She was happy in her marriage, I had no doubt of that. But her style of marriage was not for me. I wanted an equal partner. Someone who made me laugh, challenged me to be a better person, and could match my wildness rather than try to tame it.
Someone like Jordy.
The awareness that I had found exactly what I hadn’t known I’d been looking for hit me like a lightening bolt, just as the beginning strains of the bride’s entrance music began.
I struggled to keep my composure as my entire world as I knew it imploded with the understanding that I wanted love just as much as anybody else—as long as it wasn’t a trap.
I had one night to explore this thing with Jordy and I couldn’t wait one more minute to start. The ceremony passed in a blur, all the while my eyes pinned to the man who had somehow managed to capture my elusive heart.
CHAPTER 9
Jordy
I tuggedat the collar of my suit jacket, impatient to ditch it and get comfortable. I had one more hurdle to cross first, which was the toast. Even though I wasn’t the best man, my sister asked me to give a toast. I’d agonized for days over what to say, and moments before, I still had no clue. I just hoped when my mouth opened, the right words would tumble out.
At the moment, the best man was wrapping up some story about my new brother-in-law that had the guests laughing. Way to set the bar high, dude. He executed an elaborate bow and then passed the microphone over to me.
My heart thundered in my chest and I wiped my palms on my suit pants as surreptitiously as I could. My hands shook and static echoed over the speakers as I brought the mic closer to my mouth. Public speaking wasn’t my favorite, especially at important events.
My gaze ping ponged around the room until it landed on Courtney, who sat towards the back of the room, a glass ofchampagne in her hands. When my eyes snagged hers, she smiled and her warmth gave me the encouragement I needed.
“Hello, everyone. I’m Jordy. Otherwise known as the bride’s annoying little brother.”
A few snickers encouraged me to keep going. “I’ve looked up to my big sister my entire life and I’m so happy to celebrate with her and Austin today. I always knew she’d be the first to get married because face it, she’s the catch between us.”
The guests laughed at my self-deprecating humor. I didn’t want this to be all jokes though so I took a deep breath and pivoted.
“The truth is, I never gave much thought to love until my sister got engaged. Sure, it sounded nice but watching Emily and Austin fall in love helped me realize just how powerful love is. It is a life-altering experience where each partner makes each other better in ways they could never accomplish alone.”
I paused to glance at my sister, who was dabbing tears from her eyes. I risked a glance Courtney’s way and found that she was leaning forward, eyes firmly on me as if anticipating what I might say next.
I cleared my throat then continued. “So you see, now I know the secret that only those of you who’ve found your soulmate know—love is the most transformational experience that exists and it’s like capturing magic in your hands.”
I held up my champagne flute. “Cheers to Emily and Austin. May your magic continue to grow.”
The guests erupted in cheers and my sister stood to envelop me in a hug. “Thank you,” she whispered.
I nodded, afraid to speak as my throat suddenly felt dry and my eyes were tearing up. I hadn’t known what I would say, but I had no idea I was capable of that level of emotional depth. Clearly, my night with Courtney had unlocked some secret reservoir of feeling.
I sank gratefully back into my seat at the head table and finally gave in to my urge to shrug off my suit coat and roll up my sleeves. The mic had passed to the maid of honor, who had launched into a tearful speech.
I was in the middle of rolling up my second sleeve when I caught Courtney watching me. Her eyes were trained on my fingers and when she noticed me observing her, she turned away quickly with a blush. The ease with which she blushed was charming and challenged me to find as many ways to put that flush on her cheeks as I could. The time between now and when I could go to her stretched out indefinitely.
The toasts lasted what seemed forever then everyone settled into eating their meal. Every time I thought about slipping away to Courtney, someone came over to talk to me or pull me into a photo. Before I knew it, dinner had been cleared and the couple were called to their first dance.
I stood next to my parents at the edge of the dance floor, moisture returning to my eyes as I watched my sister gaze lovingly at her new husband. What had seemed so mysterious to me was now clear as day—I wanted that kind of love. Even though I’d known Courtney for only twenty-four hours, and it was much too early to project any fantasies onto her, I couldn’t help but picture her and I on a dance floor for our own first dance as a married couple.
A look across the dance floor told me what I already knew—Courtney was watching me. I winked at her and thrilled at the flush that stole across her cheeks. I would never tire of making this woman blush for me. Although ideally the next time would have less of an audience.
At the final strains of music, I wound my way through the crowd in her direction. By the time the next song began, I was by her side, hand resting lightly at her back.
“How is your evening?”
“Lovely. The bride and groom are so happy. And your speech was unexpectedly touching.”
I bumped my shoulder playfully into hers. “Hey, I’m more than just a pretty face.”
Courtney’s expression was serious. “Yes, you are much more.”
