Page 124 of My Ex's Best Friend

We both come to our feet. He takes me in his arm and carries me inside.

Epilogue

KIERA

As I stand in my room, the lace of my dress seems almost ethereal, a stark contrast to the solid, enduring walls that encircle me.

I smooth my hand down my dress.

People buzz around me, getting me ready for what is supposed to be the happiest day of my life.

Jake and I have been putting it off for much too long. Finally, when our little one turned three months old, our parents put their foot down and insisted that we get married. And as my wedding present, Jake bought me this home.

Even though it isn’t what we initially imagined, I’m glad our parents nudged us along. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

And the house…it’s like getting married in a little piece of heaven. Holding the ceremony in our lush garden was a no-brainer. This will be the place of our happily ever after.

It’s definitely a character on its own. The walls are sturdy, albeit marked with the patina of time, the once vibrant wallpapers faded to gentle hues of their former glory. The architecture, a blend of gothic arches and Victorian flourishes, speaks of an age when homes were built not just for shelter, but something to behold and admire. The intricate woodwork along the eaves, the grand staircase spiraling up from the foyer, each element tells a story of opulence.

And it’s perfect for us because it is also our own restoration project, so we can breathe life back into its sagging structure.

It’s as if the house is an old soul, proud and poised, knowing its worth and waiting patiently for hands willing to revive its former splendor. It is said that the house was first built by a local artist more than half a century ago. And I believe the rumors. The house itself is a work of art.

Nobody has lived here for years. In short, it’s perfect.

Outside, the expansive garden sprawls before me, a tangled canvas of green beginning to be tamed into a venue fit for a wedding as rows of white chairs are arranged, petals strewn along what will be our aisle, and it feels surreal—like a dream being stitched into the seams of reality.

I lean forward, pressing my palms against the cool marble of the railing, straining my eyes for a glimpse of my fiancé.

Where are you, Jake?

The door creaks gently, and Ellie appears, her presence a whirlwind of energy as she fusses with the fabric of her own dress, eyes scanning me. "We have less than two hours now, Kiera. Guests will start arriving soon. We need to hurry up."

As she adjusts a pin in her hair, her eyes catch my somewhat distant look. With a sly grin, she teases, "You looking for Jake, aren't you?"

My cheeks warm instantly, and I can't help but smile, feeling somewhat caught.

"N-no. Well, maybe a little," I admit, my eyes flicking back toward the window. "But actually, I was wondering about Wyatt. Have you seen him? I thought he might be with Jake."

Ellie shakes her head, her curls bouncing with the motion. "Last I saw, your mom was holding him. She's probably showing him off to every arriving guest— you know how she is."

“I hope she’s handling him okay. Wyatt can get a little cranky, especially in the afternoons. I’ve put away enough milk to last him the ceremony, and—”

Ellie squeezes my wrist. “Wyatt is okay, Kiera. You don’t have to worry about him. He's probably charming the socks off everyone around him, as usual."

I laugh. “Wyatt can’t even talk.”

“Exactly,” Ellie says, keeping a straight face. “Imagine his power.”

I end up laughing. Ellie knows what to say at exactly the right time.

"Come on, let’s get you ready. Guests will start arriving soon, and we can't have you looking anything less than perfect." Ellie’s tone is firm but affectionate as she tugs gently at my hand, pulling me away from the balcony.

As I sit in front of the vanity, the makeup artist applying the final touches to my already glowing cheeks, Tammy and Ellie flank me like the world’s most enthusiastic bodyguards. My heart flutters with nerves, the kind that makes everything feel too big, too real.

Ellie catches my eye in the mirror, her eyebrows doing a comical dance. "Remember, if you feel like running, do it toward the aisle. It’s better for the photos."

Tammy nods beside her, adding, "And make sure you run in heels. It's a life skill every woman should master. You never know when you’ll need to elegantly escape from danger—or into matrimony!"

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