Page 66 of Two Risks I'd Never Take Again

A shooting star darted across the sky.

I tapped his arm. “Did you see that?”

“Make a wish, Tessa.” He moved behind me and pulled me into his lap.

I wished that in spite of my fear, I’d be brave enough to risk myself to gain... love. This wasn’t about dating anymore. I’d stupidly thought that not dating would mean never risking anything. Hogwash.

“Done. Did you make a wish?”

He pressed his cheek to mine, and I could feel his smile.

“I did, and maybe soon I’ll tell you about it.”

We sat snuggled in the hot tub as other stars streaked across the sky.

My fear wasn’t gone, but I was learning to tame it and shut it up. And right now, I was content wrapped in Garrett’s arms.

Chapter 21

Delaney stood in front of the mirror, pressing her hand to the bodice of her gown. “What do you think?”

I dabbed a tissue to my eyes, trying not to mess up my makeup. Hopefully, waterproof meant I wouldn’t end the day with black streaks down my face. “You look incredible. Simply stunning. Eli won’t know what to say.”

“It won’t be the first time.” She laughed and blinked away tears. “Cami should be back here any second, so I’ll make this quick. Don’t end things with Garrett while I’m away on my honeymoon.I beg you. I won’t be here to eat doughnuts with you, or to talk you into changing your mind. So, please—”

Cami stepped out of the other room with her arms spread wide. “How do I look?”

“Almost as good as Delaney.” I hugged each of them. “I need to get my dress on so I’m not late for the ceremony.”

Lilith poked her head in. “Do you ladies need anything?”

Delaney shook her head. “It’s all great.”

“And about to get better.” Lilith glanced at the time. “I’ll be back to check on y’all soon. Tessa, get dressed!”

I hurried into the other room and closed the door. As I slipped into the strapless cornflower blue dress, I grinned at the idea that two of my favorite people in the whole world were embarking on a happily ever after. Their happily ever after had really started the day they’d met. It had just taken them both a little while to recognize that.

After freshening my lipstick and checking my hair, I joined Delaney and Cami. “I’m ready.”

“Whoa! Look at you. Garrett is going to flip!” Cami had no trouble speaking her mind. “I already bet Delaney that Eli was going to try and get Mad Dog to hurry up the ceremony.” With an arm around me and the other around Delaney, Cami lined us up in front of the massive mirror. “Look at us. Not only are we stunning, but look at how happy we are. So much has changed in such a short time. And if I keep talking, I’ll cry, and then my makeup will look awful.”

Delaney shifted to the middle and pulled us close. “I love y’all.” The motorized cart pulled up outside, and she fanned her face. “It’s time.”

I heldmy breath to hold in my happy sobs as Eli slipped the ring on Delaney’s finger.

His lip quivered a second. Then he smiled. “With this ring, I vow to love you, cherish you, and protect you forever and always.”

Delaney promised Eli the same as she put a ring on his finger.

With tissues in each hand, her mom wiped away tears as her shoulders bounced.

By the time Mad Dog introduced Mr. and Mrs. Eli Gallagher to the world, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

Eli and Delaney strolled down the aisle of the chapel, happier than I’d ever seen them.

Zach held out his arm to me, and we waited until the happy couple was out of the building before we started our exit.

“Someone is watching you.” Zach wasn’t all that subtle when he motioned toward Garrett.

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