My face drops. “I’m about to go get BUB and let him do the job for you.”

Archer chuckles, making his way down the hallway. “As long as I can watch.”

I’ve been back at the shop for five days, and I finally feel like life is returning to normal. Archer’s still taunting me with his six-pack abs and kissable lips, but thinks I’m too fragile to be thrown around a bed. By the end of the weekend, my goal is to prove him wrong.

Today, the girls and I are going shopping in Mobile for bridesmaid dresses. Though Katie’s wedding is in a few months, my whole needing to recover has set us back by a few weeks.

“Are you seriously walkin’ around with that thing?” Katie asks, eyeing my self-defense keychain.

“Damn right. Ready to tase, pepper spray, or poke a bitch if they come within five feet.”

Gemma snorts as we walk toward the store. “What’s on it?”

“Well…” I hold it up for her to see. “Tyler got it for me, and at first, I was reluctant, but then I figured why not. Now it’s a habit to carry it. The key knife is pretty badass, and the alarm is really loud. Plus, it gives Archer peace of mind.”

“Don’t show that to Noah. He’ll make me get one just for the sake of it,” Katie says as I open the door.

Before I can respond, we’re greeted by a saleswoman eager to make her commission. Since this is a no kids day, we drink champagne as we shop for dresses and shoes. It’s given me the opportunity to reconnect with my best friends away from Lawton Ridge.

“That’s my favorite one on you,” Katie says as I stand in a baby blue dress. “Really matches your eyes.”

“I agree.” Gemma smiles wide as I adjust the bust.

“Too bad my tits don’t fill it in,” I mumble.

“I doubt Archer’s complainin’.” Katie smirks. “The way that man looks at you puts Hallmark to shame.”

“I remember that early honeymoon phase. It’s seriously the best.” Gemma sighs, then takes a long sip of her drink.

“As if you two aren’t still in it,” I tease, looking in the mirror and imagining Archer ripping it off me after the reception.

After three hours of drinking and trying on gowns, Gemma and I make a decision. Since we’re both the matron and maid of honors, Katie let us choose between three colors and the style we wanted. I fell in love with a backless midi dress that accentuates my ass. If Archer doesn’t rip it off me with his teeth, I’ll scream out in protest.

“Alright, I need to eat. Where do you wanna go?” Katie asks as she pulls out of the parking lot.

“Someplace that’ll soak up this champagne,” Gemma states.