Maybe, just maybe, he’s coming around to the idea of Ash and me.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Ashlyn
“I’ve had the best day,” Paisley gushes as we wait in Franco’s entryway to be seated. “I wasn’t expecting to try my dress on again. It’s so beautiful. I can’t wait to wear it.”
“Nash is going to lose his mind when he sees you in it,” Ivy says with a grin. “You looked stunning.”
Paisley’s cheeks flush at the compliment, and I smile. Ivy’s right; Paisley is going to be a breathtaking bride.
“You’ve been quiet today,” Taylor says beside me. “Everything okay?”
I give her a small smile and nod. “I’m okay.”
She holds my gaze, her expression making it clear she doesn’t believe me. And she’s right. I’m not okay. What with Nash and Cade being difficult last week and Laney’s stunt the other night, I’m mentally exhausted. I was so excited for a girly day filledwith wedding plans, but my mind has been elsewhere. Now, I feel guilty for not being fully present with everyone.
“Our table’s ready!” Paisley announces, waving us forward.
Once we’re seated and our food is ordered, I cradle my wine glass, slowly sipping the deep red liquid.
“So, what’s left to organize for the wedding?” Taylor asks. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
Paisley shakes her head with a smile. “Tessa has everything under control. She re-hired the caterers, spoke to the florist, and even re-ordered the cake. I swear she could be a wedding planner.”
I chuckle. “She’s been waiting for a wedding to plan for a long time. There was a point when she thought we’d all be single forever.”
“And now Wyatt’s the only one left,” Sophie says. “So much has changed in the last year.”
“It really has,” I agree. “A marriage, an engagement, and a baby.”
“And you and Ben,” Paisley adds, giving me a knowing smile. “Things are still good after the other night, right?”
I nod. “Yeah. Things are good.”
I haven’t told them what Laney did earlier this week. Ivy knows, but it’s kind of humiliating that she’s going to such extremes to keep us apart. It’s not exactly something I want to broadcast.
Taylor leans in. “What Ben said before you left, the way he told you that you were worth it? Every obstacle, every doubt? That was something else. It was so romantic.”
“It definitely made a rough night better,” I admit.
“That’s the thing about older guys,” Sophie says with a smirk. “Less drama. They’ve already done their growing up.”
“If only Cade and Nash saw it that way,” I say dryly.
“Nash and I had the biggest argument when we got home,” Paisley admits. “He was such a jerk to you and Ben.”
My eyes widen in horror.
She reaches her hand across the table. “Shit. I shouldn’t have said that.”
I shake my head. “I don’t want you guys fighting because of me and Ben.”
She gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. “Then he shouldn’t be an ass about it. You know I’m always going to stand up for one of my best friends, Ash.”
“You already fell out once because of me, and I swore I’d never let that happen again. You both mean so much to me.” My voice wavers, and I blink back the tears threatening to fall.
“You mean the world to us too, Ash. And I promise, Nash and I are good.”
