“A toast!” The maid of honor popped the cork on a bottle, and some spilled out before she started filling glasses.
She handed a glass to Allie and one to me. Allie gulped some down, and it was only then I realized that she didn’t seem her calm, fun-loving self.
“Whoa there.” I laughed. “Does someone have some wedding-day jitters?” I teased, mostly because I could tell she was tense, even if she was trying not to let it show.
“Not about marrying Kit, but…” Allie glanced around then whispered, “I’m kind of rethinking my decision not to elope.”
I nudged her, careful not to spill the remaining liquid in her flute. “What happened to the confident woman who gave Brooke a pep talk last night?”
“I—” Allie swallowed. “I know it seems silly to be nervous about walking down the aisle, but I am.”
“It’s completely normal,” I said, rushing to reassure her. “And I’m pretty sure you’ll feel much calmer as soon as you see Kit.”
She nodded. “You’re right. I’m sure you’re right.” She blew out a breath, her shoulders relaxing. “I’m so glad you’re my big sister.” She leaned her head on my shoulder.
I wrapped my arm around her. “Me too, Al. Me too.”
The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of champagne and laughter. At least until Allie gave each of us a necklace made with a freshwater teardrop pearl. She thanked each of us for the role we’d played in her life, and by the end, everyone was trying not to cry.
After a quick makeup refresh, I escorted Allie down to a small courtyard where she and Kit would share a private “first look” before she walked down the aisle. I fluffed her train, settling the hem of her dress so it laid just right. It was a simple but elegant strapless dress with a mermaid silhouette. The cathedral veil really gave it a dramatic flair.
She was a beautiful bride, and I wanted her to have that picture-perfect moment with her husband-to-be. When I glanced up at her, I realized that she was no longer my annoyingly lovable baby sister but a strong, independent, beautiful woman. I sniffled, quickly swiping away a tear.
“Bryn?” Allie peered down at me. “Are you okay?”
I stood, taking her hands in mine. “Yeah. I’m just—” I smiled wistfully. “I think I’m only just now realizing how grown-up you are.”
She laughed, wiping away a tear of her own. I gave her hand a quick squeeze, then ducked back to the bridal suite to grab my bouquet and let Allie and Kit enjoy a moment alone together.
Before I knew it, it was time to walk down the aisle. The guests were seated facing the ocean—all azure waters and a white sandy beach. Large candles in hurricane glasses dotted the aisle along with bundles of baby’s breath. Music floated on the salty air, the string quartet playing something that sounded like a rendition of a Sabrina Carpenter song.
Kit and the officiant took their places, along with the groomsmen. The floral arch was covered in more baby’s breath, and it looked ethereal and romantic. I waited my turn, taking a deep breath when the wedding planner indicated it was time.
I proceeded up the aisle, searching for Frasier in the crowd. I spied him quickly, drinking him in, feeling anchored and centered. He wore a creamy linen suit that showed off his athlete’s physique—broad shoulders, tapered waist, powerful thighs. And now I knew what he looked like beneath his suit. My cheeks heated, and I dipped my head briefly, biting back a smile as I took my place beside the floral arch.
When I lifted my head once more, our eyes met instantly, and Frasier placed his hand over his heart. Then he tapped twice. My smile broadened as I was filled with gratitude and relief. He was checking in, as always. I tapped the stem of my bouquet twice in answer. His shoulders relaxed, and something inside me did too.
Brooke flounced in, tossing rose petals like she had an endless supply. The guests gushed over her, and we all tried not to laugh too hard when she ran out midway up the aisle and then charged toward her dad. He scooped her up, making her giggle before tucking her into his side.
The song changed, shifting to something even slower and more romantic. And then my sister was standing at the end of the aisle, my parents flanking her. It made me think of my own wedding day.
But when everyone stood and turned to watch her procession, I couldn’t stop looking at Frasier. Couldn’t stop thinking about this enormous shift that had occurred in our relationship, altering it so fundamentally in such a short time. It wasn’t just our relationship, though; it was a shift in my way of thinking.
Allie’s question about getting married again, as well as my response, had shown me just how much had changed. How muchIwanted to change.
I thought about what Meghan Hart and Penelope Glass had written in my signed copy of their latest book.
The best love stories have no end. Here’s to your happily ever after.
I still loved Derek; I would always love Derek. But that didn’t mean I couldn’t make room for love in my life again. Just because that chapter of my life had ended differently than I’d hoped or expected didn’t mean my story was done. Over.
My gaze landed on Frasier, and that was when I saw it. A gorgeous, bright-orange butterfly was hovering just above his head. I blinked a few times, positive I was imagining it. But then several other guests around him seemed to spot the beautiful creature, pointing at it and whispering.
Everyone else soon turned their attention to Allie, watching her progress down the aisle. But I couldn’t look away from Frasier. Especially not when the butterfly fluttered down, landing on Frasier’s lapel, just over his heart.
Frasier stilled, looking down at the delicate creature before carefully lifting his head to meet my gaze. His eyes were glassy,because he knewwhat butterflies meant to me. He knew that they represented Derek to me.
And it felt like a sign. Almost as if Derek were giving his permission for Frasier and me to be together. I dabbed at the corner of my eye, hoping everyone would chalk it up to the emotions of the day. But of all the people here, I knew only Frasier would understand the true reason for my tears or what they signified.
