Chapter 42: Chapter 42

AVERY

The modern castle where Josh and Madison are getting married is breathtaking, nestled on the outskirts of the city and surrounded by beautiful sprawling grounds. Olive and I make our way across the lush, manicured lawn to join the rest of the wedding party at the edge of the woods.

A towering white tent stands proudly before a makeshift aisle that leads into a small clearing. There’s a riot of flowers and greenery, creating the perfect backdrop for Madison’s fairytale ceremony.

Josh is engaged in a deep conversation with the wedding officiant while Madison is busy arranging the groomsmen when we arrive.

“Welcome, girls! Please join in,” she beckons, guiding Olive over beside Casey and nudging me toward Reed.

My heart swells at the sight of him.

He’s dressed in a pair of slim-fitting jeans and a plain black dress shirt, his sleeves rolled up to reveal tantalizing glimpses of his tanned forearms.

~What is it about men and rolled-up sleeves that’s so damn attractive?~

The pleading, puppy dog eyes he flashes me make me want to rush over and forgive him right away.

“Hello,” he says.

“Hi,” I respond, tucking my hair behind my ear.

The tension between us is awkward and uncomfortable, and I don’t know how to break through it. Reed leans over with a gentle smile.

“I don’t think anyone knows what’s going on around here. We’ve been shuffled around more than a deck of cards,” he chuckles.

The wedding officiant breaks away from Josh, clapping his hands together. “Okay! Now, if you’ll all move back there, we can get started.”

Reed winks at me as we file into the tent for the processional, joining the little flower girl and ring bearer already inside.

Madison and her father take position at the back behind her friends from home. Olive and Casey are in front of them, preceded by another pair of their friends from Florida. Reed and I stand at the head of the line. Josh is outside at the end of the aisle, waiting with our mother for his bride-to-be.

The officiant surveys the order we’ve settled into, nods, and then pulls out his phone. The wedding march begins to play softly, low enough so that we can still hear instructions as they are called out.

“Best man and maid of honor, start walking.”

Reed and I exit the tent, following the tempo of the music and taking small steps to reach the end of the aisle in time. He squeezes my arm, giving me a soft smile before we split and take position on either side.

“Now, the second couple.”

I watch Reed as the next couple walks down the aisle, and he stares right back, his golden eyes hopeful.

“Next couple.”

Olive and Casey emerge, smiling at each other. I look away from Reed for a moment to watch them. The way they look at one another makes me think one day soon we’ll be doing this for them.

“And the last couple.”

Soon, a neat line of people is arranged at the end and all eyes turn to the tent as the flower girl and ring bearer make their way out. They both look nervous, their little heads cautiously swiveling around as they slowly make their way down the aisle. The officiant smiles at them.

“You guys are doing great. You’ll have a basket of flower petals to scatter along the aisle tomorrow, sweetheart, and you’ll have a pillow to hold the rings, okay? But let’s just pretend for today.”

They nod and take their places. The music swells.

“Okay. The guests will all stand as the bride comes out and is escorted down the aisle, so bride and father get ready to walk.”

Madison and her father leave the tent, coming to a stop right before the officiant and Josh.

“Dad, turn to your little girl and give her away.”

He does, joining our mother in the row of chairs at the front.

“Josh and Madison, you’ll hold hands as I do the opening remarks, followed by a quick reading. You’ll exchange vows and rings. Finally, I’ll pronounce you husband and wife, and Josh, you’ll kiss your bride. Then we’ll end with the recessional.”

The group laughs as Josh takes Madison’s hand and spins her around, dipping her and pretending to walk toward the castle. They’re giggling like teenagers before they return.

The officiant makes us run through the processional two more times before dismissing us. We make our way into the castle where a long table has been set for dinner. Reed takes the seat next to me.

After a few moments of tense silence, he sighs.

“Do you think you can ever forgive me?” he asks.

I meet his gaze. “Now really isn’t the time to discuss this, Reed.”

“You’re right. I’m sorry,” he says, sounding defeated as he turns his attention to his food.

***

After we finish, Josh stands up, raising his glass. The smile on his face is infectious.

“Well, everyone, we made it. Finally.”

A laugh ripples through the group, and Madison playfully smacks his arm.

“Tomorrow is the big day. So, please get a good night’s sleep tonight and rest all of your beautiful faces for the million photos we’ll be smiling for,” Josh continues. “Reed, I’m crashing at your place tonight. It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding,” he adds with a playful wink.

We toast to their coming nuptials.

Reed looks at me as he and Josh rise from the table like he wants to say something but thinks better of it. He rubs the back of his neck and gives me a weak smile that makes my heart ache.

~I hate seeing him like this.~

“See you tomorrow,” Reed says before shuffling after my brother.

REED

I’m helping Josh with his tie the next morning, unable to keep the smile off my face as he bounces with nervous energy.

“You ready for this?” I ask.

He smiles in the mirror. “Yes. I’ve waited for this day for a long time.”

I fall silent, fantasizing about Avery in a wedding dress, walking down the aisle toward me.

~One day. Hopefully.~

I sigh heavily.

Josh offers a confident grin. “Don’t worry, man. She’ll come around.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I know she loves you. Always has,” he says as he pats me on the back.

“What if I’ve fucked up so epically that she wants nothing to do with me anymore?”

“You haven’t,” Josh assures me. “Trust me. Believe in what you two have, and everything will work out.”