Holiday Hockey Tale The Icebreaker's Impasse (By Ivory Row) novel Chapter 117

Fuckin‘ Perfect–Pink (or clean version)

I See the Light -Tangled (piano and String Version) by Sam Yung (start song at 1:14)

Sydney

“Nervous, Luci Lou?” I gauge her reaction as she sits in the chair for the hair stylist

“Yes.” She answers baldly. This morning didn’t start out the way it should have. We took her for a pedicure and ended up adding a massage after the news ran.

“Nothing more than a jealous, petty trash troll. No one and I mean no one would dare say any of that to Easton’s face about you.” Stormi points out and I nod, agreeing strongly.

“I just don’t want him having to defend me all the time. Or get upset every time someone thinks I’m after his money or not good enough for him.” She shakes her head.

Mrs. Cindy begins spraying and combing her hair. “Honey, you ignore all those voices. People say those things because they wish they had what you’ve got.” She’s been Mom’s hairdresser for years and her friend.

“She’s right, Luci Lou. All that matters is you love him. Let him defend you. The day he stops is the day you worry. You wouldn’t let anyone talk about him that way either.” Mom squeezes her shoulders.

A reporter was doing a society segment this morning; deciding to focus on the talk of the city: the first Reed heir’s wedding. Citing rumors and daring to bring Ambra Dennis on the show, saying Easton had been fooled by an ordinary gold digger. “She was looking for ratings, Luci.

That’s it.”

“I know. I hate causing problems though. Her words don’t mean anything in the end.”

They are getting married at sunset in the same park they had their first date. Luci hadn’t liked any of the venues we visited and Easton finally said something about the park. That had been her cup of tea and she chose sunset, talking about the pretty colors.

The last eight months have been chaotic, crazy and wonderful for all of us. Luci still does her best not to make a fuss or draw attention to herself. We had to remind her several times the last few months that she was the bride and should enjoy herself. Dress shopping had finally been the point she realized that. It was myself, Stormi, Mom, Janet, Kylie, and Catalina at the shop. Luci went back and chose a few dresses. She came out in the first two, which were plain white satin gowns. Elegant, but no spark or interest. Catalina had immediately jumped to her feet. “No! Do the others look like these?” The attendant had nodded sadly. “Luci, you are not a wallflower. You are beautiful. Show yourself off.”

“I’m just not a very fancy girl.” Luci had protested.

“A little sparkle isn’t fancy, Luci. Choose what makes you happy. You look resigned in those dresses.” I’d told her.

Catalina held up a hand, those expressive eyebrows rising. “It is your wedding day. You get to be a little fancy or a lot fancy like a full–blown princesa. You deserve some glam.” With that she’d marched off to thumb through racks. After selecting like eight gowns, she marched Luci to the dressing room. “All different styles. Let’s see what you shine in.”

By the fifth one, you could tell she was enjoying herself. Number six had been it. She’d been positively radiant.

I smooth my hand over the deep lavender almost periwinkle bridesmaid dress. It had a sweetheart neckline with thin straps they added for us. Delicate beading all the way to the waist before a loose chiffon skirt.

“Time for your dress.” Mrs. Cindy proclaims showing off the loose, messy braid she styled her hair in. She added a small sunflower and a bright purple daisy to it.

“Wait one minute. She has something to open before makeup.” I hand her the box and the note. “We’ll give you a minute Luci.” I text Easton quickly.

Luci

I loosen the simple white ribbon and find a pair of heart shaped diamond earrings. Something for you to wear today.

My phone goes off and I check the message. She won’t be saying anything about you ever again. Listen to this so you know to ignore those things. One of the workers at the rink was playing this while she painted, and it’s how I think of you.

A link pops up and I reach for my headphones. The song begins and Pink’s words make me smile. I text him back: I know it shouldn’t matter. I don’t want them constantly bothering you though.

They didn’t. They ignited the volcano and were evicted from the island. See you soon.

I wipe my face. “I’m ready.” I slip my earrings in and they help me into my dress. It has a sweetheart neckline with a drop waist into an organza a–line skirt. The top is covered in delicate lace with beads and crystals delicately interspersed. The lace descends to my hips and then a few tendrils of it down to the top of the skirt. I had them add two delicate straps not wanting to deal with any wardrobe malfunction considering how tall Easton is and I have to stretch my arms to reach his shoulders. Visions of me flashing everyone had been my only reluctance with the dress. I felt like I was in a fairytale.

