Sophie runs over to me. “Ellie! How are you? You having a good time?”
“The best time!” I hold up my half-empty wine glass and she chuckles, then pulls me into a hug.
“I’m so glad!”
“You’re a hottie in that dress, by the way. Your boobs look amazing! Wowzers!”
For a second, I regret what I’ve said. I’m pretty tipsy, and when I’ve had a bit to drink, I get a little loose-lipped.
But she just laughs and flashes a bright smile. “That’s the whole reason I chose this dress. I loved how my boobs looked in it.” She does a spin in the strapless trumpet-style gown with a sweetheart neckline. The lace is cut to look like delicate flowers and leaves. It’s so pretty and romantic.
She starts dancing with me. I look around, soaking in the moment. I’ve never been able to let loose like this. I’ve always either been sick or working to pay for my medical bills. It feels incredible to have fun for once.
I close my eyes and smile, relishing the pleasant buzzed feeling from the shot and almost four glasses of wine I’ve had so far tonight.
I grab Sophie’s shoulder with my free hand. “This was the most beautiful wedding I’ve ever been to, Sophie. Like, ever.”
Her smile is warm. “Really?”
I nod and glance around at the huge space that’s the setting for the reception. The wooden structure looks like the frame of a house. Endless string lights are draped over the roof and sides for a dreamy, ethereal look.
On one side of the space are three long, beautifully decorated tables where we all had dinner. The other half of the space is the dance floor, which is crowded with almost all the guests as theydance. On the far end is the bar, covered in tons of pretty pink flowers.
“Your wedding is straight out of a storybook,” I say, “It’s stunning.”
Sophie beams.
“Especially the flowers. So much pink! I love it!”
She chuckles. “It’s my favorite color. And Xander’s.”
“He’s such a great guy. A lot of guys would be too insecure to like pink.”
Sophie’s cheeks flush. “He told me when we were dating that it’s his favorite color because it’s the color my skin turns when I blush. That’s why he sends me pink roses all the time.”
I stop dancing, clutch my hand to my chest, and gasp. “Okay, that is the sweetest, most romantic thing I’ve ever heard.”
Sophie makes a giddy noise, then turns and looks at Xander, who’s standing by the bar with the guys, drinking what looks like bourbon. When he looks up and sees her, the biggest smile appears on his face. He winks at her, and she practically swoons.
She turns to me. “So what’s the most romantic thing Camden did for you?”
“Oh, um…” I try to keep smiling as I try to think of something. But because Camden and I never dated and I’m currently four glasses of wine deep, my brain is having a hard time thinking of a convincing lie to tell Sophie.
“He paid off all my debt,” I blurt.
Sophie’s mouth falls open. “Seriously?”
I nod, uncertain if she’s going to think that’s weird and ask more questions about it, which could lead to her figuring out that our marriage is a sham.
My nerves kick up. “I had a lot of medical debt. Because of my health issues.”
She’s quiet for a second, which sends my anxiety into a frenzy. But a second later, she beams and goes, “Aww!”
I let out a breath and smile.
Sophie grabs my hand. “Please don’t hate me when I say this, but I never thought Camden had it in him to be so thoughtful and sweet. I mean, he’s a great guy for sure. So much fun and such a cool friend to hang out with. But I always thought his priority was having fun. I never thought he’d settle down. But then he met you, and bam. Wife guy. He’s so smitten.”
I grin. “I’m a lucky girl, that’s for sure.”
