“Of course, take your time,” Stacey says, and then notices Alexander and the local security guy as Rob heads over to join them.
“Do you want to head in and take a seat?” she asks.
“We’re not staying, ma’am,” Rob says, nodding to the local security. The security guard walks away as Rob turns back at me. “Good job up there, by the way. It’s not often I’m impressed.” He nudges my arm.
“Thanks,” I say, unable to look at him. My eyes are beginning to water.
“Actually, Rob,” Alexander says, “I’d like to stay and watch just for a few minutes from the back, out of sight. If that’s okay? Before I head back up and finish the song.” He turns his attention to me.
“I can’t see why not, let me double check,” I say, and step forward to Kelly.
“Kel, can Alex watch from the back for a bit?”
“Sure,” she says, turning to him. “As long as you don’t try upstaging me.”
Kelly laughs as a smile appears across Alexander’s face. Sheturns to let Nicole pull the veil over her face, while Kate adjusts her train.
“Everyone ready?” Stacey asks, looking around.
Collective nods occur as the photographer for the wedding steps out from inside the room. Kelly asks him to take one picture before she grabs the camera to take one last look. She passes it back and adjusts her dress slightly.
“Ready as I’ll ever be.” Kelly nods at Stacey as the photographer slides back into the room.
“Right, bridesmaids, assume your positions please,” Stacey says.
Nicole passes Kelly her bouquet before she and Kate raise their white and lilac rose bouquets in front of them.
The doors to the Empire Room open, and Kate and Nicole take it in turns to walk up the aisle, leaving Kelly and me alone with Alexander, Rob, and Stacey.
“This is it,” I say, grabbing Kelly’s hands.
“Thank you,” she says, shaking them.
“For what?” I try to meet her eyes through her veil.
“For being my brother. For sticking up for me today with mum. For stepping in and walking me down the aisle. For always being there for me when I need you, even if you do live on the other side of the world. For being the best big brother a sister could ever wish for.” She squeezes my hand tightly as a lump forms in my throat.
“Jesus, Kel.” I let go to wipe away a tear. “You save this till now, to tell me that.”
“Here you go.” Stacey steps forward with a tissue.
We’ve never been sentimental. Humor is our preferred form of communication. But I’d be lying to myself if Kelly’s words didn’t mean something much deeper. Something that I’ve been looking for in all the wrong places over the years.
“You’re lucky we’re heading in right now,” I say, dabbing myeyes with the tissue before sliding it in my pocket. “But don’t you worry, I’ll get you back in the speech. Mark my words.”
“We ready?” Stacy asks.
“Ready,” Kelly and I say, nodding in unison.
“Good luck you two,” Alexander says, approaching Kelly and leaning in to give her a hug.
“Hopefully I’ll be in your position next time, watching you two walk down the aisle.” Kelly snorts.
“Thank you,” I say to Alexander, as he turns to face me.
“No, thank you,” he says. He grabs my hands and quickly kisses me on the lips as Stacey turns away to the door.
I’m not exactly sure what he’s thanking me for, but Stacey steps back from the doors, which are now wide open, and the sound of Des’ree’sKissing Youstreams out. Kelly pulls on my arm.