“He has terrific taste.” Stormi winks, touching my ears. Syd did my subtle makeup and slipped my shoes on me.

“Time to go.” Mom calls to us. “Luci you wait a few minutes before finding your escorts.”

Betsy hands me my bouquet of sunflowers and pink and purple Gerbera daisies. “You look beautiful Luci Lou. I’m so happy I got to be here with you.” I hug her.

“Me too.”

Kylie adjusts my dress and gives me a thumbs up. “Stunning Luci Lou.”

When we were planning this wedding, I had to choose who would give me away. Mr. Logan had been the only dad I knew growing up, but Syd is his daughter and I didn’t want to steal that from her. Stormi suggested Jason or Baker. I couldn’t ask Baker again because Kylie should get to have that belong to her. In the end, I asked Jason and Cole to do it. Cole was thrilled to ‘deliver me to his daddy‘ as he phrased it. Jason got emotional before agreeing. The two of them wait for me at the back of the line. Easton doesn’t know they will walk me down to him.

“Mommy looks like a princess from a movie.” I crouch down to hug him.

Mr. Jason beams at me. “You look beautiful sweetheart. Thank you for allowing me to do this.

“He holds his arm out. Cole moves into his spot on my right and I take his hand.

The music begins and we wait until the right mark to begin walking. I chose one of my favorite songs from a movie for this. As we step onto the end of the runner, everyone stands. Easton waits at the end and I smile seeing him head and shoulders above the crowd. His face is impassive and I realize he can’t see us yet. He’s way too handsome in a tuxedo. I watch the sunlight play over him from behind as my heart trips along rapidly. I love him so much it seems unreal sometimes. My flurry who throws lava when I need him to. His face softens as we move into his line of vision. Cole squeezes my hand making me tear my eyes away to gaze down at him.

“Ok Mommy?”

“Yes. Found a happy moment to keep forever.” I whisper to him.

He nods before waving his arm wildly. “We’re coming Daddy!” Everyone laughs a little and I squeeze his hand, reflecting on the little family we made. Three people who were each missing something and managed to find it in each other.

Easton

I’ve never thought hard about the actual process or act of getting married. I could picture being married to Luci, but not the wedding itself. Partly because I honestly didn’t care. I would have eloped to Vegas in a heartbeat if I hadn’t known she wanted this. Which she deserves a million times over.

I slip the tuxedo jacket on and glance in the mirror. “Ah he cleans up alright, gentlemen. Luci won’t go runaway bride on him.” Becker laughs.

“That would make me unbearable.” I drag the word out. “Right Beck? Like if I forgot my lines.”

“Coconut’s been talking again. Did you use cookies?” He narrows his eyes playfully.

“Didn’t have to. He wants a baby brother so badly he said both of you would make sure I don’t lose her today.”

“Group effort.” Kingston jokes. “Only two hours until it’s too hard for Luci to run.”

“Yeah we like you better this way. Reasonably pleasant.” Jackson throws in.

“What would I do without all of you?” I ask dryly before I speak again sincerely. “I do mean that. You three gave up a lot to help me. I can never express how much you did for me. Or how much you three mean to me.”

“We know East. You’ve always been our big brother. Never let anyone hurt us growing up. We owed you. And we loved Cole. It wasn’t hard to help.” Becker adds, gripping my shoulder.

“What he said.” Kingston comes closer and I hug both of them.

Jackson grins, “besides, we need something to lord over you forever.” I hug him the hardest.

Our discreet photographer, I notice is clicking away.

Dad steps in with Cole. “Daddy, look how spitty I look.”

“Spiffy.” Dad corrects him.

“Oh that’s better. Spitty sounded yucky.” I lift him up.

“You look very spiffy.” I whisper laughing.

“Cole, it’s time to go. They have to line up. All my boys look spiffy today.” He moves and embraces me. “I’m proud of who you’ve grown into, Easton. I don’t think I’ve told you that enough.”

“You have Dad, by trusting me as much as you do.”

He smiles, nodding his head slightly. “I’d tell you to cherish this day but I don’t think I need to.”

“I won’t ever take it or her for granted.”

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