CHAPTER 22

KYLE

Christmas Eve - The Reception

The soft hum of voices mingles with laughter as the elegantly draped tent on the outskirts of town fills with honoured guests, most of which are family and close friends. Snowflakes flutter against the clear panels lining the tent, illuminated by strings of fairy lights. It's the kind of thing you'd expect in a romance movie-not the place I imagined myself just a few short weeks ago.

The MC's voice booms through the speakers as he garners the crowd's attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. As you all know, we're here to celebrate Penny and Chase. Tonight, we commemorate their love and a little Christmas magic. Please take your seats, and dinner will be served shortly."

The musicians-the ones Julia and I met after the evening at the pub-scrub up nicely, dressed to impress on a platform intended for their band. Their harmony rises in tempo, singing the first song of the night in their own folk-inspired way. It suits the venue, and the rustic vibe, just as we'd hoped.

I watch her from across the table, her laughter light, yet distant. Though her smile doesn't reach her eyes-not like it used to. It's like she's holding something back, and maybe that's my fault. Maybe I'm asking for too much too soon.

The way she brushes her fingers against her glass, the way she tilts her head when Penny speaks-it all feels like a reminder of what I could lose if I push her any harder. Yet, even with the distance between us, I can't stop hoping. Hoping that tonight will be the night she lets me in, even just a little.

She hasn't spoken to me since the ceremony. Not really, anyway. We exchanged a few glances, some fleeting touches, as we passed one another during photos. But there's a barrier between us now that she appears determined to keep in place.

Dinner is served-an exquisite three-course meal, complete with rich mushroom risotto, roasted seasonal vegetables, and herb-crusted lamb. The caterers we met with quickly stop by the bridal table to check in.

"How's everything tasting?"

"Perfect," Penny says, raising her glass to toast the team. "You've outdone yourselves."

The chef beams, thanks the bride and groom, and heads back out of the tent, to the kitchen in the main house. I glance at Julia again. I watch her laugh at something Chase says, the sound light but guarded, like she's keeping a piece of herself hidden. It's a laugh I've heard countless times over the years, but tonight, it feels different-like it's not meant for me anymore. And yet, I can't stop thinking about the way she looked at me during the photos, her lips parting, wanting to speak but didn't. It's maddening, this push and pull between us, but I can't walk away. Not now.

The MC draws everyone's attention to the front. "Alright, folks, it's time for a few words. Let's kick things off with the best man, Kyle!"

A round of applause ripples through the tent as I stand, heart pounding. With my line of work, I've given my fair share of speeches over the years, but this isn't another corporate project. This one is different. It's personal.

I clear my throat and grab the edge of the lectern, scanning the crowd. "Penny and Chase, where do I even start?" My gaze shifts to Chase, who's smirking like he knows exactly what's coming. "Chase and I have been through a lot together. He's my brother, but what you probably don't know is he's so much more than that. Chase, you're truly the best friend I've ever had - since the day I was born, you've always been there. And as his best friend, it's my duty to remind Penny exactly what she's signed up for." Laughter erupts, and I know I'm doing okay so far. "Chase has many talents. He's a skilled carpenter, a great cook, a loyal friend, and an even better brother. But let me tell you-he's the worst singer you'll ever meet. Penny, if you ever need earplugs, I've got you covered." The laughter grows, then quiets as my expression changes. "In all seriousness, Chase, I've never seen you as happy as you are when you're with Penny. She brings out the best in you. And Penny, while your path to Chase might have been thrown a curveball or two, you're here now. You're not just my brother's wife-you're family now. The way you two love each other is something most people can only dream about. So, here's to a lifetime of love, happiness, laughter, and singing off-key."

I raise my glass. The crowd follows, and their cheers fill the room.

Next is Julia's turn. She rises gracefully, clutching her notes, though she doesn't really need them.

