Page 51 of Best Friend's Dirty Ex

As she hangs up the phone, I find myself reeling, wondering how things could have changed so much, so quickly. “I never thought that I'd find a workaround. I assumed that the law would be the only way to get into her life.”

Everly sits down on the couch beside me once more. “Sometimes force isn't the best way.”

Her words are so obvious I find myself groaning internally. “I used a sledgehammer when I should have used a scalpel.”

“You used the tools you knew how to use, and they didn't serve you. That is absolutely nothing to be ashamed of or upset about. Those thoughts are not going to get you any further in life, so just put them behind you and focus on moving forward. You get to meet your daughter.” I can hear the excitement in her voice as she pulls me into a hug.

“I'm so grateful you came into my life. I just wish you'd gotten here sooner.” With that statement, I pull her into my lap and she straddles me.

“You weren't ready for me back then.” She smiles down at me and her lips touch mine.

I know deep in my heart that she's right.

As she deepens the kiss and our tongues meet, I feel that excitement and desire well up in me. My hands find her hips and I gently shift her forward and back, wanting to feel her grind on me, wanting to hear her moans of pleasure.

I want everything she's willing to give me.

But right now, I'll settle for some physical intimacy.

Although I know settle isn't the right word.

Now that I've had a taste of her, I'm completely hooked, and there's no way I'll ever let her go again.

Epilogue

Everly

I glance around completely ecstatic at this space.

Somehow, he has managed to pick the absolutely perfect wedding venue. I wanted something on par with the Ivy Church idea, but somehow he managed to do so much better, and I’m still stunned by what I see.

I put my hand on the front of my white gown, and Emma smiles at me. “You better not be getting cold feet. You will break my father's heart, and mine too.”

I can't help but smile. I can make all the jokes I want about not being ready to be a stepmom, but Emma is the most amazing young woman I've ever met, and I absolutely love her. She reminds me of Troy in so many ways.

After Kate set up a meeting between Troy and Emma, Lyla threw a complete fit. She had a total breakdown about the whole thing and did everything in her power to try to keep the two apart. But despite all of the years that her manipulation worked, now it didn't. Emma and Troy are the thickest thieves. I've never seen parents and children be such good friends.

“You better not have put hot peppers in the cake.” My mom is nearly yelling at my father, and he lets out a little giggle as he walks into the room. I realize I have to amend my thoughts. I absolutely know parents and their kids that are good friends.

“I don't know. I tried his hot pepper jelly. That stuff is amazing. If anybody can pull off a good pepper cake, it'd be dad.” I wink at my dad while my mom stares at me for a second, obviously flustered, before waving her hands at me and turning around.

“Good Lord, I need another margarita. It's too early for this.”

I laugh as dad makes his way to me. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you, Dad.” I run a shaking hand over the bodice of my dress, wondering how I'm going to pull this off. All the time I'd spent dreaming about my wedding, I never thought it'd be to someone like Troy. And I definitely didn't think I'd be so nervous. He's an amazing man, and I don't know how I got so lucky as to win his love. Or earn it, even.

“Don't be nervous. That man loves you more than you can ever imagine.” As dad says the words, I have no doubt that he knows exactly what he's talking about because those two have become friends to a degree that would be weird if anyone else’s husband and father did so.

I nod my head, unable to speak because I turn and look in the mirror. The dress is exactly what I dreamed of - simple, white, elegant, pretty. A satiny material that clings to my curves. But I know that the second I step into the sunlight, it's going to glow an iridescent white like sunshine glittering off the snow.

And because of the location that Troy had booked for us, I know that I will absolutely shine today.

It's so amazing to me how much everything has fallen into place, even with my ex, who’d found another woman to ruin the life of, wound up back in jail after he slapped her and she decided not to put up with his abuse the first time it happened.

Lyla has been going to therapy and is getting better, making amends, and overall has improved as a human being.

All of my married best friends are settling into their lives as couples, parents, and striking a balance as friends. Once every two weeks we all get together and play games, watch movies and just spend time together. Of course, once Arson, Konan, and Hunter found out, they began inviting themselves. Not that I mind; they’ve all proven to be good people... except maybe Hunter.

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