In the gardens, we pose in small and large groups with the happy couple.After what feels like hundreds of pictures, my phone goes off again.
Grumpy Baller: I’m taking all of them.
By the time we get back from photos, the reception is bursting with guests.Every surface is covered in flowers with soft lights strung up in the vaulted ceiling of the hallway.The wedding party and the newlyweds are announced and seated at the head table.
The MC, Harlan’s best man, runs through opening comments plus a few jokes about him that have everyone cracking up before he introduces Chloe.
She rises and goes to the front.With a smile as genuine as it is easy, she talks about how they met and bonded.We’re all drawn in.Not a person in the crowd isn’t captivated, including the players.Jay’s leaning in, elbows on the table and brows pulled together as if you couldn’t pry him away for anything.
“And I hope we’ll have so many adventures and stories.For someone who already has those, I want to turn it over to Mari’s sister, Nova.”
My throat swells.
I rise from my seat and head to the podium.
“Sorry to put you on the spot,” she whispers.“Mari thought you wouldn’t mind.”
I stare out at the crowd and at my sister.Mari’s smiling my way, and my chest expands.
“I honestly wasn’t expecting to do this.It’s like winning an Oscar and not having planned your speech.”
There are a few chuckles.
Clay catches my eye and nods.
“Siblings are people who have to love us no matter what.There were a few times over the years I would’ve walked away if we weren’t blood.”A few more chuckles sound through the audience.“But Mari never did.I always wanted to be like my big sister, and now I see I can’t be like her.But I can be there for her.I can only hope that one day we’re all as lucky as you both are.”
Mari’s eyes are damp as she reaches for Harlan’s hand.
I raise my glass.“To love that finds us when we need it, not when we’re looking.May your hearts always surprise you in the best ways.”
Everyone repeats and clinks their glasses.
I take a sip, the bubbles dancing down my throat.I feel Clay’s eyes on me the entire time.
“That was really good,” Brooke says, hooking an arm around me when Harlan and Mari go for their first dance.
We watch them twirl slowly on the floor.
“You going to do that someday?”I ask.
“Get married?Never.”
I laugh.“What if you find the right person?”
“No such guy.It’s better to live your life on your own terms.”
I’m in line for the powder room when I read the email again.
“Thank you for everything.”My attention snaps up and I see Harlan emerge.
“My pleasure.It’s been a beautiful day.”
His brows draw together as he takes in my expression.“Everything okay?”
I nod and tell him about the email from my boss.
“That’s good,” he prompts.
