Conversation fades as soon as the trio of string musicians starts playing. Xander walks down the aisle, arm in arm with his mom. He leads her to her seat in the front row, then stands at the altar with the officiant and takes a deep breath. He pulls the lapel of his jacket and smiles at the crowd.
Theo, who’s his best man, pats his shoulder. The string trio begins playing “Here Comes The Bride,” and we all stand.
A second later, Sophie appears with her dad on her arm. She’s smiling with tears in her eyes as she glances at her dad. Coach Porter’s lips wobble as he gazes at his daughter. When they reach the altar, he kisses Sophie’s forehead and wipes his eyes.
My chest aches. I’m so used to seeing him with a frown on his face, looking serious or pissed. It’s kind of sweet how emotional he is in this moment, walking his daughter down the aisle.
I look over at Xander standing at the altar. He’s grinning bigger than I’ve ever seen. A second later, he blinks, and tears fill his eyes.
That ache in my chest deepens. I can’t help but smile, happy to see my friend and teammate so excited to marry his wife.
I may not want to ever get married for real, but I’m thrilled for Xander and Sophie.
I glance over at Ellie, who’s staring at Xander and Sophie as they hold hands and exchange vows at the altar. Her eyes are misty.
I gently tap her hand and pass her a tissue. She smiles and tells me thanks in a soft voice.
“Is it silly that I’m getting emotional over watching two people I just met get married?” she whispers.
“Not at all. It shows how sweet you are. What a pure soul you have.”
She beams, then turns back to watch Xander and Sophie exchange vows. When they kiss, we all stand up and applaud. Xander and Sophie walk down the aisle hand in hand as we all cheer and whistle.
“Get ready for the open bar, everyone!” Xander hollers. We all laugh.
Ellie’s eyes light up. I see that she’s finished her glass of wine. I smile, happy that she’s so relaxed and content.
I turn to her. “Ready for the open bar?”
She grins. “So ready.”
Chapter 20
Ellie
“Shots! Shots! Shots! Who’s ready for some shots?” the DJ bellows.
Everyone screams, “Yeah!”
Xander makes his way on the dance floor with a tray of shots. He runs up to me and hands me one. Vodka, I think.
“You’re not allergic to hard alcohol, right?” he hollers over the music.
“Nope. Just beer.”
He pumps a fist. “Woo hoo!”
I’m giggling when he pats me on the shoulder and walks off.
I down the shot, wincing at the burn in my throat. I catch eyes with Del, who’s standing off to the side of the dance floor with a glass of beer. He holds up his glass to me, nodding his approval. I smile and flash a thumbs-up, then go back to dancing to the upbeat dance song pounding through the speakers.
The reception has been a blast so far. After a yummy dinner of filet mignon and grilled shrimp, the dancing kicked off. I’ve been on the dance floor ever since with girls, in between trips to the bar for glasses of wine.
I look up and see Xander and Sophie kissing in the middle of the dance floor.
“Aww so cute!” I holler.
When they break apart, they’re smiling and laughing.
