Page 108 of More Than Just Friends

The musicians switched to playing another song, then a flurry of cheers sounded from behind me. When I turned around, I saw Max walking down the aisle in a light blue linen suit, with his best friend, who if I remember correctly was called Colton.

He took his place at the gazebo. Then a few minutes later, the cheers grew louder as Stella sashayed down the aisle with Sammie and Jasmine as her bridesmaids.

They all looked incredible. Stella had a long flowing white dress with an intricately embroidered veil, and Sammie and Jasmine were wearing pretty peach bridesmaids’ dresses.

The ceremony flew by in a flash and I admit that I may have shed a happy tear or two.

When Noah caught me welling up, he’d taken my hand, given it a squeeze, then leant over and planted a soft kiss on my cheek.

For a moment I wondered whether that could be us one day. The thought made my belly instantly flip and I warned it to calm down.

Although starting a relationship with Noah was now a possibility I was open to, thinking about us getting hitched was way too premature. Next thing you know, I’d be etching Ali and Noah Forever on the back of the chair.

As Stella and Max had glided back up the aisle, everyone jumped to their feet to congratulate them.

Multiple photographers took snaps of the happy couple, the guests and the surroundings. Then before we knew it, it was time to be seated for the reception.

When Noah pulled up the seat beside me, I smiled.

‘Thank you,’ I said, giving him a quick peck. Barely twenty-four hours ago, I was worried about anyone seeing us, now I couldn’t seem to keep my lips off him in public.

‘What for?’ he asked.

‘For being here. For being you. For always being so supportive and utterly amazing.’

‘Go on…’ he said as a ginormous smile spread across his face. ‘A guy could get used to all these compliments.’

‘And a guy could get a big head if I mention any more. But just for the record, I have a lot of things to compliment you on. Some are suitable for mentioning in public. Others not so much…’ I teased.

‘You’ll have to tell me all about those ones later.’ Noah’s smile widened, reaching all the way to his eyes. I loved the way it made his whole face light up when he smiled like that.

‘In all seriousness though,’ I continued. ‘I meant what I’d said. I’m so happy that it’s you I’m here with.’

Spending this special day with Noah had been magical. When I thought about the fact that I could’ve been with Adonis right now, a cold shiver shot down my spine.

Being with Noah was a zillion times better. I was so glad things had turned out the way they had.

After the speeches and a delicious five-course gourmet meal, the DJ declared that the dance floor was open.

Noah and I shook a leg before we went to watch the photographer take sunset photos of Stella and Max.

The terrace was now decorated with strings of fairy lights and it looked even more romantic.

Jake performed three of his biggest hits for the guests and I was blown away by his voice.

You could’ve knocked me over with a feather when there was a tap on my shoulder and I turned around to find Halle standing there with her rock star boyfriend.

‘H-hi!’ I stuttered, my voice going squeaky.

‘Hey,’ Noah said, first to Halle then to Jake before holding out his hand for him to shake. ‘Loved your performance.’

‘Thanks, man!’ Jake ignored his hand and pulled Noah into a bear hug instead.

‘This is Alicia and her boyfriend, Noah,’ Halle added.

Hearing Noah being called my boyfriend instead of my best friend sounded weird. But good weird.

‘It’s so lovely to meet you,’ I said, finally recovering the ability to string a coherent sentence together.