Sophie walked down the aisle with Mac, in her maid of honor dress, emerald green that complemented her dark hair. She looked stunning and confident, catching Rachel's eye and giving her a quick wink as she passed.
30
Mac
Mac escorted Sophie to her position at the altar, across from where the groomsmen stood. Jamie shot him a subtle thumbs-up,still no sign of Matthews, and some of the tension left his shoulders.
He returned to his position beside Cole, who was visibly sweating despite the cool church air.
"You okay?" Mac murmured.
"My mouth is completely dry. Is that normal?" Cole barely breathed the words.
"Totally normal. Just breathe."
The music changed, the wedding march.
The entire congregation stood with a collective rustle of fabric and programs.
Cole made a small, strangled sound. "Oh God. This is happening. This is actually hap—"
And then Ellie appeared at the back of the church.
Mac watched his best friend's face completely transform. Every ounce of nervousness evaporated, replaced by pure love and awe.
"She's perfect," Cole whispered, his voice breaking.
"Yeah, man. She is."
Ellie walked down the aisle on her father's arm. Her dress was simple but elegant, white lace with delicate beading that caught the light. Her amber hair was swept up, a few curls framing her face. She was radiant, glowing.
But Mac's eyes drifted to Rachel in the second row.
She was watching the bride with this expression Mac had never seen before, not guarded, not careful, just... open. Like she'd forgotten to protect herself for a moment. And Mac thought: This, I want her to look like this all the time.
The thought should have terrified him. Instead, it felt like coming home.
Ellie reached the altar. Her father, placed Ellie's hand in Cole's, kissed her cheek, and stepped back.
"Hi," Cole whispered to Ellie.
"Hi," she whispered back, smiling through tears. "You okay?"
"Perfect. You're perfect."
Pastor Williams stepped forward, an older man with kind eyes who'd married half the couples in Evergreen Cove over the past thirty years. He had that comfortable, grandfatherly presence that immediately put everyone at ease.
"Dearly beloved," Pastor Williams began, "we are gathered here today to witness the union of Cole Hansen and Ellie Winters in holy matrimony."
Mac tried to focus on the words. Love, commitment, and a sacred bond. The significance of two people choosing each other.
But part of his attention stayed on the church doors; still closed, still quiet.
Maybe they really were safe.
And part of his attention stayed on Rachel, who was dabbing at her eyes with a tissue.
Mac wondered if she was thinking about her own engagement party. Wondered if weddings scared her now, if public commitments felt dangerous.
