Ruffian snorted. “Yeah. I’m sure he’d love to bunk down in a room full of files and your projects. Plenty of room there to be comfortable.”

“I’ll be fine. I have places to stay, though I appreciate the offer.” I pulled out my phone and checked the hashtag to see what kind of traction Teddi had pulled together.

#EverybodysABride wasn’t trending like last time, but the actual social media posts were far more elaborate. Companies were even getting involved. Leave it to Teddi to turn something that was meant as an insult into an event that fostered more diversity and representation.

Ruffian put on his blinker and parked in the closest spot he could.

“Is this place open?” I had my doubts. It was still early in the morning.

“Yeah. They open it for walkers in the morning and they have a great set of restrooms and family rooms where we can put on our outfits. Then we will drive straight to the event.

Thankfully, Ruffian had borrowed my parents' minivan and we had plenty of storage space. Three outfits were on hangers and covered in dress protectors.

When we got inside the mall, it seemed like a whole different business than normal. The elderly were everywhere, laughing and stretching.

“Most of the people are from the retirement place down the street. You guys can go in there and I'll pop in here.”

And just like that, I was left with my sister’s boyfriend to help him into his wedding dress.

* * *

TAYLOR

I put the finishing touches on my outfit, a crop top paired with a glittery skirt. I was a ball of nerves because I knew I’d see Austin. But I think dressing up as a bride brings out a special set of nerves that correlate with the white outfit combined with a veil.

Tinsley had on a Cinderella type number and Parker had on a bodycon white dress that was very, very see-through.

I came up behind him as he circled his own in the mirror.

“So handsome. So nipple. Yeah, baby.” He turned around and added even more vigor to his motions.

“I feel like it’s too early for this spectacle.” I covered my eyes.

“It’s a testicle festival.” Parker rolled his hips.

“I guess it can be. Anyone is allowed to be themselves, as long as they’re a bride.” I tried to keep my gaze on Parker’s face.

Tinsley legit looked like a storybook princess that fell from a movie screen. “Do you think doing this every year will make our actual wedding days less special?” She touched the tiara on her head.

“I don’t know. I feel like we will figure out what styles we like best because we’ll have had a few dry runs under our belt.” I grabbed the purse I had for the occasion—a sweet rose with a zipper so it looked like a part of a bouquet.