Kinsley

The high-vaulted ceilings of the barn are void of any cobwebs or dust. Twinkling fairy lights are strung throughout the exposed rafters, emphasizing the rustic vibe. No residual oat hay litters the floor; it's been replaced by a faux temporary concrete flooring, creating an even seating area and walk way. On either side of the walkway, there are several wooden chairs and fragrant arrangements of magnolias and baby's breath. The entryway's frame is also decorated with the same flowers.

At the altar, I situate the final arrangement of flowers, making sure they're aligned. Then I secure them with a knot of sparkly burlap. It's the same burlap that decorates their wedding cake.

Pushing to my feet, I wipe my dusty hands on my overalls and survey the area.

The wedding cake is in the far corner, sitting next to a book and pen you can sign and wish them nothing but happiness. The table is constructed out of several bales of hay with a slab of rustic oak atop. Behind the table and wedding cake is a curtain of fairy lights, with the backdrop being the rustic walls of the barn itself. With the warm glow of the fairy lights and the July sun peeking through the cracks, the cake looks gorgeous. It's a naked cake, meaning the icing is minimal and the decorations are extravagant. Perched atop a wooden cake stand, peonies and magnolias and baby's breath spill from the cake, creating a waterfall effect.

After several days of prepping the barn, it feels magical. Even the smell from the magnolias—sweet and floral with a hint of fruit—is perfect. But while everything looks perfect, there's still a hint of anxiety resting in my gut. In less half an hour, this barn will be filled with people for Daisy and Cole's wedding. After everything they've been through, Cole and Daisy deserve a perfect wedding. Not ony did they have troubles of their own, but they also supported Noel and I while we recovered.

Making sure the wedding is perfect will never account for their support, but it's a step forward.

Which is why I readjust the bouquet pinned to the altar. From afar, it was looking a little crooked. Any minute now, people will be entering the barn to take their seats. All I need to do, as the maid of honour, is change into my dress. It's a soft pink floor-length chiffon dress with a V-neckline and A-line silhouette skirt with a slit up the leg. The straps are spaghetti straps with an open back.

Good thing I had my hair and makeup done earlier. Otherwise, I'd be concerned. But changing into a dress won't take long. My hair has been braided into a crown with baby's breath woven into it. The makeup palette is similar: light pink with white and gold, a stroke of eyeliner, some blush, and mascara.

Of course, Willow picked the hair styles and dresses. She thought we should match so Daisy could look unique.

I didn't have the heart to tell her that's usually the goal of the bridesmaids. When she made the suggestion, she was so proud of herself that everyone went along with it. Who am I to kill a child's happiness? Especially when her mom and dad are getting married?

Just as I'm sweeping the last of the dirt from around the altar, the barn doors creak open.

"Kinsley!" Daisy's mom, Lainey says. "You're supposed to be getting ready for the wedding." She looks at her watch. A surprised expression appears on her face. "You only have twenty minutes!"

Looking up, I smile at Lainey. She's just like her daughter. Or, rather, her daughter is just like her. While Daisy is the perfect blend of her parents, she inherited her mother's mannerisms. From the expressive face to the country twang to the sass.

I glance down at my overalls and red T-shirt. Despite not being a country girl, this outfit has grown on me. Working and living on the farm with Noel has been therapeutic. I love waking up early in the morning and feeling like I have a purpose. Getting the chores done before work always feels like an accomplishment.

"I'll be okay, Lainey," I laugh. "All I have to do is put my dress on."

When Lainey is standing in front of me, she takes the broom ad shoos me towards the entryway. "Go! You've done enough for my daughter. The place looks perfect."

Contrary to her response, I see several things that could be improved. The front line of chairs is crooked. And... okay, maybe I'm lying. My nerves are getting to me for two reasons. First, I want this wedding to be perfect for Daisy and Cole. Second, I have to walk down the aisle with Noel.

He's been making subtle comments about getting married. Noel wouldn't propose at someone else's wedding, but the thought of him proposing relates too much to walking down the aisle. Even if we're supporting our friends.

I'd say yes to Noel in a heartbeat, but I'm scared the idea of marriage will open another can of worms. Although I'm much better than I was before, there are certain things that still get to me. Like getting married without any family present. Dad wouldn't be here to walk me down the aisle. Mom, Jess, and Mads wouldn't be my bridesmaids.

It hurts to think about a wedding without them.

Then again, if the accident never happened, I wouldn't know Noel. Or Cole and Daisy. If there's one thing I've learned, good will come after the bad. It's inevitable. Just like the healing process.

"Kinsley?"

I blink several times. Lainey's said something, and I didn't hear her. "Sorry, what?"

She flashes me a sympathetic smile. "You want to do as much as you can for Daisy and Cole. That's understandable. But how are you supposed to be her maid of honour if you're not dressed?"

My lips pinch to one side. "Okay, you have a point. I'll get going."

She leans the broom against the wall. "Daisy's in the house waiting for you. Follow me."

"What?" I laugh. "You don't trust me?"

"Not one bit," Lainey laughs. "You'll either stop to rearrange the tables in the pasture or try to find Noel to make sure the flower in his pocket matches the ones in your hair." She holds out her hand. "Now come on, darlin', let's get you ready."

I stifle a snort, taking Lainey's hand.

You know you're predictable when your friend's mom can read you like an open book.

* * *

Daisy knocks her head against the wall of the barn. We've been standing outside, waiting in the stifling heat while people get aquatinted with their seating arrangements for the past twenty minutes. Now that Cole has walked down the aisle, it shouldn't be long before we're in the barn.

"It's bloody hot," Daisy says, fanning herself.

Noel snorts. "You've been around Cole too long."

