Page 378 of Small Town Firsts

My phone buzzes and I grab it from the table.

Stella

Today's the day! Are you so excited?

Me

I'm mostly just nervous. You know?

Stella

You will kick all of the ass! Promise!

Me

If you say so…

Me

I wish you were here!

Stella

Ugh! Me, too, babe. But noooo, I’m at a family reunion in the middle of BFE.

Me

It’s fine.

Stella

It’s not. Send me a selfie. I want to see you in your gown.

Me

Will do. Love you!

Stella

Love you more!

God love her, she always knows the right thing to say. And today of all days, I need the extra help.

Holly says bad days are normal, but luckily, they’re few and far in between. But today, I can feel it itching to take hold and derail my plans.

Deep breaths. Today is going to be a good day. I will not allow my past to derail my future.

I feel marginally calmer after repeating the affirmations Holly taught me.

Some days, it's a little hard to believe that I've made it this far—thatwe'vemade it this far—but we have, and I know that together, Sterling and I are going to do great things.

It wasn't easy getting here, and it definitely wasn't always fun. But I know I'm exactly where I am meant to be, and damn if that doesn't feel good.

"Knock-knock," Sterling says before entering the room.

Scowling playfully at him in the mirror, I ask, "What are you doing in here?"

He hitches his thumb over his shoulder. "It's time to go."

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