Finding Us (Christian Interracial Romance)

Burgundy Satin and Broken Ties

A/N: The song Cecilia sings at the wedding ceremony is "Biblical" by Calum Scott above.

Cecilia

The moment has finally arrived, and my heart races as I stand with the other bridesmaids, all of us lined up in front of a full-length mirror. We're in the bridal suite of the Ebell of Los Angeles, sunlight pouring in through the grand windows, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. The atmosphere hums with excitement and the scent of flowers fills the air. The November chill outside feels distant as warmth and joy radiate from all of us.

I can't help but smooth my burgundy satin dress one more time, my fingers grazing the silky fabric. It fits perfectly, hugging in all the right places. My hair is silk-pressed and swept to the side, slightly waved, and I feel elegant. But my breath catches when I look at my reflection, remembering that I'm not the one we're all waiting to see. It's Sylvia, my best friend since childhood.

"She's almost ready," Becca whispers, her voice trembling with emotion.

I nod, unable to speak for a moment. "I'm not sure I can handle this without crying," I manage, my voice catching.

Jacqueline, standing next to me, lets out a breathless laugh. "We're all going to cry. Just wait."

Athena smiles, touching my arm lightly. "You're the maid of honor, Cecilia. You're allowed to sob first."

The door to the dressing room creaks open slightly, and the hairstylist peeks her head in. "She's ready."

My heart leaps into my throat. We all share a look, silently bracing ourselves. And then, the door opens fully, and there she is.

Sylvia steps into the room, and for a second, time stops. She's an absolute vision in her bohemian wedding dress, the lace cascading over her frame in delicate, intricate patterns. The dress hugs her waist, flowing out gently around her feet, and her auburn curls are soft, framing her glowing face. She looks like a dream, ethereal and beautiful beyond words. The sunlight hits her just right, highlighting every curve and wave in her hair, making her dress shimmer as she moves.

"Oh my gosh..." Cousin Reagan whispers, covering her mouth with her hand.

Cousin Misty inhales sharply beside her. "Sylvia, you're breathtaking."

I can't find words. My chest tightens, and I feel tears prick at the back of my eyes. Sylvia's deep brown eyes lock onto mine, and she smiles — that same smile I've known since we were kids, the one that makes me feel like I'm home, like everything in the world is just right.

"Oh, Cece..." she breathes, her voice shaky with emotion. "What do you think?"

I blink back the tears threatening to fall, trying to compose myself, but it's impossible. I step forward, reaching out to her hands. "Sylvia... You look... you look like a bohemian Barbie bride come true. Except the plastic." I respond and Sylvia giggles. "Sylvia... I can't... You're stunning."

Her bottom lip quivers and she squeezes my hands tightly. "I'm getting married, Cece."

"I know, and you're going to take everyone's breath away. Especially Noah," I say, feeling the warmth in my chest spread to every corner of my being. "I'm so proud of you. You've never looked more beautiful in your life."

Jacqueline steps forward, wiping a tear from her cheek, and hugs Sylvia tightly. "You're going to kill Noah when he sees you."

"I hope he doesn't pass out," Sylvia laughs, though her voice is thick with emotion.

Athena steps up next, her eyes glistening with unshed tears while she fans her eyes with her hands rapidly before her tears ruin her makeup. "We're not going to make it through the ceremony without bawling."