“Bear!” I hear Kayla yell. She looks panicked—standing up on the stage and frantically waving me over with her bouquet.
“What the hell?” Aaron says and we run over.
“What happened? Where is Fe?” I ask—looking around for my best friend.
“ThankGodyou’re here. I really need you to hold this.” She shoves her bouquet in my hands, and too late do I realize what she’s done. She grabs the mic off the DJ stand. “Winner of the bouquet toss—Benjamin Dickinson!”
Everyone’s cheering and I’m just staring at the fucking lilies like an idiot. Slowly I look back up at Kayla and match her evil little grin.
“You little snake. Thank your lucky stars it’s your big day or we’d be cat-fighting so hard right now.” She snickers, crouching down to be eye level with me.
“It wasn’t my idea, Bear.” She points to Felix who is across the dance floor—slow-dancing with Tina.
“That motherfucker.” I laugh. It’s only then that I look up at Aaron. He’s been staring at me the entire time. I can always feel his eyes on me—a caress—a heavy hand. He seems to be assessing me, gauging my emotions. I grin up at him and hand him the flowers. “Well—at least we know he definitely approves.” Aaron laughs, looking at the flowers then back to me, kissing the top of my head.
“Dance with me!” Kayla pulls my arm and sheisthe bride, so I shrug at Aaron and go with her. We dance to the now-upbeat music—Felix taking turns twerking on me and Kayla as we dance around in circles. Several of our friends are here and I swear I seeAmber sneak off with some girl—but it genuinely could just be a friend or relative.
I’m sweaty and panting when I try finding my way to some more of our friends—only to see Aaron at the bar with bridesmaid number two. Akawants my man. She’s touching his arm all flirty—leaning in and pushing her breasts toward him. Aaron is looking around the room, no doubt looking for me to come and save him. She is not giving up. So, I catch my breath and approach them. I run my fingers up his arm, brushing her off, then over his shoulder to the back of his neck.
“Hey, baby—I’m sorry I took so long. The hotel had occupancy issues but no worries, we’re good to go.” I’m grinning up at him all flirty and seductive—watching him smile right back as his arm slips around my waist. I turn to look at the woman next to us and jolt a bit. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t see you there. I’m Bear—Aaron’s boyfriend. And you are…?”
If looks could kill, this woman would be murdering me this very second.
“I’m Jess. Kayla’s cousin.”
“That’s fun.” I say—making it clear it’s not. “Can I help you with something?” She rolls her eyes at me.
“No, thanks. I’ll be leaving. Bye A—”
“No need to say goodbye—he doesn’t give a fuck.” Jess gasps and turns on her heel, stomping away. Before I can turn back to him Aaron’s at my ear—biting my earlobe and licking at me.
“That was so hot, Benjamin.” He whispers against my skin—but it sounds more like a moan. I turn my head to look at him, to see the proud smile he’s wearing.
“She had her hands where they shouldn’t be.” Aaron wraps both arms around me, staring me in the eyes as his smile deepens.
“That’s right, baby. I’ll hold your dick for you while you beat her ass.” I burst out laughing, shaking my head at him.
“That isnothow that saying goes.” He shrugs—kissing my cheeks—then my mouth. Slowly, like he’s learning me all over again, poking harshly at the ball on my tongue—causingthe bar to slide. “Aaron.” I warn, leaning away from him. But he just follows me forward so I’m literally bending backwards to keep his mouth off of me while his arms stay locked around me.
“Speeches!” Someone yells and I release a breath—glaring at my hot—horny boyfriend who just keeps grinning.
The wedding party all sits at one big table facing all the guests and I watch as Jess realizes I’m in it as well—grinning at her as I sit. Kayla’s sister gives a long tear-jerking speech that has me reaching for tissues. I wish I had a sister growing up—they seem so close—so bonded. Then, it’s Aaron’s turn. He stands with his cup and clears his throat.
“Well—I’m the big brother.” Laughter from the audience. “Felix has always been my shadow. Wherever I went—he went. Whatever I did—he did. We never had a typical brother relationship; we always wanted the other around.” I can hear the emotion as it enters his voice as he turns to look at Fe. “I’ve watched you grow, looking so much like me yet nothing alike at all. You’re incredibly intelligent and I have spent most of my life right by your side. I’m having a hard time giving you away. But—lucky for lovely Kayla—I adore her so I’m willing to try.” More people laugh—but he’s serious. “Fe—you will always be my little brother. I’ll always want to shrink you and carry you around in my pocket—to be there for every choice—every event. But you’re an adult now and you’ve got yourself the perfect bride. Kayla—the Archer family loves you. We’ve loved you for years. Thank you for completing the other half of my brother. I wish you both nothing but happiness.”
Felix is sobbing as he gets up to wrap himself around Aaron who is now also crying silently. Kayla is smiling up at the two of them with so much affection. I’m wiping my own tears as they embrace. When Aaron sits, I squeeze his thigh and he gives me a watery smile.
“You’re up.” He says and I take a deep breath before standing.
“Okay—hi everyone. I’m Bear, the best friend of 14 years. Only—I basically lived with him the entire time and even in collegewe shared the same bed.” There’s a bunch of gasping and laughing. “No, no—it’s true. One simply could not be without the other.” I grin at Felix as he stares up at me from his seat in the middle—eyes already watering again. “We basically lived inside each other’s skin—we were each other’s start and end of every day. I’ve never really had much family—and Felix—” I turn back to him. “Fe—you were the closest I ever got. I’m so happy for you. And I’m super excited to have a new shopping buddy. Kayla—I just want to remind youIwas given your number first.” I hold my hands up in defense and the crowd chuckles. “I’ll let it slide Fe—you can have her.” He rolls his eyes. “I’ll always be here for you both and I hope we always stay by each other’s sides—even if it’s no longer in the same bed.”
Felix has me in his arms so quickly I drop the mic—which just provokes more laughter. He’s squeezing me so tight I might choke—his tears warming my neck.
“I love you so much, Bear. No matter what. Through anything.”
My heart pinches as I hold him back and begin shedding my own tears. Now, time to reminisce on our youth with one of our favorite childhood pastimes.
“Hey Fe—care to make a bet?” He pulls back suddenly, a grin breaking out over his face. “Whoever loses has to kiss the other’s shoe.” Felix laughs—loud and full.
