23. Kri

Mom, stop. Kri put her hand on her mothers shoulder. The tray looks perfect as it is.

Her mother lifted a pair of frantic eyes at her. Im sorry. Its the stress. Its making it worse. She took a deep breath. I thought we would have more time to put up the decorations.

Kian had called less than an hour ago, informing Kri that the wedding party needed to start two hours earlier than planned, which also affected the timing of her and Michaels bachelorette and bachelor parties.

She didnt really mind, but the sudden schedule change wreaked havoc on her mothers ability to control her OCD. With Vanessas help, shed made great progress in the last year or so, but when stressed, the obsessive need to arrange everything in neat groups of three resurged with a vengeance.

So did I, but we made it on time. Kri leaned to kiss her mothers cheek. The cabin looks awesome, and appetizers are ready, and all thats left to do is welcome our guests.

Your guests, sweetheart. Her mother smiled. Not mine. This is your day. You are the bride.

The tone of wistfulness in her mothers voice made Kri wish that there was a mate for her out there, but given that her mother rarely left her house, she wouldnt find him even if he was in the village.

Kri had tried to introduce her to some of Kalugals men, but her mother was terrified of them as if they were still members of the Brotherhood, and it didnt matter how many times Kri had explained that they had escaped Navuhs camp because they were not like the others.

Her mother needed to find a gentle soul who wouldnt mind her oddities and her constant state of fearfulness.

As the doorbell rang, her mothers hand flew to her chest. Oh, my. Thats such a shrill sound.

Its okay, Mom. Kri patted her slim shoulder. My guests are starting to arrive, so prepare yourself for more shrill sounds or step out onto the balcony until the last one gets here.

Kri walked over to the door and opened it.

Amanda? I cant believe it. Youre the first one.

Amanda was usually the last to arrive, whether at a social gathering or a council meeting. Kri suspected that she did that on purpose to make a grand entrance and get everyones attention.

Hello, darling. Amanda leaned and kissed the air near Kris cheek. Dalhu took Evie to the pool, and I had nothing to do, so here I am. She walked toward Kri’s mother. Mona. She leaned in to kiss the air next to Kris mothers cheek. I havent seen you the entire voyage. Where have you been hiding?

Her mother darted her eyes to the dessert table, probably searching for something that wasnt grouped in threes yet. I attended the weddings, but I stayed in my cabin the rest of the time. I dont like crowds. Dolores, my cabin mate, brought me food from the dining hall.

Amanda shook her head. You should mingle more.

I know. Mona walked over to the bar and started arranging the glasses in groups of three.

Kri decided not to comment. It was not only futile but usually made the problem worse.

Im dying to see your dress, Amanda said. I bumped into Stella earlier, and she said its one of her best creations.

Everyone was so excited about the damn wedding gown that Kri didnt have the heart to admit that she hated everything about it.

Youll have to wait until the others get here.

It wasnt that there was anything wrong with the dress, or that Stellas creation wasnt beautiful. It was just that any dress, no matter how gorgeous, looked ridiculous on Kri. With her height and broad shoulders, it wasnt a pretty picture. It was like stuffing John Cena into a white wedding dress and expecting him to look wonderful in it.

She could have insisted on getting married in a white tuxedo or even pink, but the way she saw it, letting Stella design the dress, and Mey and Jin produce it in their shop, was more for their benefit than hers. It was a prototype for their new line of wedding dresses for tall women.

Amanda pouted. Dont I deserve at least a peek?

Thankfully, the doorbell rang again, so Kri didnt have to respond.

As she opened the door, she found the rest of her bridesmaids in the corridor, already dressed in their gowns, which had also been designed by Stella and produced by Mey and Jin.

The big square case Eva was holding most likely contained the makeup she was going to use on Kris face, and the bag in Callies contained the hair styling tools she was going to use on her.

Oh, the joy.

Amanda put her hands on her hips. How come no one told me to dress in my bridesmaid outfit?

Didnt you get my text? Carol asked.

Amanda pulled out her phone. Oh, damn. I didnt notice it. She cast an apologetic glance at Kri. Do you want me to go get it?

Kri shook her head. You can do it right before the ceremony.

Can we see the dress? Carol asked. Stella has been gushing over it for days.

I was, Stella admitted. I love that dress. When Richard and I get married, I will design one for myself in the same style.

Well, duh. Stella was of average height, and her shoulders were slim and feminine. She would look awesome in something like that.

Its in the bedroom. Kri walked over to the door and opened it. Go ahead. Take a look.

We want to see it on you, Stella said. You refused to come for fittings, and Im terrified that it doesnt fit. I brought my sewing machine on the cruise in case I need to make last-minute alterations.

Kri grimaced. Im sorry, but I just didnt have time. You know how hectic things were before the cruise.

The look Stella gave her made it clear she hadnt bought the explanation even for a second. Im armed with pins and ready to use them. Get in that dress.

Kri chuckled. Yes, maam.