Page 85 of In Every Chapter

Nana cackled, grinning at Juliet. “I knew I liked you.”

Ivy slipped out, eyes misty, and tugged the curtain open. Then we all gasped.

“Oh, Stephie Lou,” Hailey breathed, hand over her mouth, hazel eyes pooling.

Stephanie smiled softly. “I haven’t looked yet, but it feels like the one.”

And as far as I was concerned, it was.

The slight V-neck exposed the emerald pendant she wore, and the sheer long sleeves were elegant. The dress itself was A-line, draped with a beautiful chiffon that flowed with Stephanie’s every step, making her movements flow with liquid grace. The bodice was overlaid with the faintest lace pattern, adding that hint of sophisticated texture.

It was stunning. And Stephanie was glowing.

“Nash is going to lose his mind,” Liz said, grinning wickedly. “And look, it even has a zipper for easy access.”

Stephanie flushed beet red. “Hush up.” But the twinkle in her eye indicated she wasn’t opposed to the thought. She caught up the skirt in her hand and swiveled in the mirror. “It’s everything I wanted, down to the no train. I refuse to be tripping down the aisle.”

“You’re a vision, Steph,” I said through my choking emotions. There was just something about a wedding dress.

Nana stood up and hugged her. “Let’s get you married, baby girl.”

Hailey and I were staying at Stephanie’s that night since Liz and Ben had their own place and Myles and Juliet had grabbed a hotel room. It was late when we got in from dinner, which Nana insisted on paying for. I loved that woman; she was the grandma I always wanted.

“You’re simply gorgeous, Stephie!” Hailey sighed, moonily dropping onto the sofa in the bungalow’s living room. “I love love.”

In my opinion, Hailey had had too much sugar. She was usually gushy and happy, like a clam, as she said, but there was something else there. An almost forced cheeriness. Like she was getting left behind.

I knew the feeling.

Stephanie yawned. “I’m so glad y’all could make it.” Her smile, though tired, was soft. “Nash is gonna call. Do you mind if I head to bed?”

Hailey wagged her fingers. “Say good night to your man, but it’s girl time tomorrow.”

Stephanie laughed and, with a wave, disappeared down the hall to her room.

“Do you want the couch or the bed?” Hailey asked, sprawling like a jellyfish on the sofa.

“Either is good.”

“Then I’ll take the couch. I’m too tired to move.” She grinned up at me. “You don’t remember me all that well, do you?”

“Uh . . . I remember seventeen-year-old you. This new version is . . . new.” I picked at my fingernail.

Hailey cackled, then slapped a hand over her mouth. “Sorry, I’m not laughing at you. Promise. I was just thinking about teenage me, and I’m sorry that’s all the frame of reference you have because that girl was going through some stuff. Season One material, ya know. Rough pilot episodes.”

“As opposed to what, Season Seven?” I teased.

“See! You get me.” She yawned loudly. “Sorry. It’s official. I’m getting old.” She winked. “Good night, Pais.”

“Night.” I trudged down the hall. The bungalow was undergoing minor renovations, since Nash would be moving in after the wedding and there was no master bedroom yet.

Soft murmurs came from Stephanie’s room. I smiled as I passed her door. Once inside Liz’s old room, I settled down on the bed and slid open my phone. I was tired, but I wanted to debrief about the day, so I tapped Greyson’s number.

“Hey.” Greyson answered quickly.

“Were you waiting up for me to call?”

“I didn’t want to hover, but I was hoping to hear from you. Kinda pathetic.”