Page 90 of Now That We Don't Talk

Katie lets out a dreamy sigh. “Oh, I love it. It’s so elegant.”

“Gorgeous,” I agree, leaning in for a closer look.

Addi’s face lights up “Oh, that reminds me—” She reaches into her bag, and pulls out two small boxes, handing one to me and one to Katie.

We exchange a curious look.

“Open them,” she urges, practically bouncing in her seat.

Inside the box is a delicate beaded bracelet along with a small notecard that saysWill you be my bridesmaid?

I gasp, my heart bursting with emotion. Of course I figured Katie would be in the bridal party, but I wasn’t expecting this.

“Addi…” I say my voice shaking as I’m on the verge of tears. When did I become such a crier? “Of course, I’d love to be a bridesmaid.”

Relief washes over her face, and she rapidly waves her hands, fanning her face. “Yay. I was hoping you’d say yes.”

Katie claps her hands together, beaming. “You already know my answer, sis.”

A few months ago, I never would have imagined I’d be at this point. Being included in this moment, surrounded by the most amazing people fills me with so much gratitude. And having Mac by my side has made everything even more perfect.

Lately, we’ve spent a lot of time talking about the future, preparing for the changes ahead. I know it’s going to be difficult when he returns to Tennessee, but I also feel a sense of calm, and deep down I know everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.

There’s something else I haven’t shared with Mac. I’ve actually been looking into job opportunities in Tennessee. I’m really excited at how many possibilities are out there. I haven’t said a word to him yet because I don’t want to get his hopes up until I’m sure about what I want.

He’s dropped a few subtle hints about me moving there,but I’ve managed to steer the conversation in another direction before I accidentally blurt out my surprise. Katie is the only person who knows about this. And after an initial dramatic outburst, she finally came around. Eventually, she admitted that this could turn out to be an exciting new adventure for me.

The more I let myself think about it, the more the idea thrills me. There’s so much to consider before making such a big decision, yet the possibilities seem very promising. It’ll be a fresh start and a new chapter—something I never saw coming.

“I think we should make a toast,” Katie announces, lifting her glass.

“To new family, and friends who are family,” she says warmly.

“Cheers,” Addi exclaims, clinking her glass against Katie’s.

“And to friendships that remain strong no matter the distance,” Katie adds with a small smile. I know she’s referring to my possible move.

“And from enemies to love,” Addi chimes in with a smirk, raising an eyebrow in my direction.

I laugh as I clink my glass with theirs. “Cheers to that.”

As we take a sip, I let the moment sink in. Everything that’s happened over the past few months feels like a whirlwind, but I wouldn’t change a thing. The years Mac and I didn’t talk only prove that timing really is everything. Life has a funny way of bringing people back together when they’re meant to be. And maybe it’s never too late for second chances—if you have the right people standing beside you.

As soon as I step through the front door, I toss my purse onto the counter and immediately dial Mac’s number. The phone barely rings before he picks up.

“Well, well, well…missing me already?” he teases. I can practically hear the smirk in his tone. “How wasgirls’night?”

“It was a lot of fun,” I say, kicking off my shoes and sinking onto the couch. “And just so you know, we didn’t miss you at all.”

Mac lets out an exaggerated groan. “Oh sure, keep telling yourself that, Vivi. You can act tough all you want, but we both know the truth.”

I grin. “And what truth is that exactly?”

“That deep down, you were counting the minutes until you could talk to me.”

I let out a dramatic sigh. “Wow, your confidence is truly something.”

“It’s not confidence. I just know things.”

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