Mel

The day has finally come! It's Lins and Chase's wedding day, and I am so excited for them. I'm in Lindsey's suite getting ready for the ceremony with her and Tay as the guys ready themselves in T.J. and Taylor's room.

I see both Lins and Chase's moms off to the side, watching as we get dolled up, sniffing every now and then, and wiping away tears of joy. They keep gushing over how beautiful we look, especially Lins.

She looks incredible- like she was plucked straight from the pages of a bridal magazine. Her dress is gorgeous with thin straps on top and a lace bodice. The skirt is light and airy, overlapping the bodice at her waist with a slit up one side going all the way to her waist, tastefully showing just a peek of the lace bodice underneath.

The dress is perfect, as is her modest layer of makeup and her golden hair. Her locks are loose and wavy, some pulled up and decorated with flowers, making it look like she's wearing a crown of flora. She really does look like a goddess right now. Chase is going to start drooling the second he sees her.

I look over at Tay, knowing we're sharing the same thought as we both struggle to hold back tears.

"Oh, Lindsey. You look stunning," Chase's mom tells her, bringing a tissue to her eyes.

Lins and Liam's mom sniffs before chiming in with her opinion. "You look like an angel, baby. So beautiful."

She gives Lins a strong hug before pulling away, shaking her head in an attempt to ward off more streams of tears. Then, she looks at Taylor and me. "You girls look amazing too."

She approaches us, bringing one hand up to each of our cheeks, doting on us as if we were her own. "Such beautiful young ladies."

Chase's mom smiles over at us. "Absolutely gorgeous. You'll be shooing away suitors all night, Mel."

I return her smile as Tay, and I thank them for their kind words. They steal another look at Lindsey before leaving us to check on the boys.

The hair and makeup stylists finish adding the final touches to Lindsey's look, giving Tay and me a moment to ourselves. We're both gazing at our reflections in the massive floor-length mirror, stunned at how beautiful we look.

Our dresses are perfect for the beach. They're knee-length with spaghetti straps and a moderate V neckline. The fabric is light and lacey with gorgeous embroidery just under the bust- all in a pale lilac that Lindsey picked out.

Standing here, staring at myself in the mirror, I can't help but think of what Chase's mom said earlier- about shooing away suitors all night. Maybe she's right.

The dress makes my legs look even longer than usual, and my loose hair frames my face perfectly. All three of us could have been ripped from the pages of a magazine. I smile as I let my thoughts wander.

I wonder what Liam will think...

Movement off to the side catches my eye as I turn to see Taylor picking out a flower to clip into my hair. She smiles as I look back at myself. "You look incredible, Mel."

She lowers her voice a bit before continuing, "He won't be able to keep his eyes off of you."

My head snaps in her direction as she stares at me. I'm at a loss for words. I have no idea what to say. Tay squeezes my hand, reassuring me that everything is okay, telling me not to be afraid before Lins calls her over.

Moments later, Tay is back by my side. "Hey, Lins asked if one of us could run down and grab her parents. I think she's almost ready."

She then gives me a strange look. "Do you mind going?"

I nod my head, studying her curiously. What's she up to? "Yeah, no problem. I'll head down now."

Lindsey's voice carries through the room as I head for the door. "Thank you, Mel!"

"You're welcome, Lins!"

A few short minutes later, I'm standing outside Taylor and T.J.'s room. I knock a few times, hearing laughter coming from inside.

Less than ten seconds later, I hear the lock click and find myself face-to-face with T.J. "What's up, Mel? Come on in!"

I step inside, thanking him as I pass. "Lins is just about ready. She wanted me to come get her parents for her."

"Awesome. They're just through here."

He pauses for a second. "Hey, is that the same dress Jenna is wearing?"

I turn and nod to T.J. "Yeah; she's in the same one."

His smile widens as he shows me into the room. I make out a whispered "hell yeah" from him as the rest of the suite comes into view.

I chuckle as the rest of the occupants turn my way. The first one I notice is Liam. He's talking with his dad when I catch his eye. I watch as he rakes over my appearance, eyes widening as they move down my form. He swallows before his eyes trail up to meet mine.

The moment our eyes meet, an intense look of wanting shines in his gorgeous greens. I feel the heat as he gazes intently at me. It barely registers that T.J. is relaying my message to Lindsey's parents as I continue watching Liam.

Too soon, I'm pulled from my reverie as Mr. and Mrs. Barnett approach me. "Well, I guess we should get going. Was there anything else, Mel?" Liam's mom asks.

I break eye contact with her son, glancing her way. "Hmm? Oh, uh, no. Nothing else. Lins is just about ready. She wanted me to come get you both."

Mr. Barnett takes a deep breath. "Okay, then. I guess it's time. Shall we?"

He extends a hand toward the door, allowing his wife and me to go ahead of him. I steal one more peek at Liam before I go, noting that his eyes are still glued to me.

Damn, that stare could melt icecaps. I think I need a drink before we start this thing.

Lucky for me, there was a glass of champagne waiting when I returned to the bridal suite. Words of good wishes were exchanged before everyone clinked glasses and enjoyed the bubbly nectar. Mine was gone in less than five seconds.

I inhaled as another glass was offered to me by Taylor. When I looked at her face, she had a smug smile. "Here. Have mine. You look like you could use it."

I felt the blush dress my cheeks as I accepted her glass. "Thanks."

She leaned closer as I took a sip. "So. Was I right?"

My eyes almost fell out of my sockets at her question. She can see right through me- no sense in denying it.

I brought the glass to my lips again as I nodded my head slightly, sending her a shy smile after the bubbly met my tongue. I'm not sure how the next part happened or if it was even real.

But I vaguely remember whispering, "I like him, Tay."

Her response? "I know you do, babe. And it's a good thing."

Her following words were so soft that I barely heard them. Or perhaps I imagined them too. I swear I heard her say them as she hugged me and rested her head on mine.

"It's okay to be happy again. It's okay, Mel."

I let her words sink in as we all make our way to the beach.

It's okay to be happy again.

The wedding coordinator shows us to our spots.

It's okay to be happy again.

"Alright. It's time!"

It's okay.

I feel a soft hand on my shoulder.

I turn to see Liam waiting for me to take his arm. "Mel?"

It's okay...

A/N:

Please excuse me while I grab a tissue....  

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