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Eric and I had survived just the two of us before, and we’d have to do it again. Only when we’d started that path the first time, things could only get better. This time, it was going to be a hard fall.
Tap. Tap. Tap.
“Lexie? You’ve been in there a while. Everything okay?” Pepper’s concerned voice came through the door.
I checked my reflection in the mirror. At least I hadn’t cried.
I opened the door. “I’m fine. Just been a long few days.”
She leaned closer. “Can we pretend you’re not? So I can get away from this wedding planning for a minute?”
I widened the opening and she slipped inside. Once the door was closed, she sagged against the back of it.
“I just want to get married in my overalls at the back of Teague’s truck with the dogs and all of you there. I’ll take some wildflowers and cake, but that’s good enough for me.” She put her hands in her pockets.
“Then that’s what you should do.”
“But they’re having fun.” She waved toward where Beau and Miss Adeline sat.
“They wouldn’t be if they knew you were in here all stressed out.”
She sighed. “You’re right.” Pepper’s mouth twisted into a deeper frown. “I’m kinda freaked out about the kids thing. Teaguewouldbe a great dad. But I don’t know if I want children. I can’t take that from him if he does.”
I touched her shoulder. “Teague loves you. Tell him everything you just told me. I promise he’ll be glad you did.”
She looked at the engagement ring on her finger. “I was excited. Sure.” She shook her head. “I don’t know how people who have big weddings survive.” She took my hand. “I’m so sorry, Lexie. You’ve been through so much lately and here I am complaining because the people who love me are taking over my wedding.”
I squeezed her hand. “Honestly, it’s been a nice distraction.”
“You were lying when you said you were fine. It might seem kind of messy because Teague and Lincoln are related, but you can talk to me about him . . . or anything.” Her face was so open and kind. She and Miss Adeline had taken such a risk letting their dogs try our food. I couldn’t imagine life without their friendship.
“I’d rather not talk about him,” I said quietly, trying to ignore the stab of pain in my chest.
The door handle rattled.
“All right, we’re coming in.”
Pepper jumped out of the way just as Beau shoved open the door.
“Is this a meeting in the ladies’ room that we weren’t invited to?” Miss Adeline stood behind her with a hand on her hip.
I gave Pepper an encouraging nod. “I want to get married in my overalls. Everyone else can wear whatever they want. And I want cupcakes and pizza afterward. That’s it.”
“You forgot the wildflowers and the truck,” I whispered.
“That too. The end.” She pointed at the three of us. “When any of you get married, I’ll be excited to help you make the biggest plans you want. But I need simple. Or Teague and I may never make it down the aisle.”
“If I have to carry you over my shoulder, we’re making it down the aisle.”
We all jumped at Teague, who was right behind Beau and Miss Adeline. Eric and Lincoln were beside him.
Lincoln’s focus was on me, but I had to look away, unable to stand the intensity of it.
“I know you got a suit today, but I don’t want to wear a dress,” Pepper said quietly.
“I don’t give a damn what you wear as long as you end up my wife.”
Every woman swooned. Pepper covered her mouth with her hand.
