Page 217 of The Friend Situation

With her hands firmly on my shoulders, she smiles again. “Last time you got married, when I asked you the same question, you told me you were terrified.”

“I did?”

The memory flickers like an old film reel, but it barely hangs on. Most memories with Lena are like that now—distant. I’ve buried them and moved on.

“That’s when I knew she wasn’t the one for you. But Carlee? She’s the missing piece,” she says, pulling me into a tight hug. Her words cause a chill to run up my spine. “I’m so happy you’ve found your person.”

“Me too. Thank you, sis,” I whisper. Before she walks away, I grab her hand. “You know I will help you with anything, right? I always have your back.”

“I know,” she says. “But today is about you, not me.”

“Your busi?—”

“Weston”—she shakes her head—“This conversation can wait.”

“Okay,” I breathe out.

Easton approaches me. “Are you ready?” he asks, checking his watch.

“So fucking ready,” I say, turning to Brody. “Everything okay?”

“On light duty for the next month. It’s nothing,” he says, playing it off like being grazed by a bullet is no big deal.

“I can never thank you enough,” I tell him, pulling him into a tight hug.

“I’ve got you.” He pats me hard. “Now stop acting like that.”

As I glance down the aisle, the sunlit church buzzes withexcitement and joy. I scan across the familiar faces of my friends and her family. Every smile from the pews pulls me deeper into this moment as we wait for Carlee to arrive.

With every passing second, my heart races a little faster. I take a deep breath, knowing she will be here, but the anticipation is almost too much.

I spot my father, his wife, and my little brother, who’s throwing a terrible-three tantrum in the middle of the aisle. His nanny allows him to do it. Behind them are my mother and her third husband—or it might be her fourth, but I’ve lost count.

I sigh, hoping this is the last time I get married.

Easton sighs too. “They’re a hot fucking mess.”

“An example of what not to be,” I mutter just as Carlee’s mother enters.

She blows me a kiss and waves.

At two o’clock, the church bell rings.

“She’ll be here,” Easton says, grabbing my shoulder. “I texted Lexi and asked them why they were late.”

“Of course you did.” Laughter erupts from me, and I realize just how much I needed it.

Matteo and Dean give me a tight handshake, followed by JJ and Lucas. Almost everyone is here now.

Just then, Mawmaw strides in with Abbi, and they’re both wearing yellow. Mawmaw’s presence grabs everyone’s attention.

“Sorry. We’re almost ready. I had to blindfold her,” Mawmaw announces. Her enthusiasm is contagious as she whispers loudly, “Everyone, remember, she has no idea we’re doing this here, so be very quiet.”

Suddenly, Lexi and Emma lead Carlee up the steps. An electric energy flows through the room as it grows completely silent.

As soon as I see my bride, the world stops spinning.

The sunlight pours in behind her, causing her white dress to glow. Everything fades into the background, and she’s all I see. Herdark hair cascades around her in curls, and I can’t miss the smile on her pouty red lips.

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