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He peered up at the sky. “Looks a bit cloudy outside. A bit of fog and perhaps rain is expected later.”

“It’s too bad the dinner isn’t outside,” I groused. “We might have had to cancel the whole thing.”

He laughed again. “We’re a pair, Lexi. You’re up here hiding in my room and I’m happy I don’t have to go downstairs. You’ll probably think I’m crazy to say this since I’m as much a people-avoider as you are, but tonight will be fun. All our favorite people will be together in one place. If I have to do people, at least you guys are the people I want to do it with.”

“True, that. Hopefully this will go better than expected.”

“In a way, it’s a good thing neither the pope nor president could make it for the rehearsal and dinner. Can you imagine the insanity if those two were attending tonight?”

“Icanimagine.” I sighed. “It’s going to be like that for the wedding this weekend. It’ll be a zoo. Agent Glass, the first lady’s lead agent, mentioned there will a crazy level of security, not to mention a ton of press. Ugh.”

“Well, more reason for a proper rehearsal at the church days before anyone is paying attention. And after that, we’ll all be hungry, right? A rehearsal dinner is logical, not to mention a popular wedding tradition. I respect you for agreeing to it.”

“Even though you have to participate in both the rehearsal and the wedding?”

“Of course. I’m honored.” He sat back down on the couch, pushing his glasses up higher on the bridge of his nose.

I wasn’t sure how I’d lucked out in the accommodating-friends’ lottery, but I was grateful for it. “Thanks again for agreeing to be my bridesman, Elvis. It means a lot to me that you’re going to stand next to me on my big day.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way. Besides, we’ve both done it before at Xavier and Basia’s wedding. It’ll be a walk in the park.”

“It’s different when you have to be the bride,” I said glumly. “Everyone will be looking at me. That’s not exactly my favorite thing.”

“I know. But they’ll be looking at Slash, too. Statistically, at least half of the guests, anyway. And since we’re talking about Slash, I’d up that estimate to three-fourths of the guests.”

Nowthatmade me smile. He grinned at me. “Seriously, Lexi, you don’t have to worry. We’ll all have your back. You’ll absolutely be the most stunning—not to mention—smartest, bride there ever was. You don’t even have to take my word for it. Just ask Gwen, a founding member of the Lexi Carmichael Fan Club.”

“Ugh. Don’t remind me about that. But it really means a lot to have you and Gwen in my corner. Despite her goofiness, you know I like her and that’s saying a lot coming from me. She makes you happy, so that makes me happy.”

He leaned back against the couch, and I liked the look of contentment I saw on his face. “She pulls me out of my comfort zone,” he said. “At first it scared the crap out of me. But now I like it. Does Slash do that to you?”

“Every single day.”

Elvis rested his hands on his thighs. “She honestly thinks I can do anything. It’s weird, but it makes me feel like Ican. I like the person I’m becoming when I’m with her. A stronger, more confident version of myself.”

“I likeallthe versions of you,” I said. “But I get what you’re saying. You found the person who encourages you to grow. Slash is like that, too.”

“We’re pretty lucky, then, aren’t we?” He put his arm around me, gave me a squeeze.

“We are. Who would have ever guessed it for two geeks like us?”

“Not me, for sure. And to think it all started when I met you at the beach and you pulled off my swim trunks.”

My cheeks reddened at the memory. “Jeez. You’re never going to let me live that down, are you?”

“Nope. Never.”

“I am sorry about that, although notthatsorry, because without that meeting, we wouldn’t have become friends. And Basia wouldn’t have met Xavier, I wouldn’t have met Slash, and our lives wouldn’t be where they are right now. Aside from all this wedding stuff, I love my life. Except for that little black cloud of trouble that occasionally follows me around.”

“Occasionally?You can’t be serious.”

Before I could respond, a chime sounded. Elvis removed his arm from around my shoulder to dig his cell phone out of his pocket.

“It’s Xavier. He’s heading home from work to pack and drive over. He’ll meet us at the church in time for the rehearsal. He’ll probably get there about the same time as Slash and his entourage arrive from the airport.”

“Perfect.” I glanced at my watch as my stomach growled. “Did you and Gwen eat lunch yet?”

Elvis shook his head. “Nah, Gwen was in a hurry to get here to help you.”