The rehearsal was pretty straightforward, at least for the adults. The flower girl wasn’t so sure she wanted any part of it. Her parents, our cousins, were trying to bribe her, coaxing Brooke down the aisle as everyone else tried not to laugh. She was adorable, a precocious three-year-old with dark brown curls that bobbed with every step. To her, this was all just a game.
“Hey, Brookie.” Allie scooped her up, propping Brooke on her hip. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Me too.” Brooke wrapped her arms around Allie’s neck, and I smiled. “I like my big princess dress.”
“I’m glad. You’re going to look so pretty tomorrow,” Allie said. “I even got you a special crown to wear.”
Brooke peered up at my sister as if she were the fairy godmother herself. “Really?”
“Mm-hmm.” Allie nodded.
Brooke ducked her head. “But…can I still have it even if…?” She trailed off.
“Of course,” Allie said. “I’d love for you to walk down the aisle, but if you don’t feel up to it, that’s okay too. Okay?”
Brooke nodded. “I’ll thinking about it.”
“You do that,” Allie said, trying not to laugh. “But just know this. I think you’re very brave.”
Brooke shook her head then whispered, “I’m scared.”
“You know what?” Allie leaned in as if to share a secret. “I’m a little nervous too.”
Brooke peered at Allie, wide-eyed. “You are?”
I could understand being afraid. As much as I told myself I wanted to live life, when it came down to it, I was afraid. But if anyone made me feel safe to be brave enough to try, it was Frasier.
Frasier slid his hand along my waist. “You good?”
“Yeah.” I smiled. “Yeah. My sister’s going to be a good mom someday, if that’s what she wants.”
Frasier nodded, guiding me down the beach as we followed the rest of the party to where the staff had set up several tables for dinner. The sun was setting, and a canopy of lights provided a warm glow. It was beautiful and romantic.
“Have I mentioned how much I like this dress?” he asked, toying with one of the thin straps on my shoulder.
My lips curled into a smile. “Once or twice,” I teased. “I’ll have to tell Georgia. She helped me pick it out.”
“I’ll be sure to send her some flowers as a thank-you when we get back.”
I laughed, rolling my eyes. “Now you’re just being ridiculous.”
“I don’t know.” He leaned in. “Did Georgia pick your swimsuit from earlier? Because if so, I’m going to owe her a helluva lot more than flowers.”
I rolled my lips between my teeth, enjoying this flirtier, more assertive side to Frasier. My cheeks heated, and I wonderedhow it was possible to feel both calm and excited in someone’s presence.
Before I could answer Frasier’s question about my swimsuit, someone was clinking their fork against their glass. Kit stood, a huge smile on his face.
“Thank you all for coming to celebrate our wedding.” He held out his hand for Allie, and she stood, beaming at his side. “We know many of you traveled a long way to be here, and we appreciate it. I can remember the moment I knew I loved Allie. It was our first trip together, and honestly, it was a disaster.”
Allie started laughing, and I loved watching them interact. I loved the way Kit loved my sister. I might have had some reservations when they’d first started dating. Kit was twelve years older than Allie. He’d been married once before. But as I’d gotten to know him, I realized what a great fit he was for my sister.
As I listened to him tell the story and saw how happy Allie was, I couldn’t help but be delighted for them. Kit finished up by looking Allie in the eye and telling her how grateful he was to have met her. When they kissed, everyone was cheering, many of us wiping away tears.
And I realized that not only did I miss that, Iwantedthat—a partner.
I wanted what Allie and Kit had. What Derek and I had shared. And while I knew it wouldn’t be the same as what I’d had with Derek, I was okay with that. I was open to the possibilities.
Frasier placed his hand on my thigh, and when I looked at him, I was struck by the gentle expression on his face. On the way he was there—always. I smiled at him, grateful for this incredible man in my life. Even if nothing more came out of this trip than an amazing kiss. Even if we ultimately went back to just being friends, he’d shown me what was possible. He’d made me remember what it was like to be cherished.
