Free Sinful Ever After (Sinful Serenade Book 5) by Crystal Kaswell Page A

bag for our wedding night, complete with the Steele brothers' totally embarrassing present of crotchless panties and a matching open-front bra—white lace, of course—and meet Kara for breakfast and caffeine.
    She beams when she sees me at the coffee shop. "I'm so excited for you."
    But her cheeks are a little green.
    "Are you okay?" I ask.
    "No, but it's nothing you need to worry about. We'll talk when you get back from the honeymoon."
    "You sure?"
    "Positive." She hands me a cup of green tea. "No coffee. That much caffeine will send your nerves into overdrive." She checks her watch. "We have an hour until the shop opens. Everything will go fast after that. You ready to be a bride?"
    I nod.
    I really am.
    ***
    Nerves flutter in my belly, but I force myself to eat my lunch, a perfectly bland vegetable and hummus sandwich. The bread is wonderful at soaking up my anxiety.
    My hairstyle takes ages. My makeup takes longer. Then, all of a sudden, there's no more time to wait.
    We're due at the ceremony site in half an hour.
    This is happening in half an hour.
    I'm marrying Miles.
    My heart is thudding against my chest. Every inch of my body is light, but the nervous energy is good. It's like the adrenaline before stepping onto a roller coaster.
    I'm scared but I'm excited.
    Kara helps me into my dress. She cinches the corset back so tightly that I can barely breathe. It's uncomfortable, but it's gorgeous. The snug bodice pushes up my chest and creates the illusion of curves.
    The hair stylist attaches one more pin to the tiara.
    Now, I really am a princess.
    Kara squeezes my hand as she leads me into the limo. My skirt is huge enough I need an entire bench to myself.
    The other girls joke about something, but their words fly through my ears.
    I'm getting married.
    This is really happening.
    Is it really medically safe for my heart to be beating this fast? Unlikely. I take deep breaths and play with my engagement ring in an attempt to calm down.
    Willow scoots next to me. Gently, she places her hand over my left ring finger. "You're supposed to wear the engagement ring on your right hand during the ceremony. So the wedding ring is closer to your heart."
    I nod. She got married two months ago. She's been through this. My eyelids press together as I recall Willow's wedding in Hawaii. She looked so calm, like she was floating down the aisle in her breezy chiffon dress and pink wedges.
    How the fuck did she look so calm? I think my heart is going to explode. And I'm overheating. It feels like I'm sweating off my makeup.
    I check my reflection. It's okay. I look nervous, yes, but my makeup and hair are still perfect. I still look like a bride.
    In fact, I look about as beautiful as I ever have.
    The limo slows to a stop. The driver shouts something. It must be meaningful, because the other girls are moving.
    I switch my ring to my right hand.
    "Good luck," Willow whispers in my ear. She smiles and exits the limo.
    The orange light of sunset floods the dark interior as she pushes the door open.
    "You look beautiful, Meg. Miles is going to melt." Jess blows me a kiss as she slides out of the limo.
    Then it's me and Kara.
    She sits on the bench seat opposite mine and looks me dead in the eyes. "If you're not ready, I'll make them wait. Even if it takes all evening."
    I take a deep breath. My heart is racing at the speed of light. Mostly, it's excitement. "I'm ready."
    She squeals. "Okay. I swear, I won't cry until the I do ." She squeezes my hand. For a moment, her gaze goes outside the limo. Then it's back on me. "Your dad is here to walk you down the aisle."
    "Oh."
    "Are you that ready?" Her voice is still steady, reassuring.
    I nod. I am that ready. I think.
    "Good luck." She slides out of the car.
    Then it's my turn.
    I take a deep breath and slide out of the limo. Dad is standing on the sidewalk in a sleek black suit and a purple tie. He offers me his arm.
    I take it.
    Candy, the bubbly coordinator, is here. Her bright blue shift