Page 119 of Say You Remember Me
The past couple of weeks had been some of the best of my life. Having her so close—just a short walk through my back gate—felt like the kind of happiness I hadn’t even known was possible. Every evening was something I looked forward to: cooking dinner together, teasing her about burning garlic bread while Grant bounced around the kitchen with endless energy. Taking long, lazy walks around the neighborhood while Grant sped ahead on his scooter, laughing in that carefree way only kids can.
Even introducing them to the horses had been something special. I could still see Maddie’s smile when she trotted for the first time, Grant cheering her on from the fence line.
It had been magical. That was the only word for it.
And while I hadn’t said it out loud yet—that big, weightyLword—I was pretty sure Maddie knew. The way I looked at her…the way I found any excuse to touch her hand or kiss herforehead…how I wanted her to stay longer every night. How I had to tear myself away from her every time we said goodbye.
I wasn’t exactly subtle. But I knew I needed to tell her. Soon.
I shook off the thoughts as I headed back into the room where Carter, Mack, and the other guys were already gathered, finishing the last touches on their tuxedos. Mack—Carter’s best man—stood with a glass in his hand, already starting in on a little toast.
“It’s about time you married my sister, man,” Mack said, grinning at Carter as he raised his glass. “Now you two just need to catch up to me and Cambrielle and get pregnant already, so my kid can have some cousins to play with.”
Everyone laughed and Carter rolled his eyes good-naturedly. Then, turning toward Nash who had gotten married last summer, Mack added, “And that goes for you and Kiara, too, okay? Your parents want grandbabies.”
More laughter rippled through the room, Nash shaking his head with a chuckle.
I smirked as I listened to them, but something tugged at me as I adjusted my jacket again. Something I hadn’t really thought I’d be ready for until this summer: I wanted to join them.
The idea hit me out of nowhere, but it settled deep in my chest, steady and unshakable. I wanted what they had—the love, the family, the life they were building together. I wanted that with Maddie. With Grant, too.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, snapping me back to reality. It was a text from my driver.
Alex: On the way with Maddie. Be there soon.
Perfect timing since the ceremony would be starting soon.
I told the guys I’d meet them outside and made my way to the front doors of the venue, pacing a little as I waited.
A few minutes later, Alex’s car eased to a stop in the driveway, and my heart did this ridiculous, anticipatory thud as I stepped forward to open the door for Maddie.
And when she stepped out…
My brain short-circuited.
She wasstunning. Absolutely breathtaking.
Her hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, the kind of effortless elegance that made my chest tighten. The glam team I’d sent to her house that morning had clearly outdone themselves, but it was the dress that nearly knocked me flat. That deep purple, floor-length gown—the one we’d picked out together in Boston—shimmered in the fading sunlight, catching every movement and making her look like she’d stepped straight out of a dream.
It hugged her perfectly, every curve, every line, justso. I had to blink, as if my brain needed a moment to catch up to how unfairly beautiful she was.
She smiled up at me, her eyes bright, and for a second, I forgot how to breathe.
“You’re…” I swallowed hard, the words catching in my throat. “You’re breathtaking, Maddie.” My voice came out a little rougher than I intended, my heart thudding like a freight train. “No offense to Ava, but I’m pretty sure you’re about to outshine the bride tonight.”
Her laugh was soft and warm, brushing against me like a touch. “You’re too much.”
“Can’t help it,” I murmured, grinning like a complete fool. Because I reallycouldn’thelp it. Not when it came to her.
She slipped her arm through mine, the feel of her so natural, so right, that I didn’t want to move. But together, we walked toward the rows of white chairs, the soft notes of a string quartet threading through the air as guests settled into their seats.
We found a spot near the front next to my parents, Maddie’s hand resting lightly on my arm. I wasn’t sure if she realized how much that simple touch affected me—how much it anchored me, even as my thoughts swirled with everything I felt for her.
The ceremony began, and soon everyone rose, the hush of anticipation settling over the garden like a blanket. I turned, along with everyone else, and saw Ava appear at the end of the aisle.
And my breath caught.
Ava practicallyfloated, the soft fabric of her white dress trailing behind her as she moved. She looked radiant, her face alight with a joy so pure, it was impossible not to feel it. All eyes were on her, but Carter’s expression said it all.
