Page 215 of The Friend Situation

“That was so kind of them.” My smile widens at the thought. “But I was actually thinking I might wear your dress, Mawmaw.”

Her face lights up, eyes sparkling with pride. “Sweetie, I’d be honored, but I think you’re way tinier than I was when I got married. Let’s see.”

As soon as she disappears into the other room, Lexi pulls me into a tight hug. “I heard about last night. I was already asleep, but Easton told me this morning over breakfast. He spoke to Brody. He was sent home last night after a few hours.”

“Good. I’m happy to hear that.” The memory of seeing Lena’s dead eyes is still fresh in my mind. Her coldness is unsettling. “It was scary. Mawmaw said a gun was involved, and I thought …” I want to push that feeling away. “Brody saved Weston. I don’t know if I’d have survived a different outcome.”

“Here it is,” Mawmaw calls out, returning with a silk garment bag. I’m happy for a change of subject. She carefully unzips it, revealing a stunning sleeveless A-line dress with a full pleated skirt that sways. With pride, Mawmaw hands it to me. Her smile is sweet and encouraging. “Go try it on. Don’t keep us waiting.”

I grab Lexi’s hand, dragging her with me. “No wonder you eloped,” I tease.

“It was great,” she says, her happiness contagious. “Was just us.”

She follows me down the hallway into my room. With care, she removes the dress from the hanger. Her fingers gently brush the fabric as I search for a strapless bra in my suitcase.

“Oh my goodness,” Lexi gasps. “This is a vintage Dior dress.”

I glance at the tag in disbelief. “This must have cost a fortune.”

“I think it will fit you,” she insists, holding it up against me with a smile.

Excitement bubbles in my stomach.

“You’re going to make Weston so happy,” she says.

“I hope,” I admit as she helps me slide the sheer material over my head.

She carefully zips it. The flowy fabric hugs my shape and cuts low in the back.

When I turn to face her, she’s in tears, her eyes shining.

“Wow,” she whispers. “You’re abeautifulbride.”

“You approve?” I ask, knowing this is our tradition.

“He’s going to be obsessed with you. But we both know he already is,” she encourages.

I turn toward the full-length mirror, my heart racing as tears start to fall. I run my hands over the silk, realizing this is my dream. “This is how I always imagined it.”

“Oh,” Lexi says, digging into her pocket with a cheeky smile. “I have Weston’s ring for you.”

My eyes go wide. “Shit. I forgot.”

Her laughter is light and airy. “It’s all good. Mawmaw took careof everything you could ever think of. That woman should be a wedding planner.”

“She’s only been planning our weddings since before we were born.” I pull Lexi in for a tight hug, feeling so grateful. “Thank you for being my best friend.”

“Thank you for becoming my sister, little Mrs. Weston Calloway. You two are made for one another. I’m not just saying that.”

“That means a lot to me. I couldn’t keep pretending. I tried.”

She pulls away, giving me a knowing look. “You weren’t very good at it anyway. Neither was he. Weston is friendly and flirty, but notthatfriendly and flirty.”

“I love him, Lex. I loved him before you knew Easton,” I admit.

“I don’t know how you survived him that long. Now, can you please get knocked up so I don’t have to do this pregnancy bullshit alone?”

Laughter spills out of me. “When it happens, do you want to start a moms club?”

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