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The cramping starts right before I'm due to walk down the aisle. It's a slow, nagging pain that sweeps across my abdomen and settles in my back. One thought passes through my mind as Lillian and Jane, Emmett's mother, are ushered to their seats. Not now.
I plaster my best fake smile on my face, glad that Rose is stuck in her own head to notice my struggle. She's off to the side, hyperventilating and being talked down by the wedding planner.
The pain ebbs, and I'm handed a bouquet of white roses. "Rose," I call before I cross the threshold.
Wild violet eyes meet mine. "It's going to be okay. Don't keep Emmett waiting."
She gives me a watery smile and nods.
Seeing my other best friend waiting at the end of the aisle, looking just as nervous as Rose, is comforting. They really are two peas in a pod.
Emmett stands tall in a fancy tux with his arms behind his back, foot tapping.
I match my steps to the soft music playing and feel another contraction coming on.
I grit my teeth and focus on the swishing sound my dress makes as I walk.
When I make it to the end of the aisle, Emmett pulls me in for a hug. "You look beautiful."
I kiss his cheek and tell him to wait until he sees Rose.
I take my spot and scan the crowd, finding you sitting three pews back on the groom's side in a charcoal gray suit that I helped you pick out last week. I made the comment that I couldn't wait until the wedding was over so I could tear it off and ravish your body, but it looks like we'll be doing other things.
You give me a panty-dropping smile and mouth, "Hi, Lovely," making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
The song Rose chose for her bridal march starts playing and everyone stands, waiting for her to emerge.
Another painful contraction rips through my body, and the only thing I can think is: It's too soon.