Before I can actually start crying and ruin her wedding, I flee the bride’s suite and head outside. The grounds are fluttering with activity as the final touches are put on for the wedding. Guests fill the chairs and are walking around the grounds. So many people are here now, it's easier to get lost in the crowd, which is my favorite thing to do.
A few distant family members stop and talk to me, but I genuinely don’t care. I keep looking around hoping to catch a glimpse of Sully. But of course I don’t because he’s off somewhere with Bailey, doing groomsmen things. One look at him would make my spiraling anxiety dampen just enough to get me through. After shaking hands with some more family, I make my way up to the front to take my seat. I close my eyes and take a deep breath of the warm breeze that blows over me.
When the music starts, I turn around to watch, but my eyes automatically seek out Sully. It’s easy to spot him at the back, towering over everyone, even the other football players. He’s smiling softly as he speaks with the maid of honor, her arm loosely wrapped around his. Last night I slept with that arm wrapped around me. Sully’s eyes catch mine and that’s when I feel it, that electricity that connects us to one another in some way I cannot explain. Soul knowing soul. Sully grins that bashfulsmile of his, before focusing back on the girl on his arm to finish their journey to the altar.
I keep my head turned to wait for Olivia, because I can’t let my gaze linger on Sully, or I’ll start crying, maybe do something stupid like stand up and declare my love for him. After days. What the hell is wrong with me? Olivia looks gorgeous in her gown, her arm looped around our father’s. I brush a tear from my cheek. Weddings always make me fucking cry.
I follow Olivia’s journey to the altar, smiling brightly when her gaze seeks out mine, before locking back on Bailey’s. The warmth of Sully’s gaze slides over me until I can’t help but find him behind Bailey.
Sully’s gaze is so intense, so needy, that my skin burns where it touches. The weight of his stare threatens to undo me. Just like at the rehearsal, we keep eye contact through the ceremony. I should feel like a shitty big brother, but I can’t tear my gaze from Sully. Can’t break whatever spell that’s over us.
Cheers erupt, and I shake myself to realize I missed the entire ceremony. Olivia and Bailey are still kissing, then Bailey lifts their joined hands. I stand and clap with everyone else so I don’t look suspicious. Just like the previous day, the crowd slowly leaves for cocktail hour, and I wait for Sully to find me in the empty rows of chairs.
Sully holds his hand out again, giving me the strangest deja vu of my life. “Be my date?”
“How many dates are we going to have?” I ask softly as I take his hand.
Sully’s smile is soft and bright. “As many as you’ll give me.”
I’m lost. So lost.
