boys in Orlando and Beck trying to replace my shadow, I need to get out of the house. And besides, the wedding is in a week. Christmas is not far behind too. I'm doing this.”

Dove held her hands up in surrender.

“Yes, ma'am.”

I noticed the floral crew slacking and I frowned and spun on my heel, barking orders at them.

Is it so hard to do a job you're being paid more than enough for?

With a sigh, I lugged my purse and wedding planner book onto my shoulder, and exited the hall through the front door, stepping out into the sunlit courtyard.

For a long second, I went dizzy. Dark spots danced in my vision, and I teetered in my high heels like a newborn fawn. But a hand wrapped around my arm, steadying her.

“You really gotta stop wearing heels, preggo.”

“Don’t blame the heels, Nia,” I chuckled. “Blame low blood sugar.”

“Are you even supposed to lift twenty pounds?” she shot back skeptically.

“The doctor says it’s fine.”

“It’s fine, but it’s killing you” Nia gestured at a planter. “Sit.”

Following my sister-in-law’s marching orders, I exhaled a tired breath and scanned the courtyard.

“Aubs, you gotta take it easy” Dove sighed, reaching our side.

Already digging through her large 'Mom on the go' tote bag, Nia perched beside me.

“What do you need? Smelling salts or granola bars?” she held both out in one hand.

I frowned, looking from the items to Nia.

“Why do you have smelling salts?”

“People faint at funerals and weddings all the time.”

Grateful, I took the granola bar, my first meal of the day. I was almost at the full term of my pregnancy and all I could keep down now was Sour Patch Kids and pickles. Curiosity piqued, I cocked my head.

“Why weddings?” Dove and I asked at the same time.

“Nerves. Locked knees. Bridesmaid slept with the groom” Nia shrugged. “Shit like that.”

Dove tensed and Nia shook her head apologetically.

“Not at your wedding though sweetie.”

I laughed, my nerves easing away. Nia crossed her ankles.

“How’s Beau?”

Palming my belly, I rolled my eyes with a smile.

“I'm not naming my child that, Nia. It could be a girl and the baby's crushing my bladder but thriving.”

I bit into the granola bar, the sweetness giving me a much-needed energy boost.

“You ready to go home and rest?” Dove asked.