The Dream Is Not Over

Wedding Bells

River, Lindsey and Al all head upstairs to get dressed while Sue and I try to get ready ourselves. I'm praying my dress fits because moving into the third trimester, there is a lot of growing still being done.

Olivia's mother's dress is green like her eyes and she smiles as she comes out of the bathroom where she had changed. She put on a little makeup and took off the headband, rearranging her braids. She parts them on the side, smoothing her hands down to the ends and Olivia watches her in awe.

"You look beautiful, mommy."

"Thank you, baby. I remember when you were a little girl and you were so intrigued. You would watch me comb out my hair on wash day, your eyes would be focused on every detail. You'd bring me my oils and hair conditioners...you were the best helper. Now that you're all grown up, I have to do it myself." Sue looks back at me. "I told you, Stevie, I'm spoiled."

I chuckle and Olivia gets up from the bed, hugging her mother tightly. "I hate being away from you and daddy."

"I know you do, but you'll still see us. You have a family of your own now, but we will always be there. Just like Stevie and Lindsey will be there. Don't think about it as us going away, okay? That will drive you crazy."

"I know." Olivia still seems down as they pull away.

"This is another lesson, sweetheart. You're getting married today to a handsome young man who adores you. He's nervous and I understand you are too but I can feel he knows what he's doing. If you're scared, that's okay."

"Really?"

"Yes, of course. You've never been on your own before. We gave you opportunities to go and see things, to travel and to be self reliant but community is important too. Your community is still here, it's just...welcoming new members." Sue's hands hold her daughter's waist. "Congratulations."

"Thank you," Olivia weeps.

"Oh, baby girl, what am I going to do with you and all these tears!" Sue gets a laugh out of her then Olivia comes to me.

"Please don't think I don't want to marry your son. I really do love him so much, Stevie."

"I know, sweet girl. I know how much you love each other. I can see it and feel it. You don't think I was terrified to marry Lindsey?" She shrugs. "Well, I was. I was nervous, I was shaking. I would go from fear, to excitement, back to fear, but I knew I loved him and I wanted to spend my life with him."

"Just because you are on a different path, doesn't mean it's the wrong one." Sue says and I nod.

"That's true. There is nothing wrong with what's happening. You're getting married, you're having a baby and that's exciting. Fear is part of excitement for me. When I play a show solo or with the Mac, I'm always scared. I'm always nervous but I can't wait to get it there and put on a great show. Life is exactly the same way. You can't let fear hold you back. If I thought you weren't ready, I think we would both tell you."

Sue nods. "Oh yeah, big time."

Olivia chuckles. "Thank you. I'm going to get started on my skin routine and work on my makeup. You two finish getting ready."

"How about some music? That always helps me get in the zone, you know." I turn on the radio and a great song is already playing. I head to my closet and pull out the dress. It's a deeper green, almost emerald. I didn't think about it being summer and the wedding possibly taking place outside when I chose a long sleeved dress, especially at seven months pregnant. I close the door to my dressing room and thankfully the dress still fits. I breathe a sigh of relief, looking in the full length mirror. I smooth my bump, her little kicks against my hand induce a smile I know won't fade all day. My son is getting married, my husband is back home and we are doing better than ever and in a couple of short months, we will be parents for a second time.