I almost fall apart in tears but I manage to hold it in, saving my makeup in the process. When he looks back at me, I answer. “You never have to ask my permission to do anything that will make that man smile. Do you need my help?”
His shoulders seem to relax as he shakes his head. “No, I got it. Thanks, Dylan.” He grabs my hand and loops it through his arm. “Come on. I’m sure that man of yours is waiting.” I glance up at him and see his eyes trail down my dress. “Have I seen you in this before?”
“Mmm hmm.”
“At the wedding. Right? Your ex-boyfriend’s?”
“Mmm hmm.”
He opens the door and lets me walk ahead of him. “Oh, shit. Reese is going to lose it.” I chuckle at the very words Joey used minutes ago as we step inside The Great Hall.
Rows upon rows of chairs line both sides of the aisle, the end ones adorned with mini versions of the white gardenia bouquet I will be holding tomorrow. The lights are dimmed and all around the room, candles are lit, and giving off a warm glow. I let my eyes wander, taking in all my best friend’s hard work. It’s perfect. Every little detail. And then I give in to the temptation waiting for me in the group gathered up front.
Everyone is watching me, stopping all conversation when I stepped into the room with Billy. I’m just now registering that he has left my side when I see him standing by Joey. My parents and Reese’s mom and dad are together, along with Reese’s sister and her husband, who I met a few months ago at a family dinner. Juls is with Ian and they’re all over each other, as usual. But I don’t linger on them, or anyone else besides the man who is standing out amongst them. Dressed in a dark-gray suit, Reese seems to be the one unable to move as he takes in my outfit.
The very outfit I fell into his lap in.
I save him the trouble of coming to me and begin walking up the aisle, tucking my clutch under my arm. I’m ready to get through this as quickly as possible. I want this night to be over. I want it to be tomorrow already. But as I try and get past the cluster of people to get to who I really want to talk to, my mother grabs me.
“Sweetheart! You look stunning,” she says, kissing me on my cheek.
Shit. So close.
I’m passed around like a damn baby, getting showered in affection while my eyes strain to stay on Reese. I have to pull them away from him to talk to his sister and brother in-law, exchanging pleasantries and trying not to seem rushed about it. I don’t want to be rude, but Jesus Christ, I’ll see everyone tomorrow. Maggie and Phillip, Reese’s dad, steal me next, gushing over me in the sweetest way possible. And then by some miracle, the preacher decides to cut in just when I think I’m going to be stuck in this conversation forever.
“Miss Sparks, are you ready to begin?”
“Yes!” I yell excitingly, hearing everyone react to my enthusiasm. I get within a foot of Reese and take his hand, positioning myself directly in front of him while the preacher moves around us. “Hi,” I whisper.
He smiles. “Hi, yourself. Nice dress.”
I feign humility. “This old thing? I wasn’t sure if you’d like it or not.”
“Shall we begin?” the preacher asks.
Reese looks at him. “One second.” He pulls me in and presses his lips to my ear. “You’re driving me crazy. I’d prefer not to get hard in front of my parents.”
“Well, then you shouldn’t have invited me.”