Page 107 of Forever Player

“Eep,” I squeal. “I’m so happy for her.” After having a run of bad luck with men, Maddie met the love of her life in Brett’s best friend, Kaleb, who grew up living next door to them.

“Me too,” Ms. Noble says. “My Maddie had a crush on that boy since she was a teenager, but I didn’t know Kaleb saw her in that way.”

“It’s such an amazing story,” I sigh, not even recognizing myself because I was always the girl who didn’t believe in love. The girl who had to fend for herself because no one ever cared enough. The girl who took care of her brothers and always tried to make everyone around her happy. I was the biggest cynic when it came to relationships and, somehow, Brett converted me. He made me believe I could rely on him, that I could trust him, and now I am so in love with the man I even dream about him. But I haven’t said those three little words and I know they are a long time coming. Every time we are alone or we’ve made love they end up on the tip of my tongue, but something holds me back.

Maddie leaves the dressing room. “Tada,” she chimes, holding out her arms.

“OMG,” I gasp. “You’re absolutely stunning. This dress is magnificent” I walk up to her and palm my cheeks. It’s an off-the-shoulders, long-sleeve dress in a mermaid style. It’s all lace and has a classy train in the back.

“Thank you, I’m just so happy. I don’t want to wait for June,” she shares, looking in the mirror. She turns and spins, checking out every angle of the dress.

“Oh, baby girl,” Ms. Noble says with tears in her eyes.

“I can’t wait for Kaleb to be my husband,” she shrieks.

The salesperson brings us a tray with three glasses of champagne.

We each take a glass.

“To happy ever afters,” Maddie toasts.

“Hear, hear,” Ms. Noble says.

“Cheers,” I add as we all clink glasses.

“Can I have some too?” Asher asks.

The salesperson offers him bubbly apple juice and she serves it to him in a flute.

“What about Maylee?” Asher asks the salesperson.

“She’s okay, sweetie. She drinks out of her sippy cup,” I explain.

Since Maddie and Asher are over a lot, he and Maylee have gotten close. He loves to play with her and spends time with her on the floor as she learns to crawl.

The seamstress comes over and pins the dress in some spots.

“I think this is perfect,” she says to Maddie.

Maddie turns. “Willow, there was something I wanted to ask you.”

“Shoot,” I say.

“I know we haven’t known each other a long time, but the time we have spent together has been so meaningful. I’ve always wanted a sister growing up, and you’ve become that person for me.”

Tears fill in my eyes. “I always wanted a sister too.” I swipe at a stray tear.

“Would you please be my maid of honor?” she asks.

I squeal, “Yes.” I jump and hug her, and the seamstress almost has a heart attack as she grabs the champagne flute away from Maddie. “It would be my honor.”

“This is going to be so amazing. Brett and Henry are the best men,” she says, which I already knew since they are both Kaleb’s besties.

“I think so too.”

We wrap up at the bridal boutique and then we meet Ellie and Patty for lunch. Ms. Noble moved to the city a month ago with her boyfriend of many years. They plan on marrying too, but she doesn’t want to steal her daughter’s thunder so she is waiting for the fall to tie the knot.

The guys made it to the playoffs this year, so they have been playing hard. They come home tired and in need of R&R.

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