Page 74 of Stay With Me

Her. All the goddamn time.

Tripp

Tell me a secret no one else knows.

The jumping dots appear, and then after a few seconds, they’re gone. Maybe I ruined the moment by asking a serious question. Or she had to put her phone away before one of the girls saw. Either way, I’m anxiously waiting as I keep my phone propped up while I muck Franklin’s stall.

Magnolia

I’m not as strong as I try to portray. Rather, I feel like I have to be so I’m never dependent on anyone else.

My heart shreds at the words on the screen. I know exactly how that feels and hate that she does, too. I know how she grew up. Noah’s told me things over the years, but Magnolia’s never talked about it. Anytime her parents were brought up, she’d smile wide and say everything at home was great. I had a feeling it wasn’t and that she didn’t want anyone to know the truth, so I never pushed her for more.

Tripp

You are strong, baby. Even when you’re not trying to be, I see it in you. I’m always here if you want to talk about it. I know a thing or two about not wanting to look weak but you never have to worry about that with me.

Magnolia

Be careful, Tripp Hollis. I just may fall hard and fast if you insist on melting my heart with words like that.

I can’t help the stupid grin that fills my face.

Tripp

I’d love nothing more.

Chapter Sixteen

Magnolia

“It’s with great honor and privilege to introduce for the first time ever, Mr. and Mrs. Underwood! Fisher, you may now kiss your bride.”

I grab the pastor’s arm and yank him toward me so he’s not in the picture. He chuckles as I shrug at not giving him a warning ahead of time, but I’ve taken all my maid of honor duties seriously. When Noah made it clear she didn’t want him in their first kiss photos, I took notes.

Fisher cups Noah’s face, leans in, and dips her before crashing their lips together. The guests hoot and holler, cheering loudly and whistling. When they shared their vows, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Fisher’s mentioned how much his life changed after meeting her and how she gave him a second chance at happiness. Noah gushed about soulmates and how when you know, you know. There was no second-guessing he was the love of her life. Then when Noah promised him forever and always, he teased her about slipping in a Taylor Swift song reference.

I snuck as many secret glances at Tripp as I could during the ceremony, and he looks so good in his sleek suit and black Stetson hat. While they were gathering the groomsmen outside for photos, the bridesmaids peeked out the window and cat-called them.When Tripp looked up and winked at me, I resisted the urge to blow him a kiss in front of everyone. The video he sent me last night of him in the shower is still living in my head rent-free, and I can’t wait to get him alone again to hear his moans in real life.

As I follow the couple down the aisle, I mentally prepare for madness to ensue. After everyone goes through the wedding party receiving line, it’ll be time for photos. While we’re doing those, the space will be converted for the reception with a DJ, bar station, and buffet. The white tent is already beautifully covered in lights, tulle, and vines.

Noah’s dream was an intimate country fall wedding on the ranch and that’s exactly what she got. Even though it’s early November, she lucked out with the weather. It’s sixty-five degrees and there’s not a cloud in the sky.

We spent the morning at the main house drinking mimosas and getting our hair and makeup done. Gramma Grace baked goodies for us to snack on and Dena tried not to cry at Noah’s first full look.

“Hope you’re ready for my maid of honor speech,” I tease Noah as I stand next to her.

“As long as it doesn’t embarrass me, I can’t wait.”

“That wasn’t in the agreement.”

She glares. “Be nice.”

I feign shock. “Aren’t I always?”

Damien stands next to me and chimes in, “I wasn’t aware of thebeing nicestipulation, so therefore I will be roastin’ Fisher in my entire speech.”

I bark out a laugh as Fisher scowls at his best friend.