Dakota had chosen beaded chiffon — an empire style with a deep V that highlighted her suddenly impressive cleavage while concealing her baby bump. Montana’s dress was feminine, with tiers of cascading silk and lace.
Nevada had on Tucker’s grandmother’s tiara. Dakota wore a simple veil, and Montana had a loose, almost Edwardian updo decorated with tiny flowers.
The door to the brides’ room opened and Denise walked in. “Everyone ready?” she asked, before pausing, her fingers covering her mouth. “Oh, you’re so beautiful. My daughters.”
Each of them rushed to her and she hugged them tightly.
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
“Don’t cry, we’ll smear.”
“I can’t believe we’re doing this!”
They posed for the last few pictures, then Denise passed out their bouquets.
“Everyone is here,” she said. “Dinner is going to be lovely. I’m just so happy.” She drew in a breath. “I wish your father was here to see you three.”
“He is, Mom,” Montana told her.
Denise brushed a tear away. “I suppose you’re right.”
They all went out into the hallway. While Denise was escorted to her seat next to Max and Hannah, the sisters waited together.
They had already decided the order in which they would walk down the aisle. Dakota had gotten engaged first, so she would lead, Montana would follow and Nevada would bring up the rear.
The music changed to the “Wedding March.” The guests rose.
Dakota started walking as slowly as they’d practiced. Everyone she knew and loved was here tonight. She met Finn’s gaze and smiled at him. He smiled back.
A wave caught her eye and she saw their daughter grinning at her. Baby Hannah. Life had blessed her in every way possible.
Montana went next, loving how her dress rustled with each step. She felt like a fairy princess in a castle, and waiting for her was her very own handsome prince. Simon watched her, as serious as always. His love reached across the few yards separating them and drew her closer.
Later tonight, when they were alone in their suite, she would tell him what she’d learned that morning after peeing on a stick. Until then, she would do her best to convince him she was drinking champagne when she really wasn’t.
A baby, she thought happily. Maybe she would have twins!
Nevada waited until Montana reached the end of the aisle before starting her walk. Tucker’s gaze never left hers.
Cat had sent her regrets, something that had secretly relieved Nevada. Who knew what the beautiful but temperamental artist could have done at an event like this. She’d sent a gift, something she’d made herself. It was upstairs, still wrapped. Nevada and Tucker had decided they were going to need a whole lot of champagne before finding the courage to open that present.
Nevada was still several feet away from her sisters when Tucker broke ranks. He came toward her, causing several of the guests to chuckle. He took her hand and led her the rest of the way.
“Just so you don’t change your mind,” he whispered.
“I won’t. Not ever.”
He looked around and smiled. “I guess that makes six of us.”
When all three brides and all three grooms were in place, the minister began. “Dearly beloved…”
“I’m going to cry,” Heidi whispered.
“Me, too,” Annabelle said softly.
“I don’t believe in crying,” Charlie told them, even as she sniffed. “This is the worst. It’s making me feel all soft and romantic.”
“Me, too.” Annabelle sighed. “I want to find somebody.”
“Oh, yeah.” Heidi drew in a breath. “Me, too. But I think all the good ones are taken.”
The mayor was sitting in front of them. She turned and smiled.
“Next year, ladies. I have a feeling. Just you wait and see.”