Theo rocks on his feet, smiling nervously.
“She’ll be here,” I say to encourage him.
He scratches his jaw, chuckling. “She better.”
I glance at Ian, who sits in the front row, grinning at me and capturing all my attention. He looks stunning in his gray suit, which molds perfectly to his mouthwatering physique. The yellow handkerchief in his jacket pocket matches my long, ruffled pale-yellow dress.
Soft music begins to play, and my best friend walks down the aisle with her father at her side.
She reaches Theo, both having eyes only for the other. Witnessing the love between them, it’s hard to keep my emotions in check.
I swipe at the corners of my eyes as subtly as I can as they recite their personalized vows.
The officiant pronounces them husband and wife, and cheers erupt as Theo cups her face and smacks her lips.
After I congratulate them, I walk to Ian.
His hand lifts, but it drops immediately, remembering we’re in public. His jaw ticks, and I hate it when something upsets my man. I look around. Noticing the attention is all on the happy couple as it should be, I take his hand in mine briefly. I squeeze it, mouthing, “I love you.”
We’re so lost in the other, we’re the last in the room. Everyone has surely gone to the ballroom where the reception is being held.
Ian kisses me lightly and I dab at his lips that glisten with my gloss to remove it.
Holding hands stealthily, we part a few inches the moment we walk inside the ballroom. It looks spectacular.
Flowers and tall candles decorate the tables, and a crystal chandelier drips from the ceiling. A candy bar sprawls in one corner, and the DJ plays his set at the opposite one.
“Wow,” I mouth to Kat, who smiles brightly as if in competition with the sun.
At a round table, Ian is quickly engaged in conversation as everyone wants to know more about him.
He mouths, “I have this,” and I walk over to my best friend.
“Do you need anything?”
She looks around. “I want this day to be over and not over.”
A fond smile arches the corners of my mouth. “That sounds like you.”
Theo comes over, and he wraps his arm around Kat’s waist, gazing at her adoringly.
“Sorry, but I have to take my wife for our first dance.”
“Is it normal to like the sound of that word so much?” she asks, wearing a smitten look.
I hug them quickly, overjoyed for them, and say, “Go enjoy your moment.”
I watch them for a few seconds when someone stops next to me.
“Hi, Lilliana.”
The hairs on my nape stand up as I whip my head to see him. My ex.
“Hi, Nick.”
I didn’t even think that he might be here, but he works with Theo. That’s how we met.
He rakes his eyes over me as if undressing me and a shudder rolls down my back.
