Page 98 of You Fall First

The bad news is, Noah’s chin-pressing and hair-sniffing might be two of my new favorite things. I can’t tell him that, though, or act on either of these new preferences. I’ve got Landry’s wedding to get through, an ex-boyfriend and his fiancée to avoid, plus a four-year-old who wants me to sleep over.

So for just a few more days, I have to count on myself to exercise control around Noah. Okay, maybe more than a few days. But I can do that. Then Paige will return, and I’ll be free to go home and unpack my duffel bag. I’ll start my job at Mockingbird, find my own apartment, and start a new life.

This is hardly a tragedy.

And let’s not forget, I won’t be leaving this situation empty-handed. I’ve got a new friend to show for my efforts. A good friend who listens well and is amenable to long hugs on a porch. Sure, Noah was Dex’s friend first, but I’d say at this point, I’ve been through more with him than my brother has, so I feel justified in staking my own small claim to the Noah Stadler friend zone.

Especially since Noah seems to like me too, at least on a small-claims level.

So maybe, if Paige ever gets a night off, and Noah’s free from Dutton duty, he could drop by Mockingbird while I’m working. Maybe we’ll even manage to schedule that dinner at Chop he promised. But a meal isn’t a date. And I don’t want to throw myself at another man who doesn’t want me enough to make things work.

Still, I can’t think about future hypotheticals. Not when my current world is all white roses, satin ribbons, and Pachelbel’s Canon.

We bridesmaids are lined up in floor-length mint chiffon, about to take our respective trips down the aisle. Landry is beautiful and beaming on our dad’s arm. Mom’s in the front row, predictably weeping into a lace handkerchief. At the end of the aisle, Brock is already blinking back tears while he waits for his bride. Today is going to be a ceremony of waterworks, for sure.

When my turn comes, I paste a nervous smile onto my face and try to ignore my dizziness and blushing.

Don’t trip. Don’t trip. Don’t trip.

Two steps in, I spot Noah, seated midway down the aisle, with Dutton wiggling beside him. We’d rush-ordered a little suit off Amazon, including a bow tie and dress shoes. He couldn’t be any cuter.

Speaking of which, Noah’s dark eyes find mine, and his mouth curves up at the corners. It’s a silent you got this, and I get the message as clearly as if he’s said the words out loud. When I float past him, he offers me a slight bob of his head, and I flash back to the warmth of being in his arms last night.

His gaze stays on me until I assume my bridesmaid’s position, and remains with me through Brock and Landry’s vows. Across the aisle, Dex sends Sayla a crooked grin. She’s next to me, practically vibrating with excitement. On my other side, Kendal checks the front row where Tim is busy wrangling their kids. Fidgets, yelps, and giggles erupt from their crew as usual.

It’s all very adorable. And joyful.

Hearing Brock promise to love and cherish Landry for as long as they both shall live fills my heart to bursting. When the officiant says, “You may kiss the bride,” Brock sweeps my sister into the most romantic dip ever, planting his lips right on her. Then everyone’s laughing and crying, and suddenly the last of my single siblings is wed to someone our whole family adores.

After the photographer walks the bridal party through a million and two pictures, give or take, I head directly to the reception hall. By now, cocktail hour is in full swing, and I’m desperate for a sparkling water.

Noah’s stationed himself just inside the door to the hall, almost like he’s been waiting for me.

His tan suit and crisp white shirt contrast perfectly with his dark hair and eyes. A wave of cologne wafts between us, smelling mouthwateringly delicious.

My lashes flutter, and I feel dizzy all over again.

“You were great.” He offers up a slow clap, as if I did anything worth applauding. “Zero tripping,” he adds.

“And barely any snot.” I wave a crumpled tissue I’ve been clutching all day to discreetly dab my tears.

He cracks a smile. “Yeah, I did not need to know that.”

“Don’t mind me and my TMI.” I press out a laugh, then I glance around, instinctively looking for Dutton. “Is he with Tim and the kids?”

“Yep.” Noah doesn’t need me to explain who I’m talking about. “Couldn’t keep them away from each other. As soon as Rowan and Wally finished taking pics, they snagged him.”

“Where did they run off to?”

“Don’t worry. There are at least a dozen great-aunts and second cousins clamoring to spend time with those kids.” He reaches for my elbow. “I’m on top of it too. You’re off the clock, Jo. Try to relax and enjoy yourself.”

“Sorry,” I say, with an embarrassed smile. “I think worrying about Dutton is already a habit. Good thing I’m not his actual mom, huh? I’d probably be terrible at it.”

“Nah. You’ll be an excellent mother,” he says gently.

Will be.

Like it’s going to happen.