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“They are probably hanging out in their tuxes and drinking,” Jordan chuckles. “There’s a bottle of good whiskey in the room along with cigars and chocolate truffles. I suggested that they fill a flask and walk the beach to hang out. I did mention that they not change until afterward if they decided on that option. The waves are a good way to find zen, I would think. They were a ball of excitement as I left the room.”

Layla grins as Gertrude curls loose, beachy waves into her hair. “Roark has his rituals before a big performance, right? I think the beach is good to just hang out and center yourself.”

“It is,” I agree. “Since he’s been going to therapy appointments too, he hasn’t needed his rituals as much. Roark can find his peace in the people around him, and I think he doesn’t want to leave me for any amount of time since… earlier this year.”

I amend my sentence because even though some of what happened to me was leaked purposefully to the news, I don’t want to say anything about it in front of strangers. The glamor crew continues to work as if I didn’t say anything at all. They’re clearly focused and professional, which is why Uncle Jordan chose them.

“It’s understandable,” Layla says as if I didn’t skip a beat. “I can see the difference for the better. I’m so excited for them to see you.”

The last is said with a squeal, making me grin. I am so excited too. There’s butterflies in my stomach but not because I’m nervous. It’s finally here!

An hour later, I’m ready to go, and Layla helps me into my dress while Jordan chats with the crew in the sitting room. For such a small hotel, the rooms are huge.

“You look so pretty,” Layla says teary eyed as she looks at me. “We’re just missing a couple of things.”

Frowning, I look at myself in the mirror. My hair and makeup are perfect, I’m wearing my engagement ring and the moss agate looks perfect between the two diamonds it sits between in its setting.

“What’s missing?” I ask, confused.

“Jewelry, something old, something new, and something blue,” she says, blinking rapidly. If I ask if she’s okay, she’ll tell me that there’s something in her eye. Or, Layla will simply burst into tears, and my smokey purple eyeshadow won’t survive that. Neither will my mascara, even though they promised it was waterproof.

“Wait, what?” I ask, spinning around to see that her arms are filled with little boxes. “What are these?”

“Keep up, big sis,” she teases me. “I just told you. Sit, and I’ll show you.”

Doing as I’m told, I watch as she pulls open a box. “This is from Greg,” she says. “It's a blue dagger that he says he wants you to wear for your wedding day to remind you of all you’ve fought for to get here.”

My eyes fill with tears as she shows it to me. Dammit, the man has a sentimental side after all. “Fuck me,” I whimper.

“That’s not my job,” she giggles as she helps me strap the weapon to my thigh. “So now, on to something old.”

“Oh, may I do the honors?” Uncle Jordan asks. He figured out the baby carrier quickly, and has both babies strapped to his chest. I already fed the twins as well, so we are ready to go.

“Please do,” Layla says, wiping away a tear or two.

“Greg does like his weapons,” my uncle mutters as he glances at my thigh. I merely smirk as I fix my dress, because he really does.

“Now, this box is a family heirloom. My grandmother was one of my favorite people. Her son was an asshole, but she was an angel. I wish that you would have been able to meet her,” he says with a sad smile. “This is a necklace that has been in our family for generations. It’s a witch’s knot. My father was incredibly religious, so my mother hid it from him. My grandmother got used to hiding a lot from her son, so this was just par for the course. I know that she would love for you to wear it.”

Opening the box, he reveals a deep purple stone that’s set deep into a witch's knot. It’s stunning.

“Oh my God,” I breathe.

“This is your something old,” Jordan says as he puts it on.

“The guys wanted to get you something, but I told them I had your earrings covered as your something new. I hope you like them,” Layla says as she hands the small box to me.

Opening the lid, I grin as I see earrings that look like tiny cream flowers that will climb up my ears. “These are stunning,” I tell her in awe. “I’ve never seen anything like these before.”

My sister flushes. “I met a jewelry maker when I was out on a date with Tyler. He said he could make them, and they’re so much better than I thought they could be.”

I wonder if there’s something going on with this guy as I put in the earrings. My lips part as I look in the mirror.Now I look like a bride.

“That you do,” my uncle says proudly. I didn’t realize that I said that out loud. Oops.

“Now it’s time to go downstairs and get married,” Layla says happily as she helps me up. “First though, let’s get your veil.”

My sister helps me put it on perfectly, and she draws it down over my face so that no one will be able to see me just in case. Placing my arm through hers, we leave the room with Jordan and my children. My shoes fit perfectly, though I won’t be wearing them for long once I step onto the beach. The main ceremony will be where I’ll get married to Roark with the guys around me, and then Jordan will perform the handfasting ceremony as well.