Page 84 of Louder Than Words

I laugh, grabbing her arms to steady us before she actually collapses.

Her face shifts, softer now, eyes glassy as she tilts her head. “Thanks for nailing my best friend and giving her a possible ginger musician mastermind,” she says, voice breaking mid-sentence.

I open my mouth, but no chance. She’s already spun away, launching herself at Allie, who somehow, is already right beside us.

She grips her shoulders tight before saying, “Well? Let’s get you married!”

I never thought my Friday afternoon would be spent sitting in a courthouse, waiting for my soon-to-be bride to arrive.

Ana kicked me out of the house and told me to “go busy myself” while they got Allie ready. But if you ask me? She didn’t even need to get ready. I would’ve married her right there in theliving room—plaid pajama pants, tiny hole on the bum and all. I’d have married her with messy hair, morning breath, and that slow, sleepy voice she gets when she first wakes up.

Okay, I’ll admit it: I’m also slightly glad she kicked me out. It gave me a few quiet minutes to really think about all of this.

What I’m going to say. Whether this is even remotely a good idea or not. And my conclusion is…

Yes. It’s the best idea I’ve ever had.

We might have to keep things quiet for a bit, just so Trevor doesn’t try to throw that in her face, too. Although, he’s already dug himself a nice little hole with the judge.

The courthouse doors whoosh open, a burst of cold air rushing in. Heels clack against the tile. I look up just in time to see Ana charging toward me. She’s moving so fast I nearly brace myself against the bench.

I’ve never seen her this excited. Not even when she won that award. She’s practically glowing, and it’s all forAllie.

“Quick, quick, quick!” she says, breathless and urgent.

I stand up, completely dumbfounded. “What? Where’s Allie?”

Ana grabs me by the shoulders and spins me around until I’m facing a landscape picture of foliage on the courthouse wall.

“Stay,” she orders, patting my arm like a dog.

I laugh under my breath but do as I’m told.

I close my eyes.

Take a breath.

That’s when the door opens again behind me and the scent of roses drifts in, curling under my nose. And just like that, every single nervous thought disappears. They dissipate into the air like they were never there at all.

“Okay,” Ana says softly. “You can turn around now.”

I take a slow, steadying breath, and then I turn.

And there she is.

The most perfect, most breathtaking person I’ve ever seen in my entire life.

My hand flies to my mouth as tears blur my vision.

Her hair is pinned up, braided into a perfect crown above her head, with loose strands framing her face. But that’s not what knocks the air from my lungs.

It’s the white lace dress hugging every curve she has. It stops mid-thigh, and it takeseverythingin me not to call for a quick recess.

Allie looks down, then tucks a loose strand of hair behind her ear before meeting my tear-filled eyes. “So,” she says, a little sheepish, “what do you think?”

I shake my head slowly. “I think I can’t wait to marry you.”

Sniffles break out beside us, and I glance over to see Ana with shaky hands, trying to hold a camera steady.