Page 75 of Bad Run

What if she’s right? Hope attempts to bloom in my chest.

Don’t go there. Lance is a good guy. He would do this for anyone who needed his help.

I take another big gulp of champagne and beg the booze to hit my system on impact. I need to take the edge off my nerves and stop concentrating on the what-ifs.

Savannah pulls out her phone and taps the screen. “Nico says we have one hour to get ready before we have to meet them at the chapel.”

“You mean you have one hour to be ready, or he’s going to march up here, throw you over his shoulder, and whisk you away to your room?” Talia pumps her eyebrows at her boss.

“Quiet, you,” Savannah chides.

“It’s going to be so nice to have you two around. I never realized how lonely I was at some of the games,” Grace says.

“Why’s that?” Savannah asks.

Grace shrugs. “I guess it feels like I don’t have much in common with some of the other wives and girlfriends.”

Her comment piques my interest. I’ve always been curious about the WAGs.

“Are they mean?” I ask.

“Not mean, per se, but a little unwelcoming at times. I’m one of the older wives, and I work full time, so I don’t go to all the games. Especially during the school year. And I’m okay with that. I love my job. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher. I love teaching children. They say and do the funniest things,” Grace explains, sipping her champagne.

“Do you and Heath plan to have kids?” Talia asks.

“We’ve been trying, but nothing has stuck yet.” The sparkle in Grace’s blue eyes dims.

Savannah jumps in. “Grace, if you need a referral, let me know. I can get you in contact with any fertility doctor you want.”

“Thank you,” Grace whispers as she wipes the corner of her eye. “Okay, enough of that. Time to get the bride ready.”

We fill the next hour with easy conversation, delicious champagne, and a lot of laughter. I can see myself hanging out with these amazing women in the future for a good old-fashioned girl’s night out. Cocktails and gossip.

The three of them help me with my makeup and hair, and the weight that was sitting on my chest slowly slips away.

I don’t know how Lance knew I needed these women, but he did and sent them to me. He gifted me peace and friendship at a time when he knew I would need help to calm the storm inside my head.

“Hmm. What are we going to do about this outfit?” Talia places her chin on her fist and stares at me.

“I didn’t have a white dress and thought this was a good alternative.” I glance down the length of my body at the wide-legged white pantsuit and matching jacket I’m wearing. I know it’s not much, but I thought the sparkly pink bustier I opted to wear was a nice touch.

“Don’t get it twisted; you’re beautiful,” Grace says, making me blush.

“But Lance thought you might like to wear this instead.” Savanna returns with the garment bag she hung in the closet. She pulls down the zipper, revealing the dress beneath.

The butterflies in my stomach come to life, their wings flapping in my stomach.

Inside the garment bag is a floor-length silk and satin corset sheath dress with delicate, pleated cap sleeves, in the palest pink.

It’s sophisticated and timeless. It’s something I would have picked out for myself.

How did Lance know?

Hot tears prick my eyes. “It’s gorgeous.”

Talia, Savannah, and Grace help me into the dress, then escort me to the chapel where Lance and his friends are waiting for us.

When I walk into the room, Lance’s attention is immediately on me.