"And it'll be an eternity once that weddin' ring is on my finger, Noel. You best be gettin' used to it. If I don't pass out prior to walkin' up to the altar." She glaces down at Willow. Her flower crown is lopsided.

Noel glances at me, a smirk present on his face. It makes my heart warm. Noel and Daisy have been friends since they were kids. Watching and listening to their banter is beautiful.

Admiration aside, I have to agree with Daisy. While Lainey and I were walking back to the house, the temperature was okay. But it's as if the weather decided to raise the heat a few notches. While the sky is clear and blue, with not a single cloud in sight, we're paying for good weather by battling the sudden heatwave. Or perhaps nerves are getting to everyone and external factors seem amplified. Either way, it's as Cole would say, bloody hot.

"Damn," Daisy mutters.

Whe I look back at her, she's struggling to balance on her heels. Although she wanted to wear cowgirl boots with her dress, Lainey convinced her otherwise. I rush over to help Daisy, and while we're fixing Willow's flower crown, Noel saunters over to the barn door. There's a thin sliver present, giving him some room to survey what's going on. Any second now, Willow should be able to walk down the aisle. Then Noel and I will follow her.

"Mommy," Willow says, tugging at her mom's wedding dress. "Are we going inside yet?"

She drawls her words out, making the whine in her voice extra dramatic. Willow is on the verge of breaking down. Last night was a late night, and Willow refused to go to sleep. She didn't want to miss out on the pre-wedding party. Or seeing the cake when it was delivered.

Also, in the basket she's carrying, her flower petals she'll scatter across the aisle are starting to wilt. I pray she doesn't see them. If the heat hasn't set her off yet, then the wilting petals will. Just like me, she wants the wedding to be perfect. She's convinced that once they get married, her parents will decide to have another kid. Willow has voiced her want for a younger sibling multiple times.

While Daisy tries to talk her down, I turn to Noel. He's still peeking through the door, trying to decipher when it's Willow's turn to walk down the aisle. I decide to join him. Although I'm Daisy's maid of honour, I have no business sticking my nose in the parenting department.

"Any luck?" I murmur. "The heat is getting to Willow."

Noel shakes his head. He keeps his attention focused ahead but says, "Cole's almost at the altar. Willow should be able to walk soon. Poor kid. She's overtired and sweaty, and just wants a sibling already."

"Careful," I say. Shifting to my tiptoes, I rest my hands on Noel's shoulders and peek over. Through the thin slit between the frame and the door, I can see the aisle and the atlar. Some of the guests are visible, too, but they're not important right now. "Daisy might kill you."

Cole climbs the two small steps, the black fabric of his suit looking rich beneath the golden light. His dark hair is tousled, and his posture is perfect as he situates himself beside the altar. His presence is quickly followed by a few words from the officiant. This wedding is far from traditional, which is why Noel's waiting for a signal.

"Mom," Willow whines.

"We need to send her in now," I mutter. "Otherwise, Daisy will miss her wedding."

"You're right," Noel replies. "Cole will understand. We need to forgo any plans."

Releasing his shoulders, I step back to give him some room. He turns around and presses a quick kiss to my cheek before sauntering over to Willow.

"Willow! Are you ready to decorate the aisle for your mom? Your dad is waiting at the other side for you."

Turning to Noel, she juts her bottom lip out. "The heat is killing them!"

Daisy shoots me a look, and I have to cough to cover a laugh. She's not impressed with Willow's mini-tantrum or, as a better expression, onset of a mini-tantrum. Daisy rolls her eyes as Noel and Willow continue to argue.

"B-but," Daisy sputters. "I can't throw these petals! They're ugly now." She looks down at her shoes. They're flat sandals with little pink flowers. "Any my feet are hurting, too."

Daisy, who's ready to scold her child, is interrupted by Noel. "What if I carried you? And trust me, the petals are fine, Willow."

"What do you think?" I ask. "Should Uncle Noel carry you?"

Willow nods excitedly, and Noel picks her up with a grunt. "Awesome. Well, we better get going. Want to give your mom a hug before we go?"

Willow nods again, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink. It's no secret that Willow has a small crush on Noel. And although I think it's cute, and Willow is significantly younger than me, a part of my conscience can't help but brag. In the end, despite all the obstacles we faced, we found each other and let our love grow into something more.

After hugs are exchanged with Daisy, Noel and Willow stop in front of me. Willow hugs me, muttering incoherent words that are laced with exhaustion and excitement. Although she's on the brink of having a meltdown, perhaps some good will come out of this. If Willow goes to bed early, Cole and Daisy will be able to enjoy tonight's festivities a little more.

When Willow is finished with the hug, Noel takes the opportunity to kiss my cheek. In my ear, Noel whispers, "We'll save our walk down the aisle for another time."

My cheeks turn pink as Noel pushes through the door with Willow in his arms.

Daisy stares after them, shaking her head. "I never should've let Willow stay up late. She's a disaster today."

"Not your fault," I reply, centring Daisy's veil. "She's excited. I can't blame her for that."

"When do you think Noel'll propose?" Daisy asks.

The same question has bee flittering around my head all day. Despite his hints, I can't predict his actions. That's one things I love about him: he's spontaneous. He'll make sure I'm surprised. Just like he'll make sure the moment is memorable and perfect.

"I don't know," I sigh. "But whenever he chooses to, I'll be ready. Always."

Daisy grins at me. "Always."

The smile that blossoms across my face is prettier than all the magnolias at this wedding—and I don't need to see my reflection because I can feel the beauty of happiness on my face. Ever since the accident, I've been working to get to this point. Where I can feel again without anything being forced. Yes, there are moments of unbearable sadness. There are moments where Noel and I have to talk and express our emotions.

But we always find our way back to each other.

Always.