Page 116 of Here's to Yesterday

Epilogue

Maura

Six MonthsLater

“I cannot believe you’re gettingmarried.”

A month after Tucker left the first time, Hudson proposed to Rae. Two months later, she finally saidyes.

While the engagement may appear rushed to some, it seemed merited to the group. Tanner’s death sparked a fire inside everyone, making us realize that we don’t have a guarantee of tomorrow. All we have istoday.

“I know. I’m dying over here. This is insane. I’m too young. I quit. Let’s run away and go be weird together somewhere far, far fromhere.”

I grab my best friend by the shoulders, halting her attempt to run out of the bathroom. “Not so fast, skippy.Sit.”

Rae plops back down on the closed toilet seat and huffs. “This is suchbullshit.”

Laughing, I finish pushing in the last bobby pin and release her. “Done. Now go look in themirror.”

Thehereshe’s referring to is the exact same beach house Hudson took Rae to for her birthday. The same one that houses memories both of them would rather forget. Which is exactly why they chose this spot for their wedding. They want to start over, erase thosememories.

“Holy wow! I’m hot!” Raeyells.

I cross the hall to the bedroom and admire my best friend. I swear Rae is the only person I know who would get married in white cut-off shorts and a white Transit t-shirt. I tried talking her into a dress a million times, but she wouldn’t budge, saying Hudson would appreciate her outfit choice. She did let me do a low-key up-do for her hair, so at least I wonsomething.

“You look gorgeous, Rae. I’m so happy foryou.”

She grins at her reflection. “Me too. I can’t believe I’m getting married.Married.Me. Who would’ve thought? And you. You’re going to be a…” She trailsoff.

“Iknow.”

“And Haley’swith…,”

“I know. I didn’t see that one coming either,” I tellher.

It took time, but Rae and Haley have finally fully mended their relationship. I think a little bit of it had to do with Haley coming around a lot more now thanbefore.

“It just all seems so fast. Like life is just flying by. It’s only been a year and ahalf.”

A year and a half.It’s hard to believe that’s all it’s been. It feels like just yesterday Hudson and his friends walked into Clyde’s and into our lives. Now, Rae and Hudson are getting hitched, I’m the manager of a very successful musician, Tucker, and Gaige is, well, let’s just say he surprised us all with where he is inlife.

Shrugging, I say, “I guess that’s just how it works when you’re happy and in love. Time doesn’t drag. It just happens. Lifehappens.”

“I’m going to be a stepmother!” shegasps.

I walk toward her, placing my hands on her shoulders. “You already are one. But if it makes you feel any better, we’ll do thistogether.”

Rae throws her arms around me, hugging metight.

“Thank you for being my maid of honor,” she says, pulling away. “You’re thebestbest friendever.”

“I know.” I pat my still-flat stomach. “Maybe someday you can be my maid of honortoo.”

* * *

“Raeand I want to extend our gratitude to you all. Thank you for your support and help in putting this little shindig together. We love you all. Except you, Gaige. Cheers,” Hudson says to the small group gathered for thereception.

He hands the microphone over to Rae, who is adamantly shaking her head, not wanting to say anything in front of thecrowd.

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