Since starting CR, I come here weekly, even attending service on Sundays again. So, when they give me the signal to walk down the aisle, it’s with no fear or doubt in my heart—besides the possibility of tripping in these high heels.
The pews are packed. One side is full of Rocosa residents, and the other side is Maya’s family, with some overflowing on Des’s side due to lack of space.
The groomsmen wait patiently at the end, with Des blinking back tears already. Tristen winks at me from down the aisle, and I’m unable to stop the blush heating my cheeks. Handsome to distraction, his wide shoulders fit perfectly in his tailored jacket, the pink tie accenting his tan skin. With each step, the sound fades out and my heart pounds with a truth I can’t ignore.
He’s the one.
The man who makes me laugh and protects me at all costs. Who listens to me when I’m mad and holds me when I’m crying. All those times I pushed him away... I was an idiot. Thank God he never listened. Because I would never knowthis feeling. How he can steal my breath away with one look. Or kiss me until nothing in the world exists but him.
I love him with all my heart.
Shaking my head, I startle at the realization, moving into my spot for the ceremony.
The bridal march starts once all the bridesmaids have entered, the entire church rising to their feet. Maya practically floats down the aisle, radiant in her white lace gown. The train fans out behind her, elegant like royalty. The ceremony is quick and to the point, and more times than not, I find my gaze straying to Tristen’s only to find his already on me.
When the pastor pronounces them husband and wife, the room erupts in hoots and applause as they kiss, and I’m surprised the stained-glass windows don’t shatter from the noise. The bride and groom race down the aisle hand in hand, too lost in each other’s gaze to notice everyone cheering. As the maid of honor, Julia moves to leave first, but instead of grabbing Tristen’s arm, she takes Cai’s, another member of Des’s biker group, and follows the newlyweds. One by one, the bridesmaids leave, and when it’s my turn, there’s only the best man left—Tris. He offers his arm, grinning.
“Do I want to know how you coordinated that?” I ask.
“I have my ways. I know someone on the inside.”
I laugh, never feeling happier than when I’m with him.
The reception is just as beautiful as the ceremony. The pink sunset shines through the windows, matching my dress perfectly as Maya predicted. Rose garland is strung from floor to ceiling, filling the space with its floral scent. The food is delicious, prepared by Maya’s relatives in buffet style. I can’t help but smile as I add some of her mother’s tamales to my plate.
Soon the music is pulsing through the room, and all of Maya’s family hits the dance floor. She even helps me drag an awkward Des onto the floor, a feat I never thoughtpossible.
“We have to represent the Brooks family,” I say, throwing my hands in the air.
The next song cuts on, slow and romantic. Suddenly, the world is spinning, and I find myself caught up in Tristen’s arms as he sways us across the floor.
“I believe I promised every dance with you, Reese’s Cup.”
Cradling me close, he sways us to the beat. I rest my head on his chest and relax, letting that connection run between us. After such a long day, I can’t help but close my eyes when he starts to hum along with the song. His warm vibrations tingle in my ear, sending goosebumps over my skin.
A song about love that can withstand any obstacle—a song about us.
When it’s time for the toast, I hurry back to my table, thankful I didn’t have to prepare a speech in front of everyone.
A waitress places a champagne flute by my plate and I wave at her, motioning for her to take it away.
“It’s ginger ale,” she says. “The bride made sure this is a dry wedding to respect the groom and his family.”
“Oh. In that case, thank you.”
Maya catches my attention from down the table, giving me a thumbs-up.
Julia takes the stage first, a blubbering mess as she tries to get out a speech about friendship, love, and how book boyfriends can exist in real life.
Of course, my eyes stray to Tris at my side as his arm slides over the back of my chair, the subtle way he always needs to touch me. He leans in to whisper in my ear, “This applies to audiobook boyfriends too.”
I grin.It sure does.
Tristen is up next, no index cards needed. He reveals an embarrassing story of Des’s terrible date the night he met his future wife. Meanwhile my brother buries his head in his hands, his ears red on the tips. Then Tristen pivots, comparingit to his first date with Maya and how Des had called him that evening to say he knew he was going to marry this girl.
“So everyone raise your glass to the newlyweds, Desmond and Maya. To no more first dates and a lifetime of happiness.” He lifts his glass high in the air and the rest of us follow suit. “Now, before I give you back the mic, I want to say one last thing. A month ago, I called a truce with Rocosa’s sexiest mechanic?—”
“No, I didn’t,” Lewis yells over top of Tristen, and the crowd breaks out into peals of laughter.
