Page 78 of Bite Your Tongue

“Oh …fiancée,” I whisper, pulling him closer. “I like the sound of that.” I kiss him before I rub my nose against his. “Yes, please.”

As he calls the driver back over, I can’t stop staring down at my hand. My cheeks hurt from smiling so wide, and no matter what I do, the tears—happy ones—keep on falling.

I’m going to be the wife of one of the greatest men I’ve ever known. What the fuck even is this life?

Seven Months Later

“Iswear, I’m fine.” I sniffle, expecting my dad to laugh at me.

Instead, his own eyes are filled with tears. He says nothing, but squeezes me a little tighter.

For someone who typically doesn’t cry easily, here I stand, in my dad’s arms during the father-daughter dance, trying my best not to let the few tears slipping from my eyes turn into full-blown streams. I know I’m being crazy; after all, it isn’t like anything is going to change. The truth is, I never thought a man could ever love me as much or as genuinely as my dad did.

Since I was a kid, I’ve been a daddy’s girl. No matter what interest I had through life—whether it was debate club, cheer, softball, dance, or the other random things in between—he’s been there, in the stands, cheering me on. He’s seen me at my absolute worst, and he’s been there to high-five me at my best. His love has never and will never waver or falter.

“I’m proud of you, sweetie,” he murmurs because that’s all he can choke out. “I hope you know that.”

I nod because if I answer, I’m going to end up crying all my makeup off. I sat and had that shit put on for an hour—no way in hell am I fucking it up now.

Finally gathering myself, I swallow down the lump in my throat. “Thank you, Dad. For setting the bar for what kind of man I deserve. God knows I veered off the path for a while andbrought home some real ‘winners,’ but I hope you truly approve of Ryder.”

I glance up at him, but he doesn’t look at me. Instead, he keeps his gaze anywhere else.

Clearing his throat, he gives me a subtle nod. “You and Ryder are going to have a lifetime of happiness, Saylor. He sees you exactly the way I see you. Perfect the way you are.” Finally, his eyes shift to mine. “He sees you as enough. And you are.”

That’s it. That’s all it takes, and the tears I’ve been keeping sort of controlled are spilling from my eyes. “Damn you.” I sniffle. “You’re about to make me cry off my lashes. And I was so hoping they’d make it through the honeymoon because I don’t want to find a lash artist in France.”

The song comes to an end, and he leans down, hugging me tightly. “I love you, sweetie girl. And I am so proud of the woman you are. And I know you’re going to be a damn good wife.” He winks. “And maybe a mom too.”

“Hey now, I’m not rushing into that last one,” I say, giggling. “Unless you’re offering to change the shitty diapers.”

“Not a chance, kid.” He gives me one last hug. “And just think, in a few days, you’re finally getting that trip to France.”

I point at him, grinning. “And not even the one at Epcot this time! Who would have thought I’d actually do it one day?” I sigh, smiling at him. “I love you, Dad.”

“I love you too, Sails,” he says before stepping back.

Behind him stands Gemma. She looks stunning in her yellow dress because, yeah … my bridesmaids wore yellow. I’m that bride who chose the obnoxious color because I like yellow; it reminds me of sunshine and happiness. And sunshine and happiness make me think of my husband.

“Can I cut in?” she whispers, tilting her head to the side.

My dad gives her a quick hug. “Always, Gem.”

Once he releases her, she steps forward. I didn’t have a song for her and me in the lineup, and looking back, I realize that was kind of stupid.

“Gem, I didn’t—”

As the song “Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish hits my ears, once again, my damn eyes are filled with tears.

When she holds her hand out, I take it, and there we are … dancing like fools, like we’re little girls again without a single care in the world. A mix of laughter and sobbing comes from both of us, and everyone else in the room disappears as I dance with my best friend.

My person.

Each of us has done a lot of growing up the past year, but we’ve done it together. And just like my father’s love and now Ryder’s … I know Gemma will always be by my side. Because everyone needs someone they can call to help them hide a dead body. It’s as simple as that.

Minutes later, after we cry and laugh, the song ends, and we hug each other tightly. Even though nothing will change between us, we’re both emotional. Luckily, my husband stops me from more crying when he comes beside us once Gemma releases me.

“Time to sneak away for a minute?” He winks. “Or maybe … six?”

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