"That makes sense."
"And just so you know, both Tanner and Alyssa are completely aware of everything, and I'm pretty sure Alyssa gave her bridesmaids a heads-up as well just to be supportive."
"Okay," I say as he pulls into the restaurant's parking lot.
When we enter the front of the Sacred Plate, Tanner is there talking to a couple of other groomsmen.
"It's your knight in shining armor," he quips to Evrard, and I almost burst out laughing.
"She is definitely my savior today, that's for sure," my fake boyfriend says, looking at me in a way that makes my palms sweat.
"So, Joelle, Alyssa said you can go hang out with her and the bridesmaids in the bridal suite. Does that work for you?"
"Sure."
Evrard turns to me and lightly touches the back of my arm.
"So you're good?"
I have to swallow hard before responding because, once again, his touch sends an electric thrill through my body.
"Yeah. I'm good. I'll see you on the main stage," I quip before following one of the groomsmen to the bridal suite.
Once inside, I'm handed a glass of champagne, and the women coo over my dress.
"Youare a lifesaver," Alyssa says, giving me a side squeeze.
"I'm happy to help. And I love weddings, so this will be fun for me."
Her maid of honor gasps as she peeks out the window.
"Oh, those flowers are gorgeous, Joelle!"
Alyssa runs over to see.
"So many tulip colors! Joelle, you outdid yourself," she says, turning to me and pulling me in for a hug.
5
Evrard
Standing beside my brother, I watch the bridesmaids walk down the aisle in their slate blue dresses, with Kathy, the maid of honor, following behind in a dusty rose gown. The bridal processional starts, and our guests stand as Alyssa sweeps into view. I peek over at my brother, seeing him tear up.
"She looks gorgeous, man," I whisper, and he grins as he watches his bride make her way down the aisle.
Their ceremony isn't long, but it's also not short. And throughout, I can't help but check on Joelle in the audience. Her graying auburn hair is in an updo, which shows off her long neck. She looks absolutely stunning in the teal-colored dress she's wearing, that was apparently her maid of honor dress at her sister's wedding. The weather outside is perfect, not a cloud in sight as my brother and his about-to-be wife say their vows.
I steal a glance over at Joelle again, who is dabbing the corners of her eyes. Wow, she really is a romantic. A drop-dead gorgeous romantic with curves in all the right places.
Cut that shit out, Evrard. Joelle's just here because she's helping you and enjoys weddings. She's just being nice.
When the ceremony ends, it is a whirlwind of photos with the bridal party. Soon, we're allowed to head into the restaurant as the married couple takes photos together. I find Joelle chatting with a few guests, a glass of rosé in hand. She looks lovely. I then spot my grandmother sitting at the family table near the front.
"Sorry. I'm just going to steal my date for a moment," I say to the guests as I sidle up next to Joelle.
She slides her arm through mine, which produces the now expected electric sizzle that her touch seems to give me. I swallow hard and say, "I figured I should introduce you to my grandmother before the party really gets started."
We walk over to the family table and I offer my hand to Grandma Blanche, helping her stand.
