“Are you scared?” I finally asked the question I had been dying to ask.
“Heck yes. I’m scared out of my mind, but my excitement is outweighing it.” His fingers tightened around mine briefly.
“I wish that were the case for me,” I admitted quietly.
“It’s a lot. We’ll get through it.”
“Can we wait to tell anyone?” I slurred with chocolate rolling around in my mouth.
He nodded. “I think my sister’s shit-show of a wedding is not the time or the place.”
“Thank goodness. I don’t want to meet your mother for the first time with her knowing I’m knocked up.”
He laughed a little. “You’re not knocked up, babe. You’re pregnant, and it’s wonderful.”
* * *
Walkinginto the church made me want to hurl on the spot.
Maybe devouring two candy bars on the way here was a bad idea.
Trace escorted me in, refusing to let me even carry my purse. Just as we walked through the doors, we were ambushed by Misty frantically approaching us.
“Cutting it close,” she huffed as Trace put my bags down on the back pew.
“Shouldn’t you be getting your hair done?” Trace asked as he quickly hugged his sister.
“I am up next. The bridesmaids are going first so I am the freshest out of the bunch. Sawyer, will you start with the guys and then come in to do our candid shots?”
She stopped me as I was about to reply.
“Wait.” She gripped my hands as her eyes darted back and forth. “Why are you two arriving together?”
Trace looked from me to his sister. “We’ve kind of started seeing each other.”
He tucked me into his side as my body started to tremble.
“Oh goodness. Leave it to my big brother to bang the help.” She rolled her eyes before turning to walk away.
“Misty,” Trace barked as he grabbed her arm. “I am going to let that slide because it is your wedding day. I am going to chalk it up to nerves and stress, but if you ever call this woman ‘the help’ again, I will slap you so hard it will scramble those words right out of your brain. Do you understand me?”
I just stood there awkwardly, wishing I were a million miles away.
Misty ripped her arm away from her brother and her gaze softened. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.”
“It’s fine.” I waved her off while digging my camera and lens out of the bag. “I’ll follow Trace to the men’s dressing room and get started.”
“Thank you.” She smiled quickly before sticking her tongue out at her brother and rushing away.
“Let’s do this,” Trace whispered in my ear as his hand landed on the small of my back.
“Did you really have to tell her that before I have to go watch her fiancé get dressed?” I jokingly snapped.
“That’s the least of her worries for the day. I bet you ten bucks her dress doesn’t zip up.” He glanced down at me with a knowing smile.
“You’re killing me with all the vague remarks.” I jabbed him in the ribs before he stopped just outside the door.
“I don’t want to ruin the terribleness of the surprises this day has in store. Trust me, it’s better this way.” He held the door for me, calling into the room, “Lady present. Get decent, gents.”