Chapter 72 – Wedding Prep

Isabelle Reinhart.

Time seemed to have flown by like a swift breeze. It had been two weeks since that unforgettable day when Ace had come back. Life was gradually getting back on track, like a puzzle coming together after a long wait.

Noah's announcement about the wedding being just three weeks away brought mixed feelings to our group. Emily was thrilled, but the rush to plan amidst the chaos of the past months had left her anxious. With the twins and everything else, she hadn't really had time to organize much for her big day.

Currently in a bustling wedding dress store, Emily, Zach, and I found ourselves surrounded by an array of beautiful dresses, waiting to be tried on. Emily disappeared into a fitting room, leaving us to judge the perfectly fine dresses and munch on cheetos.

As Emily emerged in the first dress, I exchanged a quick glance with Zach. She twirled, a hopeful smile lighting her face.

The dress in question was a mix of lace and tulle, the neckline plunging slightly.

Zach's eyebrows lifted, his eyes sweeping over the dress. "The lace on the neckline is weird," he offered, his face set into the infamous fashion designer mode.

I nodded in agreement. "And it’s too revealing."

Emily laughed, shaking her head. "Okay, duly noted."

The next dress she tried had intricate beadwork, shimmering under the store's lights. She turned to face us, her expression a mix of excitement and uncertainty.

Zach and I exchanged a quick glance before simultaneously shaking our heads.

Zach raised his hands in a mock defense. "Not feeling the beadwork. Looks a bit too busy."

“Ugh. You guys didn’t like a single dress out of the sixteen I tried on. Come on now,” Emily exhaled in exasperation and we just shrugged in response.

With the twins, her exhaustion was understandable but there was no way we were letting her settle on a dress that was less than perfect.

Finally, Emily emerged in the gown and for the first time, Zach and I didn’t share the subtle look of disapproval.

The lace top cascaded into a flowing skirt, the back adorned with lace detailing. She turned to face us, her eyes searching for our reactions.

Zach's whistle echoed through the fitting room, earning a soft giggle from Emily. "Now, that's what I'm talking about."

I couldn't help but smile, genuinely moved by how stunning she looked. "Oh, my God! You look amazing, Em. This dress is perfect for you!"

Emily's gaze lingered on her reflection, her smile growing wider. "You really think so?"

Zach stepped closer, his tone final. "Absolutely. This dress suits you so well."

Agreeing, I nodded. My eyes glistened with tears. "You're going to be such a beautiful bride, Em."

As Emily's eyes met mine in the mirror, I could sense the depth of her emotions. Her voice held a mix of gratitude and feeling as she whispered, "Thank you, Belle."

“Now, for the maid of honor dresses,” she turned to Zach and I groaned, plopping down on the sofa.

“I’m on my period yall, I don’t feel like moving!” I whined as Zach slung his arm around my shoulder.

“We have no time to come back, baby girl. Now get your bloody ass up. Quite literally,” he said with a disgusted expression and I hit him in the chest with my elbow.

*****

Gathered in Emily's cozy living room, we were planning for the wedding. Emily, Noah and Zach sat on the floor around the table and I sat snuggled up to Ace’s side on the sofa opposite to them. Alex was sitting beside me and was scrolling through his phone, not caring about whatever Emily was saying. The twins were peacefully asleep, lending an air of calmness to the room.

Emily held a notebook for the wedding details. She was outlining the roles and responsibilities each of us would undertake to ensure her big day went off without a hitch.

“Cupcake, calm down. I’m sure—“

“Shut up, Noah. I’m focusing,” she shooed him out, earning a chuckle from Ace beside me.

“Isabelle, can you do the flowers and the table sets? You’re good with colors.” she asked looking up from the magazine in her hand, and I nodded.

“Of course. I’ll handle it,” I said and she gave me a grateful smile before continuing with scribbling down on the notebook.

She gave everyone something to look after for the wedding before turning to Alex.

She sighed, “Alex, your duty is to be on time."

A chuckle rippled through the room and Alex rose his hands up in a surrendering manner, a grin tugging at his lips. "You got it, Em. I promise, I'll be on time."

When it came to Ace, Emily's gaze softened. "Ace, your duty is to be our emotional anchor. Keep us all grounded in the midst of any wedding day chaos. Especially Noah."

Ace's eyes met Emily's, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "Consider it done."

The rest of the evening was spent with us bickering back and forth and Emily’s postpartum hormones kicking in as we tried not to push any buttons.