Come to me, baby. I’m right here, Angel.
A smile tugs at his lips, that same irresistible charm I fell for all those years ago.
I attempt to look away to hide my bashfulness but it’s no use.
Memories of us as kids flash through my mind.
My eyes pull back to his, and I can feel it now. The weight of forever with my best friend. And it’s glorious.
A tearful Gwen kisses him on the cheek before moving to my other side, leaving Tobias standing there, staring at me with admiration in his eyes.
“Hey baby,” he says softly. His voice calms me instantly, warming me to my core.
“Hey Angel,” I breathe. “You look so beautiful.”
“Come here, you.” I grab his hand, pulling him in for a massive hug. He clings to me happily as I melt into his arms.
He evensmellslike sunlight.
“Okay, you two. Let’s get you married.” Gwen sniffs, dabbing at her eyes.
Pulling back slightly, I look into my fiancé’s eyes and whisper, “Can’t wait to marry you.”
A soft smile appears on his lips, making my heart flip a million times over. This is all I’ve ever wanted. Him. Just like this.
Gwen does a wonderful job being our officiant. Beautiful in a long silk golden dress, she looks like a royal queen. She barely makes it through her speech before tears are streaming down her face.
Tobias and I hold her hand, making sure she knows we’re right there with her. She explains how she always knew we were meant for each other—how, from the very first time she saw us in the same room, she could sense the connection between us.
For the record, I had no idea I was giving him eyes that night at dinner when I refused his salad.
This made the crowd chuckle, even Katelyn was cracking up beside her boyfriend, Jamie. She should know, she was there.
Gwen points out how much she knows my dad would want to be here to see this. Tobias squeezes my hand during this part. I bite my lip, the ache of his absence pressing in, yet find comfort knowing he lives on in the hearts of everyone who loved him.
“Okay, this is the part where one of you says something so I don’t continue to make a total fool of myself.” Gwen waves at us with her handkerchief before dabbing at her tears. The audience laughs, and I pull Tobias closer to me.
I open my mouth to start, but Tobias surprises me, covering my mouth with his palm.
My eyes widen as he cups the back of my neck, like he always does.
“Wait. Let me…” he says softly.
I nod slowly.
Out of the two of us, I’ve always been pretty forthcoming with how I feel.
But Tobias?
My heart picks up as he clears his throat, looking nervously at the audience but then as soon as his gaze turns on me, it’s like everything else fades away.
“I’m not sure if any of you know this, but Elijah’s pretty competitive.”
Laughter erupts from the crowd, and I pretend to look offended, even though I know he’s completely right.
“Late-nightCrash Team Racingin the boathouse—he’dhaveto win, or he’d throw a full-blown fit. Popcorn everywhere. Accusations of cheating. The works.” More laughter.
“Hey, hey,” I tug on his arm, but I can’t help but add into the chuckles.
