Page 82 of The Road Less Traveled By

Kenner speaks back to me. “Got it, Boss.”

Bree turns around and looks at me. “Are you ready to go wedding dress shopping?”

I give her a knowing look. “Are you kidding? I was born ready. Let’s go.”

“I’m right behind you,” she says as she throws a wink in my direction.

— NOTHING MORE BY THE ALTERNATE ROUTES FT. LILY COSTNER

“Ooh! What about thisone?” Teags asks as she pulls out a fully black dress.

The rest of us—my sister, Parker, and Cassie—stare at her in disbelief.

“I think that’s more your style, Teags,” I tell her, and she starts laughing almostimmediately.

“Yeah, right. Imaginemeof all people getting married and shopping for frilly dresses.” She puts the dress back on the rack, and the rest of us laugh to ourselves, knowing full well that one day, she’s going to regret saying that. She practically just jinxed herself.

The five of us are at this small boutique in Philadelphia that Tristan rented out for a few hours. He not only wanted Liv to be able to have fun with this whole thing, but he also wanted to make me feel as safe as I could.

That’s why I can’t wait to have him officially be my brother-in-law. Tristan West is the perfect man for my sister, and I can’t wait to see them spend their lives together.

Tristan proposed a week ago while Liv and him were book shopping. He had it all planned out; it was the most adorable thing I’ve ever heard. He planned a scavenger hunt that took them to places that meant a lot to them—the grocery store they worked at, the baseball fields, a classroom where they first started passing notes, and more.

“Wait! I have an idea!” Cassie says, almost spilling the champagne in her hand. “We should all pick two dresses for Liv, and she can model them for us! Rather than just perusing, we can make this more fun!”

“Cassie, maybe you’ve had enough champagne?” Parker reaches for it before she pulls away.

“It’s a mimosa!” Cassie counters, and the rest of us laugh.

“Cass, a mimosa is supposed to have orange juice in it,” Liv tells her, a huge smile gracing her face. I know she’s missed Cassie a lot, and this is the first time they’ve seen each other since college. Cass has been super busy with her job and some family troubles, but I’m glad she’s back. Her energy has been missed.

“There’s orange juice in here! Just a few drops is all I need.” Cassie smiles and sets her glass down as she swipes through the racks.

I let my laugh flow from my lips as I lock eyes with Vince, who’s standing close to the entrance, staring back at me with a hint of something inhis gaze. It looks like he’s thinking or imagining something, but I can’t tell what. I know Emerson and Chris are around somewhere, but my gaze always finds Vince.

The two of us are locked onto each other's eyes until Liv breaks it by tapping me on the shoulder.

“Hey, are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m all good. Are you excited to live your Disney princess dreams?” I ask as I see Parker and Cassie carry way more than two dresses into Liv’s changing area. The store associate that’s in here is also carrying two drastically different options into the room, probably due to what my sister said she wanted in her dress.

“I’m actually very excited. I never imagined this would be so fun. All I imagined when I thought of planning a wedding was stress, but Tristan is making the process fun. So far, it’s been okay.”

“It’s only been a week, Liv.”

“Yeah, but it’s going to be a small wedding. Thank goodness, because I want it to be about everyone celebrating life, not just about us.”

I smile, loving that even on the most special day of her life, my sister is still thinking about everyone else. “It’s going to be a happy day, Liv. I can’t wait.”

“I think we deserve a happy day, don't you? Especially after the past few years.”

I reach down and grab her pinky finger with mine. “It’s going to be the best day ever, I promise.”

“Well, when it’s your turn for all this, I promise I’ll make it the best day for you as well, Bree. You of all people deserve to feel it with whoever catches that heart of yours.” I swear, I see her eyes move toward the door where Vince is standing, but I could’ve been imagining it.

“Thanks, sis. Now excuse me while I peruse the gowns and find some I know you’ll love.”

“I’ll leave you to it.” She smiles as she walks over to her dressing room.

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