It was obvious that Alix was as nervous as she was.

Overwhelmed with relief that she was here, reaching out, Christy sprinted across the room.

She enveloped Alix in a hug, and that hug said everything. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for the things I said. And I’m sorry for the things I didn’t say when I should have. I’m sorry for not understanding. I messed up horribly. I’ve been a terrible friend.”

“Hush.” Alix hugged her back. “I’m sorry, too.”

“But it didn’t occur to me that you were feeling pushed out. I was so self-focused—”

“You had a lot going on, what with being pregnant and getting married.”

“Our friendship has always been easy and natural. I suppose I didn’t really think about it.”

“I know.”

They held each other, clung, and Christy thought about all the times they’d done this. All the times they’d been there for each other. When Alix had been confused and lost about her parents, Christy had pulled her into her own family. When Elizabeth had died, Alix had taken a week of unpaid leave so that she could be with Christy. Their friendship had been a piece of solid ground in a shaky world. A blanket when life turned cold. And she knew that even when it was torn and threadbare, that blanket would still be there.

Alix was the first to speak. “You’re not crying, are you? Don’t get all mushy on me. You know I’m not good with mushy. I’d rather drink a green smoothie.”

Christy sniffed. “You hate green smoothies.”

“My point exactly.”

“You’re crying, too.”

“No way. I never cry.”

“I’ve seen you cry.” The banter felt comfortable and familiar. “I was worried you wouldn’t forgive me for the way I spoke to you.”

“I was worried you wouldn’t forgive me for ruining your dream wedding.”

“You didn’t ruin anything.” Christy finally pulled away. “I don’t know why I said that, because it isn’t true. My wedding was a happy day. Yes, your words upset me, and I should have been honest about that right from the beginning. You were brave enough to ask me if it was a problem, and I should have been brave enough to give you an honest answer. Because I didn’t, it grew in my head. But that’s my fault, and believe me, I’m never letting it happen again. I really am sorry.”

“Does—” Alix still seemed unsure. “Does Seb think I ruined his day?”

“No, far from it. He thinks it was wrong of me to say that. He thinks I messed up, which I definitely did. Although for some reason Seb seems to be heartened by the fact I can get something so wrong. As if that’s really such a rare thing.” Her head was still reeling from that admission. “Am I really that difficult to be around?”

“No, of course not. Well, maybe a little, sometimes. You create this perfect life image, which can be difficult for people around you to match.”