Adrenaline (Speed Series Book 2)(82)

Adaline handed me a pair of pearl drop earrings that we had bought together that she had insisted would be perfect and she was right. I put each one on and smiled when our eyes caught. “They’re totally perfect.”

She smirked and replied, “Told you they were.”

Turning back to the mirror, I took in the beautiful strapless ball gown dress. “I love the sweetheart neckline so much on you,” Adaline said as she gave me a loving look in the mirror.

“I do too,” I softly spoke.

The moment Annie and I saw the dress, I knew it was perfect. The lace bodice flowed beautiful into English net that covered the satin dress. Lace appliqué lined the bottom of the dress and added the perfect amount of elegance.

Pulling my wedding dress up, I looked at the Jimmy Choo shoes Malcolm had bought me for today. I almost fell out of my chair when I opened them. I wasn’t used to getting such expensive gifts, and I wasn’t sure I would ever get used to it.

“Please, Lord, don’t let me break my neck walking in these,” I whispered as Annie giggled. She was the first person I called after Malcolm gave them to me. Only she would understand that moment since she had practically begged me to use my savings to buy shoes like this.

Elizabeth walked up to me and placed her hands on my shoulders. I instantly felt calm with her touch. “Okay, it’s time. Take a deep breath and slowly blow it out.”

Doing as she said, I closed my eyes and inhaled through my nose and out my mouth. When I opened my eyes, I couldn’t help but smile as Annie held my bouquet of pink peonies. I was instantly transported back to when Malcolm asked me to marry him.

With my eyes closed, I could practically feel his lips on my body.

Annie cleared her throat and said, “Um, Paislie I’m pretty sure I know what you’re thinking about, but in all seriousness here, we have a nun in the room.”

Everyone started laughing as I felt my cheeks heat as I glared at my best friend.

Three knocks on the door signaled it was time.

“Ready?” Adaline asked as I nodded my head. “Let’s hope Emmit doesn’t try to escape during the ceremony.”

Chuckling, I shook my head as I thought about his comment during rehearsal.

“Mass? We’re doing a mass? The title on the program should be ‘Get ready for the longest celebration of the sacrament of holy matrimony in history.’”

As we made our way down the hall, I could hear each girls’ shoes hitting against the marble floor. My eyes glanced around as I remembered running down these halls as a little girl. St. Patrick’s was more than a church; it had been my home as well. I sought refuge here so many times.

Janet was making sure everyone was in position and knew what to do. She had been a huge help in planning the wedding. I nearly gave Malcolm a heart attack when I told him she should get into the wedding planning business.

Janet cleared her throat and said, “Okay, Landon and Sophie will be going first, then Adaline, followed by Annie.”

Glancing back to me, she flashed a huge smile. “Don’t trip!”

I moaned and said, “Oh, why did you say that!”

Elizabeth wrapped her arm around me tighter as I felt the tears threatening as I thought about when I asked her to walk me down the aisle. I’d never seen her cry before that day.

Janet gave me a wink and said, “I’ll motion when it’s time for you and Elizabeth to start walking.”

“Got it,” Elizabeth said in a chipper voice.

The music started and I watched Sophie guide Landon through the doors. My heart was pounding so loudly I was sure everyone could hear it. The sound of the guitar playing “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” warmed my heart. As a little girl I used to dream that song would be played during my wedding.

As I stood off to the side, I watched as Adaline began walking. Annie turned and smiled before she started walking. The violins played as I looked at Elizabeth.

“I’m scared.”

She smiled warmly and said, “You’re not scared. You’re nervous.”

“It’s the same thing.”

With a light chuckle she said, “There is a very big difference.”

Janet nodded and Elizabeth and I moved into position. Swallowing hard, I watched everyone stand and look directly at me.

“Okay, now I’m scared and nervous!” I said as Elizabeth grinned bigger.

“Paislie.”

My heart dropped at the sound of my father’s voice. Turning, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

“What are you doing here?”

“Shut the doors, Janet,” Elizabeth said. “Let everyone know everything is okay; we just need a few moments.”

The tightening in my chest was causing me to have a hard time breathing. What in the hell is my father doing at my wedding?

“You’re not welcome here, Mr. Pruitt, and I kindly ask that you leave please.”

I was stunned at how calm Elizabeth sounded.

An evil smile spread over his face. “Oh, I have no intention of missing my little girl’s wedding. How much did that dress cost, pumpkin?”

With a quick glance at my dress, my head snapped back to him. “I think if you want this day to go off without a hitch, you’ll spread the wealth.”

“You unbelievable evil man. You’re actually standing here bribing your daughter before her own wedding!”