She barked out a laugh. “Right.”
“And when it comes to the baby thing—you know you have other options, right? You don’t need a man.”
“Yeah.” She wouldn’t meet my eyes, and I wondered what that was about. “I actually looked into artificial insemination.”
“Yeah…” I said, trying not to let my surprise show. “And?”
“And I’m not sure it’s for me. The idea of picking a donor daddy just feels so…impersonal.”
“So, you want a connection, but not necessarily a partner,” I said, summarizing her thoughts.
“I mean, a partner would be nice. But at the end of the day, I really just want to be a mom.” She used her index fingers to pull her eyes at the corners, and I knew she was trying not to cry.
“Aww, Harper. It will all work out. You’ll see.” I wrapped my arms around her.
I might not be good at relationships with men, but when it came to my girlfriends, I’d always have their backs. When Alexis needed pregnancy tests and support—she came to me. When Juliana needed a distraction from her grief, from the day she should’ve been getting married—I took her out for drinks and made her laugh. And when Harper confessed her desire to be a mom—I listened and provided a shoulder to cry on.
I liked that they knew they could come to me, trust me. Because I would do anything for these women.
The bathroom door swung open, and Juliana peeked her head inside. “There you two are. Alexis is ready.”
Harper pulled away and forced a smile as Juliana glanced between the two of us. I gave Juliana a subtle shake of the head, hoping she wouldn’t worry. She had more important things to focus on—like Alexis’s wedding.
Juliana directed us to the bridal suite but didn’t linger, speaking into her headset as she marched down the hall like a drill sergeant. I’d attended parties she’d organized before, but never a wedding. And so far, I was nothing short of impressed. As always, she kept everything running smoothly.
My breath caught when I saw Alexis staring at her reflection in the mirror. Harper’s situation weighed on me, as did the strain today would put on Juliana. But this moment was all about Alexis.
“Ooh, girl.” I walked up behind her, meeting her eyes in the reflection. “You look amazing.”
She rubbed her baby bump, and the three of us chattered excitedly about the wedding and her dress. A few times, I saw Harper’s eyes linger on Alexis’s stomach. And I knew it must be difficult to watch someone else get everything she so dearly desired, even if Harper was genuinely happy for Alexis.
I squeezed Harper’s hand, wanting her to know that I saw her. I saw her struggle, and I was there for her. She gave mine a quick squeeze back and smiled at me, and I was reassured. I knew she was going to be okay. I only hoped she realized it, too.
Alexis’s daughter, Sophia, skipped in a moment later, Juliana on her heels. She looked darling in her dress and was clearly excited. After a last-minute change of plans, it was time for everyone to leave. I ushered Sophia out of the room, guiding her downstairs as she tried to understand why she couldn’t stay behind with her mom.
“Come on,” I said, steering her toward the area designated for the ceremony.
It was beautiful—intimate and elegant. Juliana was buzzing around. Though, outwardly, she seemed calm. Harper was talking to Preston’s parents, and Sophia had joined them. As I surveyed the room, the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end.
It wasn’t until I spun toward the source and found a familiar pair of icy blue eyes staring back at me that I understood why. I narrowed my eyes at Hunter, certain he must be an apparition. His lips curled into a grin, and he looked devilishly handsome in his designer tuxedo. His face was clean-shaven, his hair tousled, and I wanted nothing more than to go to him.
He took a few steps forward, our bodies drawn together like a pair of magnets. My eyes were on him, and I knew I wasn’t the only one—every woman in the room had their eyes focused on him like a homing beacon. He was magnetic, charismatic. Even without his speaking, there was something in the way he moved that said he was a man who took charge.
“What are you doing here?” I asked when he stopped in front of me.
“What areyoudoing here?” he asked in a playful tone, our toes nearly brushing.
“Hunter.” Preston clapped a hand on his back, smiling at both of us. “I see you’ve met Lauren. You can flirt later. It’s time to get this show on the road.”
I glanced between the two of them, connecting the dots as Preston walked toward the altar. “Wait.Thisis the wedding? The wedding where you’re the best man?” I asked, remembering a conversation we’d had a few days back about our plans for the weekend.
“The one and only.” He grinned, puffing up his chest.
“You do know you’re not actually the best man, right?” I teased, since Alexis and Preston had opted not to have a bridal party. Even so, I knew that if they had, I would’ve been the maid of honor, just like Hunter apparently would’ve been the best man.
“I totally am.” He winked before turning to take a seat near the front on the groom’s side.
Music started playing, signaling everyone to take their seats. But I continued to stare after him until Juliana ushered me to a chair.
