Page 97 of In Every Chapter

“‘Life is pain,’” Juliet added with a smirk.

“Ugh, not you, too,” Liz groaned. “That movie gives me nightmares.”

“Do not desecrate a masterpiece!” Hailey cried.

Stephanie dropped onto the sofa beside me and pulled me into a hug. “You’re amazing, Pais. Thank you for seeing me.”

I squeezed her back, pouring all the love from the words lodged in my throat.

Hailey shimmied her hips, absolutely adorable in her matching two-piece button-up shirt and sleep shorts. “Let’s do this, ladies!”

“Wait!” Stephanie hopped up, then froze, nearly pitching forwards.

Juliet grabbed her arm to keep her steady.

“I’m good!” Stephanie chuckled, patting Juliet’s hand. “Let’s get our group picture before it gets too much later.”

After Stephanie set up her tripod and grabbed her remote, we all squeezed onto the couch.

I might not remember all the details of how we got here, all the memories in the pages of our stories. But I had no doubts about the love I shared with these women. They had my back. They were my people. They’d held me together when I fell apart, dropped everything when I needed them, and still made me laugh till my sides ached.

These moments were the golden treasures.

Chapter forty-two

Paisley

Stephanie was every inch a bride in the dream dress she’d found at the bridal shop.

“Nash is gonna die when he sees you,” Liz gushed, tugging on Stephanie’s skirt to straighten it. We were waiting in the mansion’s large hallway outside the ballroom, ready for the music to start.

“I hope not. I’d like him alive and well if I have to do this.” Stephanie’s smile wobbled as she eyed the beautifully carved mahogany double doors.

“Hey.” I squeezed her arm. “You’ll do great. There are only about forty people out there, and they all love you.”

“Right.” Stephanie inhaled deeply. “It’s just walking down the aisle. No big deal.”

“It is a big deal,” I said softly. “It’s a vow and promise for forever. With the right guy, that’s everything.”

“Forever does sound nice.” Her smile turned dreamy.

Juliet chuckled, and when Gabe joined us a moment later, she smiled and touched the veil. “Let’s get you married, Steph.”

I’d never seen Stephanie so happy. And Nash, well, the man was about to burst his suit coat in pride. And the sheen in his dark eyes was impossible to miss as Gabe escorted Stephanie down the aisle.

“Who gives this woman to be married?” the pastor asked.

Gabe turned to the front row, eyes shining with unshed tears. Ivy and Nana rose, and the three of them said, “We do.”

Cue the waterworks. Liz swiped her cheeks, and I handed a tissue I’d hidden in my bouquet to Juliet before wiping my own eyes. There was nothing quite like watching your bestie marry a good man.

Gabe kissed Stephanie’s forehead and handed her off to Nash with a hearty bro handshake and backslap.

There was something about protective big-brother types, and Gabe had been half brother, half father figure to Stephanie for so many years. He swiped a hand over his face as he moved to stand beside his wife.

Liz was matron of honour with Juliet, Hailey, and me flanking her as bridesmaids.

On Nash’s side, his best friend, Emmett, served as best man, followed by his other best friends, Ryan, Ben, and Cal.