Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 77120 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77120 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 386(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
I’m not normally one to dwell on casual flings, but this was different. It felt different.
Does she feel it too?
I force my gaze away from Tabitha to watch as Angie reaches Jason at the altar. He looks at her with such adoration that it makes my heart ache.
The officiant begins.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Angela Daphne Simpson and Jason Alexander Lansing in holy matrimony. This is a day of great joy and reverence…”
I try to focus on the ceremony, but my mind keeps drifting back to Tabitha. She’s standing just a few feet away from me, her eyes shimmering in the warm sunlight.
Angie and Jason exchange vows that they’ve written themselves. Her voice wavers as she speaks about their love story, about what they’ve been through in such a short time.
Jason’s vows in return are heartfelt and charming. He talks about how he never thought he’d be happy again but now is beyond his wildest dreams. There’s an honesty in his words that resonates with everyone.
As they exchange rings, a sudden tinge of envy spikes into me. Not for their marital status, but for what they’ve found in each other—a sense of complete understanding and acceptance.
“And now, by the power vested in me,” the officiant says, “I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
The crowd erupts into applause as Jason and Angie share their first kiss as a married couple. It’s a beautiful moment, one that causes my heart to momentarily swell with happiness for them.
As they walk back down the aisle together, Angie catches my eye and gives me a knowing smile. I return it with a nod, mentally wishing her nothing but the best.
Sage is next, as maid of honor, and I offer my arm to my sister. Tabitha will be bringing up the rear, and I long to look over my shoulder, meet her gaze.
But I look straight ahead, and I smile.
And for maybe the first time since the incident, I feel like my smile is genuine.
It’s for Angie and Jason, their love, their marriage.
I’m happy for my sister and for Jason, who have both been through so much in their short lives.
Sage and I take our places in the receiving line, and the other bridesmaids are the first to come through before my parents join us.
They hug and cry over Angie, and they all hug Jason and me as well.
Until Tabitha gets to me at the end of the line.
“Congratulations,” she says. “Jason will be a great brother-in-law.”
I haven’t heard of anyone ever offering congratulations to a best man or to a brother of the bride.
Maybe she doesn’t know what else to say to me.
Can’t blame her. I’ve treated her horribly. And right now? All I want to do is grab her, kiss her, bend her over, and fuck her, regardless of the fact that every member of my family is here.
“Thank you,” I reply, struggling to keep my voice steady. A lump forms in my throat, and I force myself to swallow it down.
She looks straight into my eyes, her gaze as intense as ever. And for a moment, electricity charges between us and makes my heart pound.
Then she breaks eye contact and moves on, leaving me standing there with a strange mix of emotions. The sight of her walking away is one I’ve become all too familiar with in the past few days.
After I’ve shaken what seems to be the billionth hand, the guests disperse to enjoy the cocktail hour before the reception.
My parents approach me. “You did great, son,” my father says with a proud smile.
Did great?
I’m not sure what he means.
Yeah, it took a lot to stand next to Jason and hand him the ring.
But then I realize…
He means I didn’t fall apart.
God, have I been that self-absorbed lately?
It hits me like a brick to the gut.
Yeah. I have been.
My mother gives me a warm hug, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Your sister looked so beautiful.”
“She did,” I reply, and I give my mom a smile.
She touches my cheek. “Henry?”
I nod. “It’s a real smile, Mom.”
“Maybe you needed a special event like this to remind you of what you still have, son,” Dad says.
I swallow. “Yeah. You’re right. It’s time for me to get over myself.”
“You take all the time you need, sweetie.” Mom gives me a quick kiss on my cheek. “Your father and I love you very much, and if there’s anything you need, we’re here.”
“I know that. I’ve always known that.”
“It pains me that I haven’t been able to help you,” Mom says.
“You’ve both been a huge help,” I say truthfully. “Mostly by letting me deal with this in my own time.”
“That’s all anyone can do,” Dad says.
I smile again. “I’m going to be okay. I know that now.”