Page 53 of Connected By Stars
“No, he hasn’t told me a thing, I swear. He probably doesn’t trust me because he knows I can’t keep secrets from you. It’s just a gut feeling.”
“You never know with Cole. He’s full of surprises.” Skye reaches over and takes another strawberry.
“Are you nervous about tomorrow,” I ask Emma.
“A little. Not with getting married but the usual nervousness about standing up in front of everyone or tripping down the aisle,” she laughs. “I’m more excited than nervous. I can’t wait to be Mrs. Noah Bennett. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”
“I know Noah feels the same way. I think he would have married you the week you met if he could have asked you without scaring you away,” I tell her.
“As much as I was scared and fought my feelings, I knew deep down that there wasn’t anyone else for me.”
“We need to make sure we have tissues with us tomorrow up at the altar. I’m going to be a mess,” Skye says, reaching out and squeezing Emma’s hand.
“Have you written your speech yet for the reception?” Sophia asks Skye.
“Yes, and I bawled like a baby writing it,” she laughs.
“I wonder what Maverick is going to say.” I look at Emma and start to giggle.
“There’s no telling. I’m really hoping it has nothing to do with Noah and I’s sex life. He loves to make me turn bright red, so I’m going to prepare myself for the worst,” she says, laughing.
“As maid of honor, I need to get the bride to bed now so she doesn’t have dark circles under her eyes. She needs to be well rested. It’s after midnight, and we have a big day tomorrow.” Skye stands up and takes the empty wine glasses from the coffee table to the sink.
Emma yawns and stands up. “As much as I would love to pull an all-night sleepover like we used to, I know you’re right. I don’t want to be tired tomorrow. Are you girls sure you’re okay with sleeping on the couch? I can get out the air bed.”
“We’re good. This couch is comfy, and there’s plenty of room for the two of us. Go get some sleep.” Sophia yawns and goes to the bathroom to brush her teeth.
Emma and Skye say goodnight and close the door to the bedroom. I put sheets and blankets on the couch for us and head to the bathroom once Sophia is done. I wash my face and brush my teeth before coming back out. The lights are out, and I can already tell Sophia is sleeping. I crawl onto the couch and get settled when my phone buzzes.
Maverick
Are you awake?
I smile as Maverick’s text pops up.
Bella
Yes. I was just about to lie down. Everyone just fell asleep.
Maverick
Cole and Noah just did, too. Want to meet me on the beach for a few minutes?
The thought of being alone with him has me grinning at the phone.
Bella
Yes. I’ll meet you there ;)
Maverick
See you soon ;)
I throw back the covers and quietly make my way to the back deck and down the stairs to the beach. The gentle laps of the waves can be heard in the dark as I walk toward Noah’s house. The sand feels cool beneath my feet as they sink into the soft sand.
I see Maverick walking toward me in the distance, and I pick up my pace like I’m being pulled in his direction and my body needs to be near him. I finally catch up to him and notice he’s carrying a blanket.
“Hi,” I say, breathless from walking so fast.
