Page 170 of Until August

I wantedallof her.

EPILOGUE

Nicola

One YearLater

Scarlett rushes into the bathroom, where I’m sipping ginger ale to calm my churning stomach and empties a bag onto the counter. “I bought four different ones. Let’s do it now.”

I eye her in the mirror and set my drink on the counter. My hands are shaking with nerves, and this doesn’t seem like the time or place to do this. “But everyone is waiting for us.”

“They’re not going to start without you,” Scarlett scoffs. “Come on.” She practically shoves me into the stall and follows me inside. “I’ll hold up your dress.”

“You’re going to watch me pee on a stick?” I scowl at her. “That’s taking the best friend thing a little too far, don’t you think?”

She sighs. “Okay, fine.” She thrusts the stick into my hand and spins around, squeezing past me to get out. “I’ll stand in front of the door so no one comes in.”

When she exits the stall, I stare at the stick in my hand and then get to work hiking up my dress. No easy feat. I gather yards and yards of champagne tulle in my hands. The dress is strapless, the bodice fitted and cinches at the waist with a thin black grosgrain ribbon. Now I’m cursing myself for buying it.

Why did I have to go so over the top? It’s not like I haven’t done this before. But it’s August’s first wedding, and I wanted everything about it to be extra special, just like him.

So, of course, I bought a ridiculous dress and splurged on so many flowers that our wedding venue looks like a florist shop.

I take a deep breath and squeeze my eyes shut. Here goes nothing. But I already know the answer even as I pee on the stupid stick. I’m four weeks late, something I didn’t fully comprehend until this morning because… life, I guess. It’s been hectic. Busy. Good. So good that I haven’t had much time to breathe, let alone stop and do the math.

Someone pounds on the door, and I hear the hinges squeak as it swings open. “What’s taking so long?” my mother asks. “Does she need help?”

“No. Everything is fine,” Scarlett assures her.

“Maybe she’s having second thoughts,” my father booms from the hallway.

Great. Just what I need. The entire Benedetti family sticking their noses into my business.

“Nic? Are you okay?” Ari calls.

“I’m fine.”

“Mommy! Isla spilled her drink on my bridesmaid dress and now look….” Everly sounds like she’s about to burst into tears.

“Come on, baby girl,” I hear Dylan say. “I’ll take care of it.”

Is the entire wedding party in here?

“Ever, go with Daddy. He’ll fix it all up, and you won’t even notice. Everyone else out! We just need a minute. Nicola will be right out,” Scarlett says firmly, taking charge, and I can see through the crack that she’s trying to usher them out the door.

A few seconds later, I hear it close, and I let out a breath of relief as silence descends.

“Coast is clear,” Scarlett says. “You can come out now.”

I step out, set the stick on the counter, too nervous to look at it, and busy myself at the sink. As I wash my hands, my reflection stares back at me in the mirror. My cheeks are flushed, my eyes shining, and I’ve never looked happier.

Scarlett swipes the stick off the counter, holding it hostage, and comes to stand next to me. My eyes meet hers in the mirror. Her baby blues are brimming with unshed tears, and a smile lights up her face.

“Have I told you lately that I love you?” she asks.

I smile at my best friend, who has been with me through all the ups and downs. She looks beautiful in blush pink silk, with blond waves falling around her bare shoulders and down her back. “I love you too.”

“Are you happy, Nic?” she asks earnestly like it’s the only question that truly matters.