Total pages in book: 140
Estimated words: 136421 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 682(@200wpm)___ 546(@250wpm)___ 455(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 136421 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 682(@200wpm)___ 546(@250wpm)___ 455(@300wpm)
“Katie would kill me and then you,” he contends.
“You’re right, she would. I don’t want to make her nervous about me showing up late on her wedding day. But thinking about you inside me will be playing in my mind on repeat all evening now.”
Archer smirks. “Good. Means I got you right where I want you.”
I laugh and glance out the window, noticing the cute shops downtown. Magnolia Springs is one of those absolutely adorable tourist traps, and I understand why Katie loves it so much.
He turns onto the road that leads to the church parking lot. When we get out of the car, a warm breeze brushes against my skin. The weather couldn’t have been better, especially considering June is usually so hot.
I turn my head and see the little white church that sits up on the hill. It’s the same place her grandparents got married, and it was Katie’s dream to get married here too.
Archer and I walk hand in hand as we make our way to the double doors. There are rooms in the back where we’re supposed to meet, and since the place isn’t too big, it doesn’t take long to find them. As soon as I enter, I spot Katie sitting in a chair getting her hair curled.
“Everleigh,” she squeals as I carefully wrap my arms around her. “You’re freakin’ gorgeous.”
“Look at you! Your makeup is perfect, and that tiara looks great on you. You’re beautiful,” I say, pointing at the jewels. Her hair is in big ringlets that fall past her shoulders.
Gemma comes over and squeezes me. “You made it!”
“Of course! We’ve been waitin’ for this day since high school!” I flash Katie a wink since we all knew Noah was in love with her long before they ever got together.
Katie meets my eyes and sighs. “I’ve been waiting a lifetime.”
“And now the big day is finally here,” Gemma cheers.
Katie’s mother comes in with one of her sisters, and they’re each holding one of the twin boys. They bring them over to the couch and sit.
“Oh my gosh! My ovaries! They look so adorable.” The twins are dressed in tiny tuxedos.
Leaving over, I kiss their rosy cheeks, happy my lipstick won’t easily wipe away. “You both look like mini princes right now.”
Owen enters and looks agitated.
“What’s wrong?” Katie asks, and he whispers something in her ear.
“I put some in the car. Go ask your dad for the keys,” she says, and he leaves.
“Forgot deodorant.” She snickers. “Boys.”
“At least he thought to ask,” Gemma says. “Some of the men at the gym could use that thought process.”
Scarlett starts crying, and that’s when I notice Belinda sitting in the corner of the room. Gemma rushes over, but I offer to take her. “Hey, sweetie pie. Why so fussy?”
She wraps her arms around me. “You need a nap, huh?”
“Bababa,” she demands.
“Mm-hmm. You’re right.”
Gemma chuckles, handing Scarlett some juice.
“You’re gettin’ heavy. Gonna be driving soon,” I say, adjusting my position.
Gemma shakes her head. “No, I want her to stay this little forever and ever.”
“They never do,” Katie interjects with a sweet smile.
As I keep Scarlett company, Belinda chats with Gemma. When Scarlett tires of me and begins reaching for Belinda, I hand her over.
“We’ll be sitting in the front row,” Belinda says, taking the diaper bag and walking out.
“They’re two peas in a pod.” Gemma beams with a sparkle in her eye.
“Tyler told me Belinda’s really stepped up as a grandmother,” I say.
“She has. Scarlett loves her so much, and Belinda loves to spoil her.”
Jerry couldn’t have found a better woman to spend the rest of his life with.
After Katie’s makeup is done, she stands, then spins so we can see the entire dress.
“Wow,” I say just as Katie’s mom bursts into tears. “You’re stunning.”
“My baby is growing up,” Mrs. Walker says.
Katie snorts. “Aw, Mama. I’ve got three babies. I think I’m already grown.”
“I know, I know. This just makes it more real.”
Luke starts fussing, and Gemma quickly takes him. “I’ve got it,” she says.
“Thank you. The last thing I need is to be puked on.”
I chuckle. “Everyone here would understand if you had spit-up on your shoulder.”
“Exactly why I kept the guest list very small.” Katie winks, and I know how serious she was about inviting only close friends and family. She wanted it to be an intimate moment between her and Noah instead of having a big show for the whole damn town.
After the boys are fed, Katie’s mom and aunt make their way out, leaving only Gemma and me with the bride. Katie opens her arms and pulls us into a hug, and that’s when I see the tears begin to fall. I pull away and grab a tissue so her mascara doesn’t run.
“I love you both so much. Thank you for being the best friends I could ever ask for and sharing today with me,” she says.