Page 233 of Tessa and Nash

She looks up at me, giving her hair a final flick of the brush before turning to face me.

“It’s called talent, darling. I can look amazing without breaking a sweat. Just wait until I make my dramatic entrance later on.” She flashes me a wicked grin. "But hey, I’m doing it for you, Tessa. You only get one shot at this."

I roll my eyes, trying to hide the smile tugging at my lips. “I swear, you’re the only person who could possibly steal my spotlight at my own wedding.”

She shrugs dramatically, fluffing the ruffles of her dress as if she’s preparing for a royal debut. “It’s just my natural charm, Tessa. You should be grateful. It’ll be a beautiful distraction if anything goes wrong."

I laugh. “I should’ve known better than to let you be my bridesmaid. You’re going to steal the entire show.”

Maeve pulls me into a hug, lifting me off the floor, as if she’s just about to do a celebratory victory lap.

“You look gorgeous, and you know it. This dress is nice, but you? You’re the real star here today, and not just because you’re getting married.” She taps her chin thoughtfully. “Well, okay, maybe mostly because you’re getting married. But still. This is your moment. And I’m going to make sure everyone knows it.”

“Not to mention Rusty,” I add, nodding toward the dog, who’s currently pawing at Maeve’s shoes, his tail wagging furiously as if he’s preparing for his walk down the aisle as well.

Maeve groans.

“I swear that dog’s going to ruin everything.” She bends down to give Rusty a quick pet, then stands back up. “Alright, alright, I suppose the diva dog can make his big entrance too. If he’s going to embarrass us, I’d rather it be while we’re still in the getting-ready phase.”

“Trust me,” I say with a grin, “the chaos is part of the charm.”

Maeve straightens the ruffles of her dress and looks back at me, a serious expression taking over her face. “Tessa, you deserve every bit of happiness today. Seriously. I’m honored to be here with you. We’ve been through hell and back together, and you know I’ve got your back. Every step of the way.”

I feel a lump in my throat, and I blink quickly, fighting back the tears. “Thanks, Maeve. I’m glad you’re here.”

She grins again, pulling me into a bear hug. “Stop making me mushy. There’s no time for tears, girlfriend. We have a wedding to ruin… uh, I mean, to celebrate.”

I laugh, pulling back, dabbing at my eyes. "You are so lucky I love you."

Maeve winks, pushing open the door. “Let’s get you down that aisle before Rusty thinks it’s a race.”

As we leave the room, Maeve confidently leading the way as usual, I take one last look at the mirror. It’s crazy to think that all of this, every single bit of drama, every bit of mess, every bit of uncertainty, has brought me here. Standing with my best friend, about to marry the love of my life.

This day? It’s going to be perfect, madness and all. And I can’t wait to marry Nash.

“Is that…?” As soon as I leave the room, my eyes catch someone. “Clay, oh my goodness, you made it!”

He’s standing there, leaning against the doorframe with a grin that’s a little softer, a little more mature than I remember. He’s different now, more settled in his own skin, but there’s still that same Clay who used to tease me without mercy. The one who didn’t mind being the first to give me a hard time.

“Tessa,” he says as he opens his arms to embrace me. “You look amazing.”

“I can’t believe you made it!” I exclaim, holding him close. “You look… different. More grown up.”

Clay chuckles, a slight shrug in his shoulders.

“Guess that happens when you start really living your life,” he says with a wry smile. “I figured this was one moment I couldn’t miss.”

I smile at him, feeling a wave of warmth. It’s nice to see him back, especially today. “I’m glad you’re here, Clay. I really am. It means a lot.”

He pats my shoulder in that familiar way. “It’s good to be here. Just wanted to check in on my new sister-in-law before she walked down that aisle. Not that she needs my help. You look like you’ve got it all figured out.”

“Not at all,” I laugh, shaking my head. “But that’s kind of the point, right?”

“I don’t want to take up too much of your time, plus I want to hang out with Grandma Nell some more. I just wanted to say hey.”

The tears are starting to brim already. “Oh no, how the hell am I going to get through today?”

He gives me a quick, affectionate hug. “You’ve got this, Tessa. It’s your day. Enjoy it.”