Page 69 of More Than an Ex-Girlfriend

It’s been the longest six weeks of my life. But I can walk down the aisle without crutches, which makes the wait worth it.

Layla adjusts my veil. “You’re a total hottie, Lettie. Archer is going to fall over when he sees you.”

“I can’t wait to walk up the aisle. I’ve dreamed of marrying him for a very long time. And the years when I thought there was no hope of that dream coming true were the saddest of my life.” I fan my face, willing tears not to fall. “How much longer?”

She peeks into the hall, then grins. “They’re ready.”

I count to three, pulling in slow breaths, hoping the butterflies in my stomach stop their fluttering. “Let’s go.”

Lilith hugs me when I step into the hall. Music fills the house, and a low murmur of voices echoes down the hall. “Layla, you go first.”

My friend winks before disappearing into Beau and Lilith’s living room. A hush falls over the house.

Beau steps up and holds out his arm. “I never thought I’d get to do this. It’s kind of choking me up.”

“Please don’t cry. Because if you do, I will too.” I loop my arm around his. “Hold it together at least until after pictures.” I’m saying it to him, but I’m really pleading with myself.

“You look beautiful, Lettie.” He blows a kiss to Lilith. “And so do you, sweetheart.”

I hope that thirty years from now, Archer and I are as in love as Beau and Lilith.

The music changes, and Beau leads me around the corner and into the living room.

Archer blows out a breath and wipes his eyes.

So much for not crying until after pictures.

The living room is filled with friends who love us. It’s perfect.

Ava is dabbing her eyes, other hand on her chest. Tessa is leaning on Garrett and wiping tears off her cheeks. Layla looks like she’s about to break into a cheer.

When we get to the front, Beau shakes Archer’s hand and says, “Treat her right.” Then he walks to the side where Lilith is waiting for him.

“Wow, Lettie. Just wow.” Archer clasps both of my hands in his. “You’re more than stunning.”

Mad Dog, Ava’s husband, clears his throat and opens his little book. “Let’s get y’all married.”

Archer’s gaze rarely leaves my face during the ceremony, and when Mad Dog says to kiss the bride, Archer lifts my veil.

One hand on my waist and one on my cheek, he leans in. “I love you, Violet Hayes.”

His lips meet mine, and for nearly a minute, I forget the rest of the world exists.

The lanky guy I loved in high school is now a hunky cowboy, and he’s mine. Forever.

EPILOGUE

ANDERSON

My phone buzzes repeatedly as I drive back from San Antonio. After having donuts with Brooke, I hightailed it back to the ranch. Beau and Lilith are hosting a pool party, and for two very special reasons, I don’t want to miss it.

After changing faster than models working the runway, I’m in my swim trunks and headed to the main house.

I park and finally take time to check my texts.

Primrose:Parker invited me and Bailey to the pool party. Will you be there? You’re her new favorite person.

Parker:My sister and niece are here.

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