Page 19 of With You Forever

“And style,” Lacey adds.

Alabama chuckles. “Think I’m more nervous than goin’ on stage.”

Lacey laughs at Alabama’s excited earnestness. And in that instant, her chest unlocks. This. This is what she can focus on. Parties. Her career. Making people happy. Instantly, her mind feels lighter. Freer.

“Well, don’t be nervous. That’s my job.” She flashes a bright grin. “C’mon. Let’s walk.”

As the women walk through the space, Lacey detailing where the bar and the temporary dance floor will go, she can’t help but marvel at the strange turn their friendship has taken.

It wasn’t until last year that their tentative friendship blossomed into something real. Up until then, Lacey had held a grudge about Alabama kissing Luke, what she did to her sister, but when the truth came out, when Sal defended both Griff and Alabama, they slowly connected. It’s part of the reason Lacey loves living in Nashville. She has a group of built-in friends, strong, loyal women who have all fought to get where they are, and she couldn’t be more thankful to have them in her life.

Alabama and Griff asking her—trusting her—to plan their housewarming party means the world.

Means she can’t mess it up.

When they’re finished walking the space, they settle at the marble island on big barstools made of mango wood.

On her iPad, Lacey finds Alabama’s file, then pulls up the RSVP list. “So now that we’re three weeks out, I have most of the RSVPs. Thirty yeses, ten nos. This is the last walkthrough, so speak now or forever hold your peace, and by that, I mean feel free to call me at two in the morning, anytime, to change anything. The day of, the caterers will be in at ten to prep. And I will be here at four. You don’t need to worry about anything except having fun.”

Alabama stares at her with an expression of awe. “How are you doin’ all this and plannin’yourweddin’?”

“Just like you did all this and a tour.” Lacey roves appreciative eyes over Alabama and Griff’s adorable home. Soft natural light streams through the floor-to-ceiling windows, the backyard a lush and tranquil space. “I really love the house, Alabama. You’ve done so much and it shows.”

A thoughtful smile tugs at Alabama’s lips. “I put a lot of work into this little fixer-upper and found gold.” She turns a rueful eye toward Lacey. “Kinda like Griff.”

They share a laugh. Alabama, refilling their drinks, asks, “Are you and Seth plannin’ to move after the weddin’? I know you’re in that apartment on the river.”

“I hope so,” Lacey says with a smile.

She can’t wait to have this with Seth. A house. A home. Her and his style, minus the cramped bathroom quarters.

Then just as the happy thought comes, it’s gone.

Why is she thinking about the future?

What future? Does she have a future?

Stop.

Stop.

Stop.

“Lacey? Everything okay?” Alabama’s soft Texas drawl interrupts her spiraling thoughts.

I’m fine.

The lie’s on the tip of her tongue. Her ingrained habit. Put on a brave face, pretend everything’s fine, pretend like she’s not a hot mess of a woman.

But Alabama’s soft question and concerned face have her throat in knots. Have her wanting to toss aside that ice-cold chill she’s used to channeling and instead open up.

Tears suddenly springing to her eyes, Lacey takes a deep, shuddering breath, then says, “No. I’m not. I went to the doctor yesterday and ... they found something in my breast.” Her voice catches. “I—I had to have a biopsy.”

Eyes popping open, Alabama palms her mouth. “Oh Lord, Lacey. I’m so sorry. Can I do anything?”

“No. No one can.” Her eyes blur. “What’s the saying? Expect the worst, hope for the best? I just have to wait for my results.”

“How long?”

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