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“I know, but it’s a tradition in our family that every woman who gets married carries a piece of my great-great-great-grandmother’s dress.” He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a piece of satin and lace.
“Oh my goodness, Dad, this is gorgeous.”
It’s yellowed slightly with the passage of time, but I hold it closely to me.
“It means a lot to know you’ll have it on you.” He kisses me on the cheek.
“Can you pin it into my dress?” I turn around, feeling him reach in and pin it in the back.
“Okay.” Shannon comes over to us. “I hate to interrupt you, but it’s time to get you in the car and to the venue.”
“He pinned something into the back of my dress. Can you see it?” I turn back around.
“You look amazing, and no one can tell what you have under this dress.”
“How are we going to get her out without people seeing her?” Dad asks.
There’s a group of women holding what looks like a blanket. “We’ll walk her out with this around her. If we can have any luck, no one will be able to completely make out what she’s wearing.”
The plan in place, I wait for everyone to surround me. It’s amazing how they work in tandem, and no one touches my dress. I hold up the train as we walk out to the waiting car.
It’s a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky, and the temperature is just right. The sun warms my body, but not at unpleasant levels. It feels good on my shoulders.
“All right, ladies,” Shannon is directing the group. “A little to the left.”
I can hear the crowds of people who have gathered, it causes goose bumps to appear on my arms. To know there’s that many people waiting to see me. Wanting to see a part of our country’s history happen.
Schools have been closed, and over ninety percent of thecountry has been let off work. From what I’ve heard, they’ve been lining up for at least the last day. We somehow make our way into the car that’ll be taking me to the chapel.
“Are you comfortable?” Shannon asks after I sit down.
“Yup, I’m good.”
My father gets in on the other side of me, Shannon takes a seat in the front passenger side, and off we go. A Range Rover in front of us, a Range Rover behind us. It’s odd to have no other cars on the street as we navigate our way to Haldonia’s city center.
“Look at all of these people.” I smile brightly, waving to the ones who have lined the streets. I do my best to make eye contact with as many of them as I can, wanting them to know I care. They’ve taken their day off, and they’ve come to be a part of my big day.
“They’re here for you, they’re here for Tristan,” Dad reminds me.
“I just hope we can always make them proud of us.”
The responsibility is tremendous and I silently vow to always keep the people in the forefront of my mind.
CHAPTER 36
TRISTAN
“She’s on her way.” Parker’s voice cuts into my thoughts. They’re so deep, I almost don’t hear him. Then I realize what he’s said to me.
“How do you know?”
“Like she’s not on international news right now.” He quirks a brow, answering like I’m an idiot.
I didn’t even think about her being on TV. I’ve wanted to see her all day, and now I realize I have a chance to do so. “Let me see!”
“Oh no.” He grabs hold of my shoulders as I try to see around him. He holds me back from getting the glimpse I so desperately want. “It’s bad luck to see your bride before the wedding.”
“Everyone else is seeing her, why can’t I?”