Chapter 54

Penne opened the door, delighted.

"Liz, my dear friend, my beloved little sister. You look stunning. I don't know how it's possible, but you've somehow managed to look even more beautiful than you already are."

"Don't say that, or I'll start crying," Liz replied.

"No crying! Or you'll ruin your makeup."

"You look beautiful too, my friend, my sister, my maid of honor, and soon, my son's godmother. We're more connected than ever. Come here, give me a hug. Don't worry about the dress, it won't wrinkle." They were both deeply emotional.

"Are Mom and Mrs. Carl ready?" Liz asked.

"Yes, everyone's ready."

"What time is it? I haven't checked my phone since we got here. Maybe Henry called."

Liz glanced at her phone and saw a flood of messages, but the only one she cared about was from Henry. It read: I love you and I miss you.

Liz replied, I love you too!

Just then, her mother and mother-in-law entered the main room where the bride was waiting. Liz's mom approached and told her how beautiful she looked, how proud her father would have been to see her in her wedding dress. Liz hugged her mother and said she believed her father was watching over her from wherever he was.

"And you look beautiful too, Mrs. Carl. I'm sure Mr. Carl will want to propose to you again," Liz joked.

"You're the one who looks stunning, Liz! Welcome to our family. Now it's yours too," Mrs. Carl responded warmly.

"Thank you," Liz said.

"Alright, let's stop," Liz pleaded. "I'm holding back tears, but it's getting hard! If I walk into that church all swollen and ugly, it'll be your fault."

"Come here, all of you. Group hug!" Liz said, embracing her mom, mother-in-law, and Penne. "I love you all so much. This day has been so special because I got to spend it with you."

"Now, let's head to the church. The cars are waiting outside for us."

"Penne, you and Mrs. Carl will ride in the first car. My mom and I will take the second one," Liz instructed.

"Got it," Penne replied.

Two staff members helped Liz with her veil as she entered the car.

"Thank you," Liz said, adding, "I'll recommend you to all my friends."

The cars made their way toward the church. Liz chatted with her mom during the ride, promising to call her as soon as they returned and hoping they wouldn't go too long without seeing each other again.

"The traffic is awful today. We're taking forever to get there," Liz said, sounding a bit anxious.

"We'll be there in ten minutes, I'm sure," her mom reassured her. "You're just anxious, my dear. If the driver rushes, we'll arrive all disheveled."

Liz felt relieved as soon as she saw the church in the distance and apologized to the driver for trying to hurry him.

"It's normal," the driver said. "Every bride gets nervous and anxious on her wedding day."

He parked the car at the church entrance. "Here we are."

The wedding coordinator came to meet Liz and asked her to wait in the car a little longer while she accompanied her mother inside, where she would wait for Liz. It was a surprise—her mom still didn't know she would be walking Liz down the aisle.

Liz sat in the car, waiting anxiously for her big moment.