Page 231 of The Darkest Chase

“You are not.” Ophelia drapes her arms around my neck from behind, leaning into me, grinning at our reflections. That’s another thing I’m getting used to—having girlfriends who just want to hug and be close. It’s nice. “If you start losing your breath, I’ve got your inhaler on me.”

I stare at her reflection.

“Where? Your dress doesn’t have pockets.”

“No, but I’ve got plenty of cleavage.” She grins wickedly. “So don’t make me go fishing down my bra in front of the whole wedding party.”

I blink and then laugh, releasing the tension that’s been building up in one big rush of giggles. Janelle, Ophelia, and Delilah laugh too, until we’re just a mess and I’m in danger of ruining my makeup with the tears of laughter building up on my lashes.

But I needed that.

I needed this.

I needed them, these newfound friends who already mean so much.

Delilah playfully pinches my cheek.

“There we go,” she says. “You good now?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” I grin.

Just then, there’s a polite knock at the door.

“Everyone decent in there?” Grandpa calls through.

Ophelia leans away.

“All good, Mr. Grey,” she calls back.

To my surprise, Janelle turns flustered, letting go of my hand to pat at her hair and dress with a soft sound. Her cheeks are pink.

They turn even pinker as my grandfather pushes the boathouse door open, peeking in with a proud smile.

He’s the sterling image of dapper in his tailored steel-grey suit.

“We’re ready when you are,” he says.

Delilah snaps her fingers. “That’s our cue! Let’s get out there and pave the way for the blushing bride.”

Suddenly, I’m buried in hugs. More affection than I know what to do with before the girls file out while Grandpa steps inside the cluttered room.

As he and Janelle pass by, there’s a lingering glance, an almost secret smile between them.

Did I miss something while I was so wrapped up in wedding planning?

But then it’s just me and Grandpa again, while everyone else bustles out to get the whole wedding procession started.

He just stands across the room, watching me.

Then he steps closer, clasping my hands and looking up at me with tears in his eyes and his face shining.

“If your parents could see you now,” he murmurs. “They’d be so proud. You’ve come so far, Tally-girl. You fought your way here.”

Oh God, I’m going to start crying.

Delilah will shit a brick after she worked so hard on my makeup.

I sniff, trying to hold it in. “Well, somebody raised me to be as stubborn as a mule.”

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