“No, you’re stressed and nervous. It’s normal. I was a spewing volcano the night before Gavin and I got married.”
Jenna’s lips curved. “I remember that. You suddenly decided the venue couldn’t possibly be big enough for all the people who were invited, and we needed to move it somewhere else.”
Liz laughed. “Yes. So trust me, I was a much bigger basket case than you could ever hope to be. This is just pre-wedding nervousness that all brides have. Tara calmed me down the day before mine, so now I’m going to do the same for you and tell you that your wedding is going to be perfect.”
“We should have eloped. Or just had family at Riley’s bar.”
“You are not having your wedding at Riley’s. You are not working the bar on your wedding day.” When the waiter came back, Liz handed Jenna the shot glass. “But you are going to take the edge off by taking a shot of tequila.”
Jenna sighed. “You’re right. I need this.” Jenna downed the shot, grimaced, then blew out a breath. “Whew. That’s better.”
“Good. Now let’s join the family, where you’re going to be calm and happy and enjoy the night before your wedding.”
“You’re so bossy.”
“I know. That’s why you love me.”
They joined the family in the private room that had been set up for them.
Jenna squeezed her arm. “You’re right. This is lovely. And I’m not even going to think about tomorrow, because I know it’s going to be perfect.”
“Of course it’s going to be perfect. Tara is in charge of event planning, and you know she’s a genius.”
“Did I hear my name?”
Tara moved in between them and Jenna hugged her.
“Sorry for the craziness earlier,” Jenna said.
“You’re entitled. We’ve been there and we know all about the stress. But trust me, everything is exactly as you wanted it for tomorrow. And for tonight.”
“I know it is, and I haven’t even thanked you for taking the time to arrange it all.”
Tara smiled. “It’s what I do.”
“And you do it beautifully.” Jenna gave Tara a tight squeeze and Liz sighed in relief.
Meltdown over.
The dinner was perfect, just as Liz knew it would be. And then the speeches started.
Ty’s friend Eddie Wolkowski gave a great speech about love and hockey, friendship and relationships that made absolutely no sense at all but still brought everyone to their feet because Eddie was just that kind of guy you couldn’t help but adore.
As matron of honor, Tara talked about friendship between two people who were there for each other. She talked about watching Ty and Jenna fall in love, and how she couldn’t imagine any two people who were more perfectly matched. It was a beautiful speech and she wished them well.
Ty’s parents were there, so Ty’s father, Sean, gave a short speech about how proud he was of his son and how he welcomed Jenna into the family. Ty’s mother, Louise, also said she didn’t think there’d ever be a woman good enough for her son, until she’d met Jenna. And that she wasn’t losing her son, she was gaining the daughter she’d always wanted and she looked forward to the two of them visiting Chicago, hopefully soon. It was sweet and emotional and everyone clapped.
Jenna’s dad was the last to toast by saying there was always room for another guy in the Riley family, and Ty had settled in just fine. He said he hadn’t known about Jenna’s dreams, but Ty had and he’d helped her achieve them. And then he’d gone on to say that he couldn’t think of anyone who was better equipped to take care of his little girl than Tyler. He wished the two of them well, and said he knew his daughter was going to live her happily ever after with Ty.
Liz blinked back tears and Gavin squeezed her hand.
“Emotional, huh?”
Liz nodded and dabbed the corners of her eyes with her napkin. “Seems to be a lot of emotion where weddings are concerned. Especially this one. I’m so happy for Ty and Jenna and I can’t wait for the wedding tomorrow.”
“And here I thought you were so tough.”
She laughed. “Yeah, well, don’t tell anyone. It could affect my business.”
After dinner, no one lingered. They’d be back here tomorrow night for the reception anyway, and tomorrow was going to be a big day.
Liz and Gavin headed home. She slipped off her heels, hung her dress in the closet, and went into the bathroom to get ready for bed.
“I’m shocked you didn’t try to seduce me in the hotel,” Gavin said as he came in to brush his teeth.
She smiled as she combed her hair. “I’m saving that one for tomorrow night when there are more people. Everyone will be relaxed, drinking, and not paying attention to us. Tonight, though, we’re going to have to do it in the bed like a normal, boring married couple.”
She walked out of the bathroom.
He followed, turning off the light. “How unfortunate.”