To my left, Knox lets out a long, ragged exhale. Mason drops his head back, running a hand over his face like a massive weight just slid off his shoulders, and I realize I'm releasing a breath I've been holding for weeks.
She looks at each of us in turn.
"Something clicked today," she says. "I don't know how to explain it other than I feel like I finally stopped holding my own life at arm's length." She pauses. "It's mine again. All of it."
Every part of me wants to cross those three feet and put my hands on her. My fingers actually ache with it.
"Beth," Mason says, and his voice is rough.
"I'm not finished, though." She continues. "I also need you to know that I know what I want now. Specifically." Her eyes move between us. Slow. Deliberate. "And I think you know what I'm talking about."
My heartbeat is in my throat.
"But." She pushes off the arch and takes one step toward us. "Harper's wedding is in a few days. And I will not be responsible for me and three certain alphas missing the ceremony because they were too busy—" She pauses. The corner of her mouth curls. "Let's say,laying pipe."
Mason makes a choked sound.
"So." One finger raised. "Here's the deal. You are going to behave. All three of you. Until the last dance, the cake is cut,and Harper and Ben are safely in their car heading to their honeymoon. Then and only then do we get to..." She tilts her head, considering. "Break serious ground."
Knox has gone still. "Break ground..."
"On the project." She says it so smoothly it takes a second to land. "I mean, working in construction, you should know: you don't start nailing things down until the foundation is set and the permit's been signed." She picks up the clipboard and taps it lightly against Mason's chest as she walks past him. "Consider the permit pending until Saturday night."
Mason catches the edge of the clipboard. Holds it. Holds her gaze.
"Saturday night," he repeats.
"After the last dance," she confirms.
She lets go and walks back up the gravel path toward the front of the venue, feet crunching on the stones, her scent trailing behind her like a lit fuse.
"So," she says, winking. "Let's pick up where we left off."
37
Beth
"Zip me," Harper says.
I step across the bridal suite and slowly pull the zipper up. The ivory silk fits her like a glove.
She exhales and looks down at herself in the floor-length mirror, smoothing the fabric over her hips. "I had this insane thought this morning that it wouldn't fit." She lets out another breath. "How do I look?"
"Like someone Ben is very lucky to have." I reach up and carefully tuck a stray curl behind her ear.
She smiles, and the warmth of it settles across her face.
Luna appears in the doorway holding a mascara wand in one hand and a champagne flute in the other. "Maren says the best men are in position. Also, I notice Knox's tie is a tad crooked."
"It's been like that since the fitting," I say, laughing. "I think it might just be part of the design at this point."
Harper laughs too, the bright, unguarded sound instantly melting the last bit of pre-wedding tension hanging in the room.
"Okay." Harper takes a deep breath. She smooths the front of her dress with both hands one last time, her eyes locking onto her reflection. "Let's go get me married."
***
One hundred and forty-eight guests sitting in white folding chairs. The Arbor House chandeliers are turned low, warm light pooling across the hardwood in long amber rectangles. My eyes immediately jump to the ceiling, a deep swell of pride hitting my chest as I take in the massive, cascading installations of silver dollar eucalyptus and white ranunculus the wedding crew and I spent all morning hanging along the exposed beams. It looks perfect.
