Page 127 of Always a Bridesmaid
Ford crashed his lips to hers. He hauled her onto his lap, hugging her to his chest as if he were afraid she’d float away if he let go. “I need you to say it. Tell me that you’ll stay.”
“I’ll stay,” she said.
A laugh spilled out, and he peppered her cheeks and mouth with kisses before grinning at her. “And I promise I’ll never be an idiot again.”
Violet arched a dubious eyebrow.
“About us, anyway,” he added with a low laugh.
This time, she initiated the kiss, flinging her arms around his neck and moving her mouth against his.
At the sound of cheers and whistles, Ford stood, hauling Violet to her feet with him. Easton, Will, and Lexi came out of the shadows, and Violet laughed again.
She buried her head in Ford’s chest, too blissfully happy to care about the embarrassment heating her cheeks.
“Real quick, we have to take a picture and let Addie and Tucker know we’re back together.” Ford extended his phone for a selfie, and Violet pressed her lips to his as he snapped the picture.
“Better loop Maisy in, too,” Violet said, rattling off her sister’s phone number.
Later, there’d be details to iron out and calls to make. But for now, she basked in the fact that right when she’d given up on love, it’d decided not to give up on her.
Epilogue
Violet:Hey, would any of you gals happen to be available for bridesmaid duty? Like possibly May or June?
Leah:Wait. Are you saying?
Amanda:Ford popped the question?!!!!! Girl, I need details!
Camilla:That sucker didn’t stand a chance once he met you.
Alyssa:Congrats! I’m so happy for you!
Morgan:OMG!!! I’m sure you’re all shocked I’m responding—lol. But since the triplets, Mark and I are outnumbered. I almost had a breakdown today, so he sent me for a pedicure, and with this news, it’s the best day ever! So happy for you, Vi.
Leah:And you know that we’ll be there for you, the same way you were there for us.
Amanda:But remember that one of us—cough, me—just had my second baby and will need a flattering dress to hold everything in place.
Alyssa:LOL! And you keep asking why I haven’t had another yet. Between you and Morgan, I’m scared. Although Jeff is definitely team procreate more. I think that’s mostly because it involves sex, though.
Violet grinned, signed off, and slipped her phone into her pocket. She tucked ketchup under one armpit, mustard under the other, and then scooped up the potato chips and bags of buns. Ever so carefully, she balanced everything and headed out the back door.
There was her sexy fiancé, swinging her niece through the air. Isla giggled and clapped, already eager to go “again,” which was her favorite word besides “no.” The scent of roasting hot dogs and burgers filled the air, and Maisy stepped up to relieve Violet of the condiments.
They set the items on the picnic table Violet bought for Ford’s backyard—well, hers, too. She’d moved in early last week, and they were celebrating with a barbecue with their family and friends.
The entire gang was here, and while Violet had considered them Ford’s friends in the beginning, they were hers now as well. Everyone was spread around the grass on camping chairs, and she soaked in the happy vibes, excitement tickling her stomach as she prepared for her and Ford’s big announcement.
She walked over to Ford and Isla and tickled her niece’s neck. Isla giggled and dropped her head on Ford’s shoulder as if she expected him to save her.
Which he would. Same way he’d saved a lot of people in town, including her.
Violet thought her ovaries had caused a ruckus the first time she’d seen Ford holding Isla, but it was nothing compared to watching him play with her. Half the time when they visited Maisy and Travis, Ford would forget to say hi to them because he rushed to pick up Isla.
Trouble bounced around Violet’s ankles, and Isla insisted she be put down. She crawled after his doggy tail while he chased her bare feet, and round and round in a circle they went.
Travis recorded the adorableness on his phone, and Maisy looked on, a giant grin on her face. While Violet would miss what’d seemed like a six-month sleepover at Maisy’s, it was time for a new phase.
