Page 93 of Seeing You

“Ryleigh!” Ashlynn called out. “You’re up!”

Standing, Ryleigh gave Billie a hug. “I love you and I’m so happy to be here with you today. Now it’s time to attempt to do something with this hair!”

No sooner had she gotten up than Arianna took her seat. “I need to sit and rest whenever the opportunity arises,” she joked.

“Jade says the same thing. After she had Calvin, she swears she never gets to sit for more than five minutes at a time.”

“There’s the beautiful bride!”

They both looked up and spotted their cousin Hailey walking toward them, along with her sister Sloane. Everyone hugged one another before they all started talking about family news and how excited they all were for Billie.

“You’re both sickeningly tan,” Arianna said, pouting.

“We live in Florida. It’s kind of a rule,” Hailey teased. “But I’m thinking of letting this tan fade. I’m tired of…well…everything. Every time we come up here, I tell myself I want to stay.”

“Really? You’d leave all the sunshine and beaches for small-town life?” Arianna asked in disbelief. “Why?”

“Bored. We’ve lived in Fort Lauderdale my entire life, and I’m just ready for a change of pace. I’m not saying it’s going to be here specifically, but…I’m considering it.”

“What about your job?”

“I teach yoga and nutrition,” Hailey explained. “I should be able to find a job almost anywhere. I’d love to get a position at a big resort like the one you have up here. What’s it called?”

“Summit Ridge,” Billie replied. “They’re always expanding. You should talk to Chloe’s husband, Tanner. He teaches up there at their ski school. Maybe he knows someone. You know, if you’re really serious about a move.”

“I am.” Then she smiled coyly. “Any chance there are some eligible men coming to your wedding?”

“Hmm…Marcus’s brother is eligible and a great guy. I thought I saw you two chatting last night at the rehearsal dinner?”

“Keep it in your pants, Hales,” her sister mumbled. “We’re here for a wedding and to visit with our family. Can’t you just be happy with that?”

“Pfft, this from the girl who gets a kick out of kissing guys at every fair or festival…”

“Only if there’s a kissing booth!” Sloane argued. “It’s not like I just run around randomly kissing unsuspecting men! Sheesh!”

“What’s the appeal to a kissing booth?” Billie asked, trying hard not to laugh.

“I honestly don’t know! It started back in high school when we would have these carnivals and there was always a kissing booth. It was a fun way to kiss the guys you had crushes on, even when they weren’t interested in you.” She shrugged. “Now it’s become a thing that I can’t seem to help myself.”

“Is that why you came to the opening of Summit Ridge last fall?” she asked, laughing that time.

“It wasn’t the only reason. I was driving back from visiting a friend in West Virginia and the timing just worked.” She shrugged again. “And that guy in the booth was well worth the line!”

“Maybe I’m not the only one who needs to keep it in my pants,” Hailey murmured.

“Sloane! You’re up!” Ashlynn called out before walking over to Billie. “Jade’s going to take you over to Mom’s now, and Chloe and I will be there in an hour.”

Standing, Billie hugged everyone. “I’ll see you guys soon!” Waving, she made her way to the door where Jade was waiting for her. “Thanks for doing this. I may look calm, but I’m not drive-myself-anywhere calm.”

Laughing, they walked out to Jade’s car and climbed in. “It’s my pleasure. My mom’s hair was done first, so she’s at my place with the boys so Levi could get over to your house to be with Marcus and the guys.” She pulled away from the salon. “Andyou’re sure you’re okay? Is there anything you need? Did we miss anything?”

Smiling, she shook her head. “Everything’s been perfect. I’m good.”

“I still can’t believe we pulled this off on such a short time frame. A few extra weeks would have helped, but…” Jade winked. “I get that you guys were just so ready for this.”

“It wasn’t just that. With both Ash and Chloe being pregnant, I knew if we waited much longer, there would be a lot of complaining about dresses and how they looked in pictures. Honestly, that would have stressed me out.” She hummed happily. “But the main reason was just wanting to finally marry the man I love. It’s been a hell of a journey.”

“I know it has, and I am beyond thrilled for you.”

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