Page 108 of XOXO, Summer
With a hard shut of the door, I turn startled. “Geez, Fall, what the heck?”
“Don’t want the groom to see you, do you?”
I peek out the window but can’t see the setup from this part of the house. “He’s seen me plenty. That’s how we got here.” Seeing the water is calming, but I don’t like the look of the gray clouds gathering for the ceremony. “Do you think it’s going to rain?”
“Forecast says 100 percent.”
“Lovely,” I deadpan.
“At least your white dress isn’t see-through. You wouldn’t want to look like you’re in a wet T-shirt contest.”
Staring at her, I blink. And then again. “Guess that’s a silver lining.”
She drops onto the edge of the bed, and her gaze falls to the floor. “Wish Mom were here.” When her eyes find mine again, she wrangles a smile, but the effort is obvious.
I sit next to her, wrapping my arm around her back. “I thought I was supposed to be the emotional one today.”
With a laugh, a tear falls from her eyes. “Your to-do list was already too long.” Her smile is genuine, and she shakes her shoulders. “I took it off your plate.”
A knock has us both looking up. Fall wipes her eyes just as Winter walks in, shutting the door behind her. A quick smile to me gives way to her sitting on the other side of Fall. Tucking Fall’s hair behind her ear, her lower lip juts out. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m happy,” she replies. “I’m just a sucker for a wedding.”
Winter rubs her back and smiles. “Me too.” Getting up, she comes around by me to sit. “How are you doing, big sis?”
“I’m good, really good.” I take inventory of my emotions. For the past few days, I’ve been expecting to be hit with a blast of nerves or cold feet—but neither has happened. I’m just so incredibly happy. It feels so . . . right. “Is it weird that I’m just excited? I can’t wait to marry Daniel and celebrate with everyone.”
Winter says, “I think that means this is the right decision.”
Fall leans forward with another swipe under her eyes. “Mom and Dad would have really liked Daniel.”
Thinking about my parents has brought me immense sadness and comfort. As much as I wish they were here, I still carry them with me. I see them in my sisters, and in the bouquet Winter picked for me from their little haven.
When everyone was busy with their own emotions, I used to think I was never given the same courtesy to grieve. Things needed to get done. Kids needed caring for. Dolly needed support when becoming the guardian of four girls.
Finding my own happiness and sitting in that joy givesme a new perspective. I was grieving all along. It just looked different. Now, I can rest from the weariness and set the sadness aside, carrying them in my heart down the aisle instead.
The door opens, and Spring peeks inside. “Are we getting dressed?”
“We’re talking,” I say, falling back on the mattress.
She comes next to me and lies back, with Winter and Fall following the lead.
“Sisters?” I whisper, feeling the love. I’m so dang proud of each of them and how far we’ve come. “I love you.”
We roll together, hugging in awkward limbs and laughter. “Love you,” each says before Fall says, “We need to get ready.”
“It won’t take long. Look,” Spring says, pointing out the window. “It’s raining.”
Sitting up, I move to look for myself. “Saves time doing our hair.”
Winter jumps up. “Wait, you’re going to walk in that?”
I nod. “I am. Nothing will keep me from marrying him.”
“Well,” Fall starts, “we can move it indoors?”
“No. It’s okay. Rain has been a part of every other major event that brought us together.” I walk to my dress, running my fingers over the soft fabric of the tulle. “For everyone else, it’s bad luck. For us, it’s a good sign.”
