Page 138 of Stolen Moments

Scarlett looks stunning in her maid-of-honor’s dress. It has cap sleeves and wraps around her waist in a dramatic A-line before flowing to her ankles.

My friendship with Rylann and Scarlett has grown exponentially these past few months. Their kindness and acceptance have meant the world to me. I don’t know how I would have managed these dark months without them. We have spent many lunches together since this summer, talking and getting to know each other. Rylann and Scarlett are a riot. They make me feel so welcome, like I’ve always been a part of their group.

I’ve also gotten to know Scarlett’s sisters-in-law, Laci and Lexi, after meeting them at the bachelorette party. Turns out they are my age, and both are sweet and funny. I really like them, and we plan on meeting up the next time I’m in the L.A. area visiting Chris.

“You look beautiful, Em.” Rylann gives my shoulder a squeeze.

My eyes well at her praise. “Thanks. But you’re the one that looks stunning tonight.”

Rylann blushes at the compliment. She shouldn’t—she looks downright amazing in her wedding dress. It was made for her, molding to her every curve perfectly. The long-sleeved dress’s neckline dips into a dramatic V, making her cleavage something to envy. The gold belt at her waist accentuates her hourglass figure, and the lace overlay of her dress is beaded in gold sequins and crystals. Her hair is curled in beach waves and pinned to the side. Her makeup is sun-kissed, and it highlights her cheekbones perfectly. Like a bronze statue all shimmery and sweet, Rylann is covered—head to toe—in gold sparkles and looks every bit the setting sun on a summer night—bold and beautiful. A shining light.

“Thank you. Do you think Jace will like it?” Her voice is timid.

“Are you kidding?” Scarlett steps behind her. “His tongue is going to roll out his mouth like one of those cartoon characters’. He’s going to be dragging you to the bathroom in seconds.”

“Scar.” Rylann gasps, smacking her best friend on the shoulder.

Scarlett shrugs. “Whatever. You know I’m right. I bet that’s where you two disappeared yesterday during the cocktail hour.”

“How did you know?”

“Sex flush,” Scarlett says.

My face burns. What does that mean?

“Oh god.” Rylann groans. “Don’t get me started. It was so hot…”

I bet. Memories of Mason and me in the bathroom at the bar have my body heating up for a completely different reason. I get the appeal. Jace is the older, slightly darker-haired version of Mason. There is something about those Miller men. They are fine as hell and completely irresistible.

“But?”

Rylann covers her face with her hands. “We got caught.”

Scarlett cackles. “Of course you did. What about you, Em? Did you take a visit to the bathroom yesterday?” Her phone dings with a message. “Shit, that’s Levi. The boys are fussy. Do you mind if I go check on them before the ceremony?”

“Of course not,” Rylann assures her.

“Okay, I’ll be back soon.”

Scarlett slips out the door, and I take a deep breath. Sometimes, she can be a little much. She means well, but she has no filter whatsoever. According to Rylann, that happened after she met Levi.

“Ignore her. How are you doing?” Rylann asks.

“I should be asking you that. You’re the bride,” I deflect, hoping she takes the bait. I’ve been working hard to keep thoughts of Mason at bay.

“I am absolutely fantastic. I can’t wait to marry Jace and officially become Mrs. Miller. But stop deflecting,” she calls me out.She’s good at that. “It’s okay to be nervous to see him. How was yesterday? Did he see Graham?”

If this dress wasn’t silk, I’d sit on the bed and curl up into a ball. My anxiety is at an all-time high. I have no idea which Mason I’m going to see tonight—the loving sweet Mason that made me fall in love with him on our first date, or will he be the angry, mean jackass he was at the bachelorette party?

Last night, he was … different.

“Yes, Mason saw Graham. He kept his distance, but—” That damn kiss. My lips still tingle from his touch.

“But what?”

“Mason kissed me.”

“He did?” She gasps in shock, hand on her heart. “When?”

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