“Really?” I gestured to my jeans and sleeveless shirt. “In this?”
“Doesn’t matter. You look amazing, and I can only imagine what you’ll look like in that bridesmaid dress. Can’t wait to see.” He hung his tuxedo bag on a nearby door handle and walked toward me. My anger dissipated as he pulled me into his arms and gave me a kiss on the cheek. “Sorry, don’t want to mess up that perfect makeup job.”
“It’s the only thing that’s perfect right now.”
“Oh?” He stepped back. “Something’s gone wrong?”
“Just a missing maid of honor. Sienna isn’t here yet.”
“You’re kidding.” His eyes reflected the same concern I felt.
“I wish I was kidding. She’s at The Strand, having her hair done. Don’t even get me started, or I’ll tell you what I think about that.”
“Wow.”
“I’m. Just. So. Mad. At. Her.” As the words were spoken, I began to tremble. How dare Sienna ruin my sister’s big day?
“Deep breath, Mari.” Derrick rested his hands on my shoulders and gazed into my eyes. “Crystal is taking her cues from you. They all are.”
“They are? Why?”
“Because you’ve been the natural leader all along. You’re the real maid of honor, whether you hold the title or not. And it’s time to step onto the mound and pitch a winning game.”
“Huh?”
“Do what comes naturally. Put the biggest smile on your face and give your sister the best day of her life, free from worries and stresses.” He pulled me into his arms. “You can do it, Southpaw.” He whispered the words soft into my ear. “I know you can. You’re a pro player.”
He groaned and slapped himself on the forehead. “Sorry. I called you a player again. But you know what I mean.”
I sure did. I gazed up into his eyes and felt my cares slip away. He gave me a kiss on the tip of my nose, then loosened his hold on me and took a step back. “Guess I’d better get into this tux. We’re scheduled to have our photos done at one, I think.”
“Right. The bridesmaids are supposed to be ready for pictures at ten after. That’s one of the reasons I’m so stressed about Sienna not showing up on time.”
“Do your best to relax. If you get nervous, just look my way and I’ll give you a little salute.”
“Don’t you dare! Not in the middle of the ceremony.”
“Just kidding.” He pulled me close one last time. “The next time you see me, I’ll be standing at the front of the church holding up the groom. I’ve never seen Phillip so nervous.”
“The next time you see me, I’ll be standing at the end of the line—”
“You’ll be at the front of the line, in my book.” He paused. “And just so you know, I might have to walk up the aisle with Sienna—if she shows up, I mean—but I’ll be focused on someone else. There’s only one girl here who’s caught my eye. And I hope she’ll save the first dance for me.”
“Oh, she’ll save you a dance, for sure.” I gave him a light kiss on the lips, doing my best not to mess up my lipstick. Just as quickly, I changed my mind. To heck with the lipstick. I gave the best man a kiss he wouldn’t soon forget.
Afterward I walked back to the bride’s room, my thoughts now shifting from Sienna to Derrick. I slipped on my pink gown and checked my appearance in the full-length mirror. Cassie, Brianna, and Gillian joined me, and we sighed in unison.
“We look pretty in pink.” Gillian giggled. “Don’t you think?”
“You’re a poet, Gillian.” Cassie laughed. “But yes, I think we look amazing in pink.”
“I knew you would!” My sister, still dressed in a shirt and capris, joined us. We stood, a deliriously happy group of giddy females, staring at our reflections until Crystal startled to attention. “I need to get into my gown. Will you help me?”
“Of course!” I flew into action, heading straight for the bag that held her wedding gown. I knew the photographer would be looking for us soon, so we’d better get this show on the road.
Before I could even unzip the bag, Sienna came rushing in. The frazzled maid of honor was dressed in short-shorts and a snug shirt, but her hair and makeup were impeccable. She greeted us with a squeal, followed by, “I’m so sorry, Crystal! It took forever at the salon. Would you believe they gave someone else my appointment time?” On and on she went, griping about what a rough morning she’d had. Ugh.
“Sienna, I cannot believe you went to a salon to have your hair and makeup done on your best friend’s wedding day.” Cassie folded her arms at her chest and glared at the maid of honor. “Seriously?”