"Luke," Mac gasped. "Can't breathe."
"Sorry! I'm just so happy for you!" Luke released them, grinning. "This is the best wedding ever. Cole and Ellie get married, you two finally admit you're in love, it's like a romantic comedy."
Tyler appeared, deadpan as always. "Congratulations. Try not to be too disgusting about it."
"Thanks, Tyler. That was heartfelt."
"I don't do heartfelt. You know that."
But Tyler was smiling, barely, but it was there.
Cole pulled Mac into a hug next, slapping his back. "Told you she loved you back.”
Sophie grabbed Rachel in a fierce hug. "I'm so proud of you!"
Sophie pulled back, wiping her eyes.
Ellie, still in her wedding dress, practically tackled them both. "This is the best wedding present ever! Love is everywhere today!"
"Ellie, this is your wedding day," Rachel protested. "We didn't mean to steal your spotlight."
"Are you kidding? This makes it even more perfect!" Ellie beamed at them, her face glowing.
The DJ invited everyone to come to the floor for a slow dance, and the dance floor filled.
Mac pulled Rachel close as the song started.
"I can't believe today happened," Rachel murmured against his chest.
"Which part? The beautiful wedding? The speeches? Us?"
"All of it." She pulled back slightly to look at him.
"I love you," Mac said, because he could now. Because she loved him back.
Rachel's lips curved into a smile. "You know, for a guy who rambles, you're getting awfully comfortable with those three words."
"Should I stop?"
"Don't you dare." She rested her head against his chest. "But if you say it twenty more times tonight, I'm going to start keeping a catalog."
"Challenge accepted."
Around them, the reception continued. Luke was attempting to teach Ellie's aunt how to do some complicated dance move. Jamie was talking to Sophie near the bar, or more accurately, watching her work while pretending to talk to other people. Coach Davies was dancing with his wife, both of them laughing at something.
The reception was winding down. It was almost 11 PM, the cake had been cut (chocolate raspberry, delicious), the bouquet had been tossed (caught by one of Ellie's cousins), the garter had been thrown (caught by Sanchez from the Eagles team, who immediately started planning his own wedding despite not having a girlfriend).
Mac was at the bar getting drinks when Jamie appeared beside him.
"Best wedding ever," Jamie said, his eyes drifting to where Sophie was managing the catering staff.
Before Mac could respond, the energy in the room shifted.
Subtle at first, conversations faltering. People turning toward the entrance.
Mac's stomach dropped before he even turned around.
Because he knew.
