Page 98 of In Every Chapter

I caught Greyson’s eye in the audience, and he winked at me. Warmth tickled my stomach, igniting in my veins and staining my cheeks. I quickly refocused on the pastor, but not before Greyson’s smile turned smug.

“And now with the power vested in me by the state of Washington, you may kiss your bride,” the pastor announced, stepping to the side and out of the photographer’s shot line.

Nash smiled down at Stephanie, and with one hand slipping into her curls and the other on her waist, he dipped her in a kiss. Cheers lit the air.

“Now presenting for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Prescott!” the pastor said.

Stephanie glowed and lifted her bouquet in the air, her happy laugh a tinkle of music.

I swiped a hand over my cheek, not surprised to find I was still crying. The ceremony was beautiful, and watching my bestie who deserved love and the way Nash looked at her . . . Well, could you blame me?

The reception was intimate but still lively. Greyson claimed me for a dance, and Hailey caught the bouquet. Although, did it really count when Stephanie simply handed it to her because she was the only single woman in attendance?

“Not gonna happen anytime soon,” she squawked.

Stephanie glanced at Nash. “You know what they say about never, Hails.”

“I’m swearing off men,” Hailey grumbled dramatically.

Stephanie hugged her. “You’re a catch. If he doesn’t see it, he’s an idiot.”

“What wise sage said that?”

“You did.”

Hailey laughed and hugged her cousin again before Nash swept in and ushered his bride away for a dance.

Between pictures, dinner, more dancing, speeches, and toasts, there was so much joy to the occasion. And I totally had to sneak a tissue from Juliet after Gabe finished his toast to the bride and groom. Then it was back to dancing.

It was getting late, and my feet were aching from the heels, though I loved the feeling of loftiness they gave me. I wasn’t needed presently, so I slipped from the reception hall into the quiet hallway to breathe. But I wasn’t alone.

“Hey,” I called softly down the hall, where Stephanie was plastered against Nash, eyes scrunched, while he held her upright. “Everything okay?”

Nash adjusted his grip to support more of Stephanie’s small frame. “Just need a minute. Right, darlin’?”

Stephanie huffed softly, then yawned. “And here I was thinking I could avoid a POTS episode on my wedding day.” Her eyes drifted shut.

“Did she pass out?” I whispered.

“Just about,” Nash confirmed, resting his hand on the back of Stephanie’s head. When she sank into him further, he smiled softly.

They were too precious.

“Do you guys wanna blow this popsicle stand?” I blurted out.

Nash eyed me, and Stephanie lifted her head an inch.

“If it involves going home to a flat surface, yes, please,” Stephanie begged.

I bit my lip, trying to hold in a laugh at her phrasing. “If you sneak out the back door, I’ll make your excuses.”

Nash sighed. “Emmett has my keys. It was the only way to keep them safe from Ryan.”

I fished into my pocket and pulled out mine. “Here. Are you guys flying out right away or heading straight home?”

“Home.” Stephanie tilted her face to smile up at Nash.

He bent his head and kissed her sweetly. “Home,” he agreed.