Bill’s POV"You're here earlier than I expected, Mr. Richardson," Gianna says, leaning back in her chair. The faintest hint of a smile tugs at her lips like she’s surprised to see me. Maybe she thought I wouldn’t show up.Hell, I’m surprised I’m even here.I've always managed on my own. Always kept
Serena’s POVI reread Bill’s text, just to make sure I didn’t imagine it.My hands tremble a little as I read the words over and over like they might disappear if I blink. He actually said it. I love you.I glance around. Good thing it’s the weekend and no one’s around to see me like this, falling a
Serena’s POVI didn’t mean to tell Matt everything. But once I started, the words just kept coming out, faster than I could stop them.I tell him about how Doris tried to push me off the rooftop while I was pregnant, and how she and Kevin kidnapped me to get to Bill. But I leave out the part about o
Bill’s POV“Serena?” I say, watching the way she shifts uncomfortably. I can tell she’s on edge, so I don’t wait for her to introduce us.I turn to her friend, holding out my hand. “I’m Bill.”He looks at my hand for a second before shaking it. “Matt.”“Nice to meet you, Matt.” I keep my voice stead
Serena’s POVEster’s jewelry sketch lies in front. “So,” I ask Stevie, turning the design her way, “what do you think?”Stevie leans in, her fingers tracing the outline of the necklace in the sketch. She raises an eyebrow, shooting me a curious look. “Alright, spill. What’s the inspiration?”“Old Ho
Serena’s POVI pull up to Matt’s place, my stomach twisting as I see an ambulance parked out front and a few neighbors gathered, their voices low and concerned. Inside, the atmosphere is thick, heavy with an uneasy quiet. The doctors are tending to Matt’s mom, who lies in her bed, frail and pale, h
Serena’s POVMy face is soaked but the tears won’t stop. Matt sits across from me. He stares in the distance as if his mind is somewhere far away.“She didn’t want a funeral,” he says. “That was her choice. Just a cremation… keep things simple.” He swallows, still looking away. “She said it was bett
Bill’s POVSleep isn’t happening tonight. Serena is with some guy who looks like he walked out of a boxing ring. Or a GQ ad. Broad shoulders, trim waist. Arms that look like they could crush steel. He’s younger too — by at least five years, maybe ten.I roll over, punch my pillow, and try to settle
Stevie’s POVThe second we step onto the dance floor, I realize I’ve made a mistake. Calvin doesn’t just dance — he moves like he’s got something to prove, and my body is all too willing to keep up. His hand slides to my waist, firm and deliberate, pulling me close enough that I feel the heat radiat
Stevie’s POVThere’s something about an open bar and a wedding dress code that just makes people lose their damn minds, and honestly? I’m here for it. After my speech, I’ve earned the right to let loose, and by let loose, I mean dance like a maniac and drink just enough to get tipsy, not trashed. Th
Calvin’s POVThe whiskey glass feels cool against my hand, the amber liquid catching the light as I swirl it lazily. The clinking ice is oddly comforting, a quiet sound in contrast to the laughter and music filling the reception. I’m sitting at the bar, a little removed from the crowd. It’s better t
Serena’s POVThe lights dim, and the chatter of the reception quiets as the opening notes of "Crazier" by Taylor Swift float through the air. Bill takes my hand, his grip steady, and leads me to the center of the dance floor. The spotlight feels warm, but it’s nothing compared to the way he’s looki
Stevie’s POVThe mic feels heavier in my hand than I expected, which is dumb because it’s a mic, not a damn kettlebell. I stand in the middle of the reception, the crowd staring at me like I’m about to announce the next lottery numbers. My palms are sweaty, but there’s no way I’m letting anyone kno
Bill’s POVThe sand is warm beneath me, even as the day starts to cool. Serena’s hand is in mine, her fingers soft and familiar, like they were always meant to fit there. Collin is a few feet away, crouched in the sand and completely in his own world. He’s got a bucket in one hand and a tiny shovel
Serena’s POVThe cheers and clapping swell around us as Bill and I walk back down the aisle, hand in hand. I can’t stop smiling, and from the way his thumb brushes over mine, I know he’s feeling the same. The sun warms my skin, the sand is soft under my bare feet, and for the first time in what feel
Bill’s POVThe officiant starts talking, but honestly, I barely hear a word. Serena is standing so close to me now, her hand in mine, and that’s all I can focus on. She looks at me like I’m the only thing that matters, her eyes shining with something I don’t even know how to put into words. It’s ov
Serena’s POVThe sun is warm on my skin as my dad loops his arm through mine, steadying me. My heart is racing, but I’m not sure if it’s nerves or excitement. Probably both. The waves crash softly behind us, the sound grounding me in a way nothing else can. I glance down at the bracelet on my wrist—