Page 135 of Text Me Baby One More Time

Now that we’re about to walk out there and face everyone, I have the distinct feeling that maybe blurting it all out would have been better.

Please don’t let this be the end…

“The end?” Denny says.

I snap my gaze her way, realizing I said that out loud.

She smiles at me and it’s one of those genuine expressions, the ones where everything is going just perfect in your life and nothing can touch you.

“It’s not the end. It’s just beginning.” She extends her hand my way. “Come on, Cap.”

Thirty-One

Denver

Shep’s been actingweird all week leading up to the wedding. It’s not been overly obvious, which I think is more concerning.

He keeps staring at me like he’s never going to see me again.

He’s doing it right now from across the room, watching me as he sips on his whiskey. I bet he’s thrilled to finally have something other than the putrid champagne they serve at all the galas.

“He’s staring over here really hard. It looks…” Allie gulps loudly. “Sexual.”

“That’s because he’s hoping we can sneak off into a closet somewhere. I kind of promised him we would.”

“You arenothaving sex at my wedding!”

I smirk at my best friend. “We’ll see.”

She shakes her head, smiling. “You incorrigible little hussy.”

“Oh, please. Don’t act like you and AJ won’t be sneaking off later too. Just think of this as research—we’ll scope out the best place and report back. You’re welcome.”

“There’s a room down the hall, kind of small, but you can totally make it work,” Delia chimes in, coming to stand next to me.

“Already?” I raise a brow at her.

“What? Have you seen Zach? That nerd pushes all my buttons.” She laughs and waves to her boyfriend, who’s across the room and definitely looks like he was just having sex.

“Thisis why we’re friends,” I tell her. “Allie, this is Delia. She’s dating Shep’s brother, Zach Hastings.”

I’ve been wanting to say hi to Zach and Delia all night and finally meet Shep’s parents, but every time I approach the subject or try to drag him over that way, he distracts me with kisses or cake.

I can’t resist either.

Allie’s eyes widen. “Two things, and I’m addressing these in order of importance. One”—she turns to Delia—“you snagged a hottie. He reminds me of a grown-up Harry Potter.”

“He kind of does, huh?” Delia agrees. “Congrats on your wedding. The ceremony was beautiful.”

“Thank you.” Allie blushes. “It was a long time coming.”

“What was two?” I ask.

“Oh!” She whirls on me. “You! You just called himShep. You’re totally in love.”

“Zach’s hotness was more important than you accusing me of being in love with Shep?”

“I’m sorry, but have you seen him? Not to be a creeper, Delia, butdamn.”

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