The weather was perfect for Elle’s June nuptials. Walking around the Agricultural Hall in my tennis shoes and khakis, I was beginning to like the role of wedding planner better than my role as bridesmaid, which required a long dress and heels. The hall looked magical, more like a ballroom than a barn. Venessa White, the actual wedding planner, had done a spectacular job bringing my vision to life. There were chandeliers, countless strings of white lights, nicely weighted linens, and coordinating flower arrangements in lavender, green, and white for each table. I went around to each table and tucked sprigs of lavender, goldenrod, and juniper berries into each napkin.

“You are certainly a perfectionist,” Venessa said as she put place cards on the tables.

“The same thing could be said of you. Besides, Elle is one of my best friends. I want her day to be perfect.” I finished, took a few pictures, and went off to begin my second shift as a bridesmaid.

As I was waiting to walk down the aisle, I adjusted my bra and looked out upon the crowd. That’s when I saw him. I didn’t expect him to be here. Elle didn’t tell me she was inviting Griffin. I would recognize him anywhere. The gray suit he wore on special occasions and those bracelets he had started wearing that were conspicuous despite the jacket. I wondered if he was wearing the one I bought him in SoHo. It was called Serenity. I had bought us each one but had lost mine. The instant I saw him, my heart leapt. It caught me off guard. Over the last year, I thought my heart had become too heavy for such carefree gymnastics. I was so distracted that I almost forgot it was my turn to walk.

As I went down the aisle and neared where he sat at the end of the row, I caught his attention and he turned to watch me. It rattled me. I saw his eyebrows shoot up; his mouth flew open in disbelief and he whispered, “Bae?” I forced myself to smile while not tripping over my dress. Under Reggie and Elle’s instruction, I had been plucked, highlighted, uplifted, and Spanxed, and made-over until I didn’t recognize myself.

I barely remember the ceremony. I vaguely heard Elle’s soft voice as she exchanged her vows with Robbie. I vaguely remember hearing the exchange of rings and the pronouncement, their hearty kiss and the applause that followed. I just wanted to get to him.

“You clean up nicely, Bae.”

I embraced and kissed him with a familiarity and an ardor reserved for devoted couples who have been reunited. “You’re here,” I said, finally releasing him and gaining my composure.