Soft, blonde curls caressed my shoulders, and just a hint of blush and pink lip gloss reminded me that I had makeup on at all. Beth had spent hours making sure that I appeared timeless and natural.

Beth clapped her hands together and held them tight to her chest, as impressed at her work as I. “Jared is going to crap!”

I laughed. “I knew eventually Oklahoma would break free from the professional East Coast stylist role you’ve played today!”

Beth gathered the tools she used to transform me, rolling wires and putting the various bags of makeup into the different tubs the villagers had carried to the casita. I stood in place, afraid to move. The realization hit that the church was miles away, across a muddy jungle, and I was wearing white.

I blanched. “Oh, God. Cynthia will stroke out if this dress is soiled before the wedding.”

“If she can get here without a speck, I’m sure she can get you to the church mud-free.”

“You’re probably right,” I nodded, trying to relax.

“I wish Kim could be here,” Beth said, shaking her head. “I called her, but she’s out of town.”

“I understand. This was very sudden.” I hated lying to Beth, especially while she was being the poster child for a best friend, but I already knew Kim wouldn’t be at my wedding. She was two hospital rooms down from Ryan, nursing wounds she’d sustained when Isaac had sent her flying across the cathedral of St. Anne’s. It wasn’t right that she had saved my life, and instead of being at her side, I was primping in a tropical paradise.

“She did say to tell you to not worry about her. She said she’s fine and she wants you to enjoy your day…why would you worry?” Beth said. Her question was a second thought, as if it hadn’t crossed her mind until that moment.

“When do I not worry about her?” I said, fidgeting with my dress.

Beth thought for a moment. “True,” she agreed, carrying on with tidying up the room. “Okay, I’m going to grab your mom, and then I’m going to get ready. If you need anything, I’m just a casita away.”

“Beth?” I called.

“Yes?” she said, spinning around.

“Thank you,” I smiled. “For everything.”

Beth returned my smile. “Of course.”

“And Beth?”

“Yes?” she said. She was clearly impatient about getting to her casita.

“Think I could sit for a while?”

“Oh!” Beth said, rushing to fetch me a chair. “Here. This one has a back on it so you can relax. Thirsty?”

“Not at the moment. You are the best maid of honor, ever.”

“I know,” she beamed. She backed out of my room, shutting the door on her wide and excessively proud smile.