Holland kisses my forehead, and I wrap my arms around him, my fingers tracing patterns on his chest as we lay entwined. He lifts his head, his eyes searching mine, his expression unreadable.
My heart pounds in my chest, my mind racing as I being to think about where we go from here.
Holland brushes a strand of hair from my face, his touch gentle, his gaze intense.“Lainey,”he begins, his voice soft.
I close my eyes for a moment, listening to the steadiness of his heartbeat before replying.
“Yes?”
He places a finger under my chin, forcing me to look up at him.
“We’re going to be good. Okay? I’m not leaving, ever,” he assures me, and God help me I think I believe him.
I reach up, my fingertips brushing against his cheek, my smile faint but genuine.
“Okay…”I whisper, though I’m not sure if he can promise that.
Holland’s hand covers mine, his thumb brushing against my knuckles, his expression a mix of relief and desire.
As we lay in silence, our bodies still entwined, the tension and uncertainty seem to dissipate. I don’t know if this will be forever, but I know I want to try. I want it to be Holland. I want this life with him, and as scary as that is, I think it might be worth it.
I’ve never been the girl to believe in happily ever afters, but maybe, just maybe, I’ve finally found mine.
Epilogue
Lainey
“Come on, Lainey! You’re going to be late; they’re waiting for you!” Ellie’s voice rings out as I stare at myself in the large mirror that stands in the corner of the room.
Taking a few more deep, shaky breaths, I smooth down my dress and paste a smile on my face. This is supposed to be a happy day, so why do I feel scared shitless?
“You look beautiful. Now let’s go!” Gwen says, pulling me by the arm toward the door.
“Okay, okay. I’m coming!” I say, chuckling at my friends.
“Oh thank god, I thought you were going to flee,” Haley says, wiping fake sweatoff her brow.
My friends stand in front of me, each wearing their dark, maroon-colored dresses, looking stunning and excited.
“I’m here, I didn’t flee. I’m not that much of a bitch,” I tell them, taking another deep breath and shaking out the nerves. “I feel like I’m having a heart attack. Is it hot in here?”
Gwen steps in front of me, planting her hands on my shoulders. “Breathe, Lane. You’re not having a heart attack. You’re just nervous. Take a deep breath,” she tells me in an attempt to calm my racing heart.
“You’re going to be great, just don’t forget to smile,” Ellie says, giving me her best calming look.
“And don’t trip,” Haley chimes in.
We all shoot her a glare.
“Shut up, Haley!” Gwen scolds before turning back to me. “You’re going to be fine. Just pay attention to what’s in front of you and keep smiling.”
“You got this,” Ellie says, holding her thumbs up in encouragement.
Music begins from behind the large wooden doors, and my adrenaline spikes. Okay, Lainey. You can do this. It’s just some family and friends.
The doors open and before walking through, my friends smile and give me a thumbs up. Gwen gives me one last smile and kisses me on the cheek.
“I’m happy for you, Lane,” she says with a sweet smile, tears forming in her eyes.
