Page 80 of Vegas Duology

"Of course.With your hair, you shouldn't tie it up and hide it.Show it off, for God's sake," Cathy said."Lexi, I can't believe you would let her tie it back."

"I'm sorry, Mrs.Lennox."There was no point arguing now."Come here, Nic."

Nicole returned to her chair and we let the bun down.I brushed until her red waves shone, reflecting the light.I finished it off with a beautiful rhinestone studded barrette.

"Okay, now your face," I said and with lots of direction, and input from both her and her mother, I managed to cover the redness in her cheeks and eyes and transform her into a stunning bride.

"One more thing," I said."Wait here, Mrs.L.We'll be right back."

I took Nicole into the bedroom where she slipped out of her robe and into her gown.When I zipped up the dress, I had to swallow hard to keep from crying."Wow," was all I could manage.

"Oh, don't start."Nicole turned away from me to look at her own reflection."No tears today, Lex."

"You're right.I think we've had enough already and something tells me there'll be more," I said and gave her a kiss on the cheek."Come on.Let's go show your mom."

As soon as Nicole stepped into the view of the camera, her mother let out a gasp.

"Oh, Nicky," she gushed from the computer."You're so beautiful."

"Don't make her cry again," I warned, only half joking."I'll give you two a minute.I need to make a call and then we have to start heading downstairs."

Closing the bedroom door behind me, I slipped on my bridesmaid dress.The blue fabric shimmered in the light and caught the sparkle in my eyes.I twirled in the mirror, admiring my reflection.

I wonder what Leo will say?

As soon as the thought popped into my head, I cursed myself.I'd managed not to think about him for the last hour; well, at least most of that time.I twirled again, and tried to reframe my thoughts.

I wonder what Andrew will think?

He was my husband.I should care about his reaction.But even when I made a serious effort in my appearance, I couldn't remember a time when he'd ever looked at me with as much longing and desire as Leo had this morning.

I didn't have time to think about it.A quick glance at the clock made that clear.We only had fifteen minutes.I grabbed my purse and went to collect the bride.

"Are you ready to become an old married woman?"I asked and started gathering up our purses and necessary things.

"I don't know about you, but I'm never going to get old," Nicole said and we all laughed.

"Time to go, Nic," I said."We don't want to be late."

She turned back to her mom."I guess this is it."Her voice started to shake."I'm so sorry, Mom.I wish you could be here."

"Nicky, I'm there with you in spirit, baby," Cathy said and started to cry.

"Stop it," I said before the tears could start flowing everywhere.Nicole turned and looked at me as if I was the most insensitive person in the world."You will be there, Mrs.L," I said, ignoring her."We'll connect again as soon as we get downstairs."

"Really?"

"Of course.I will not allow you to miss Nicole's wedding."

"Lex, you are the best."Nicole threw her arms around me.

"I know, I know," I said with a smile.