Page 141 of Through the Storms

Tears glimmered in Riley’s eyes. “That may be the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”

“I meant it.” Chloe motioned toward the door. “Come on, let’s take that walk before it gets dark.”

“Too late,” Riley said as they stepped outside. She laughed and pointed up. “Your hair still looks beautiful in the glow of the streetlight.”

Chloe bumped her hip against Riley’s. “You’re such a hopeless romantic.”

EPILOGUE

Lana glanced at herwatch. They likely had another fifteen minutes. The wedge cloud still loomed in the distance, but it had grown and darkened considerably. Today was supposed to be more of a trial run, one might say a publicity campaign for the rest of the season.

Normally, Britt wouldn’t have driven this far in front of the storm, but there were still things to do. Fingers crossed that the storm wouldn’t change course. Lana stood just outside the van away from the others and watched the roiling sky. What a difference a year made.

Lost in her thoughts, Lana jumped when someone grasped her shoulder.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you,” Chloe said.

Lana turned and smiled when she met Chloe’s gaze. “You’re fine. I was just thinking about how strange life can be.”

Chloe chuckled. “You don’t have to convince me of that. Never in a million years would I have predicted where my life would be now.”

Lana laughed. “True. You’ve got me beat on that front.”

Chloe put her arm around Lana’s waist, and Lana draped hers over Chloe’s shoulder as they watched the clouds move in. They’d grown close, especially once Chloe and Mia had moved to Oklahoma City last fall. “I picked up my dress on Tuesday. I still can’t believe next weekend is your and Oakley’s big day.”

Lana smiled. “Have I told you how sorry I am that you didn’t get a say in the color of the dress?”

“Only about a hundred times.” Chloe squeezed Lana. “Relax. The dress is beautiful.”

“I still can’t believe Oakley convinced me to go along with it.” Lana snorted. “And Britt refusing to be a bridesmaid if the dresses didn’t match her hair. Who does that?”

“And then the little shit decided to wear a tuxedo instead.” Chloe laughed.

“Right? Leave it to Britt.” Lana shook her head. “Carol’s still threatening to wear a different color dress in protest. Wouldn’t that look lovely in our pictures?”

“She won’t do it.”

“I know, but still they’re trying to give me an ulcer. Asher’s still pouting about being the only guy in the wedding party and says he might add Todd, so he won’t be so outnumbered.”

“I thought he’d come around since Britt and Riley will be wearing tuxes.”

“Who knows? It changes daily.” Lana shook her head. “Aren’t I the one that’s supposed to be acting out, being Bridezilla? Not the wedding party.”

Chloe smiled. “It certainly will be interesting.” Her face turned serious. “Is Oakley’s dad coming?”

Lana shrugged. “Who knows? He still hasn’t returned his RSVP, but he could waltz in and pretend that he didn’t think he needed to.”

“How’s Oakley taking it?”

“Really good. She doesn’t let his crap hurt her anymore. I think it’s freaking him out.”

“Good!”

“Thanks again for being here,” Lana said. “It means the world to me.”

“We wouldn’t miss it for anything.” Chloe pointed toward Oakley and Riley, who were huddled together. “What do you think that’s all about? Pep talk?”

Lana shook her head and snorted. “With those two, it’s hard telling.”