"Penny and I have been friends for... well, let's just say, a lot of years. And if there's one thing I've learned about her, it's that she never does anything halfway. Whether it's her job, or planning the perfect party, or falling head over heels in love, she gives it her all. And Chase... well, let's just say, you're the only guy I've ever seen who can keep up with her, and who deserves her." The crowd chuckles as Penny playfully rolls her eyes. "But seriously," Julia continues, softening her tone. "What you two have is something so very special. It's the kind of love that makes everyone around you believe in happy endings. Chase, thank you for making Penny laugh the way she does when she's with you. And Penny, thank you for reminding us all that love is worth fighting for."

Her voice wavers at the last line, and for a second, I think she's looking at me. But the moment passes.

Finally, Chase stands, delivering a heartfelt speech to his new wife. His voice is steady and brims with emotion. "Penny, you're my everything. You've shown me what it means to truly love someone, to build a life together filled with joy, trust, and adventure. You've made every day brighter just by being you."

He raises his glass, and the room erupts in cheers. "There's one more thing I'd like to say before we take the dance floor by storm," Chase says, interrupting the crowd. "Julia and Kyle deserve a special shout out. Not only did they pull off the most incredible wedding we could've dreamed of, but they managed to work together without killing each other-a Christmas miracle if I've ever seen one." The crowd laughs, and Chase smirks, raising his glass. "In all seriousness, though, you two are an unstoppable team. Here's to hoping you keep making magic together."

His gaze lingers on me and Julia, smirking before turning back to Penny. My chest tightens, wondering if he knows-or if he's just taking a lucky guess.

The band begins playing as the bride and groom take to the dance floor for their first dance. The song is soft and intimate-a unique piece written just for them on this day. Penny rests her head against Chase's shoulder as if listening for his heartbeat. Her gown sways gracefully as he sweeps her across the floor. The moment is so perfect, nothing can ruin it.

Nearing the end of the song, the MC introduces the rest of the wedding party, joining them in a slow waltz. I search for Julia, holding out my hand when I find her. She hesitates for a second before accepting it.

The music swells, and I pull her closer, feeling the warmth of her body against mine as the beat vibrates through the floor. Her hand trembles and her gaze meets mine, steady yet undiscernible.

"You look beautiful tonight, Jules."

She blushes. "Thanks Kyle. You look quite handsome yourself."

A faint tremor runs through her fingers as her hand rests on my shoulder. My hand tightens around her waist, not pulling her in, but a simple gesture to let her know I'm there. The soft fabric of her dress brushes against my hand, and it takes everything in me not to trace the curve of her back.

"Julia," I say, my voice wavering. Her eyes meet mine, wide with uncertainty, and for a moment, I think about stopping. About holding it all in, just to keep from scaring her away. But I can't. Not anymore. "Jules, I think I'm falling for you." I hold my breath, waiting for her to respond, before continuing. "I needed to tell you, even if you don't feel the same."

Her eyes widen, and lips part, but nothing comes out. As I wait for her reply, the music softens, and the crowd becomes a hazy blur.

Julia's eyes flutter shut, and then open again, revealing a look of surprise, confusion, and something else I can't quite pinpoint. Her lips seal together, and she looks down, snapping the fragile link that held us together.

"Kyle..." she whispers, and her gaze shifts to the floor before finding mine again. For a moment, I think she's about to pull away, but her grip tightens instead. "I'm not good at this-at letting someone in," she whispers. The battle waging within her is obvious. The fear of vulnerability versus the tiny spark of something more. I want to tell her it's okay, that I'll wait as long as it takes, but I stay quiet, letting her work through it. Her lips press into a thin line, fidgeting with the hem of her dress. "But you... you make me want to try."

Her words are fragile, but they tether me to a hope I can't let go of.

I nod, and my thumb brushes over the curve of her waist. "I don't want to push you into anything you're not ready for. But I couldn't let tonight end without telling you the truth. You deserve that much."

She swallows hard; her gaze flickering to my lips before darting away again. "I just... I need time. I don't know how to let myself feel what I think I might already feel for you."

Her words are a lifeline-fragile, but enough to keep hope alive. I lean in, lowering my voice. "Take all the time you need, Jules. I'm not going anywhere."

As the final notes fade, we separate, the shared moment dissolving amidst the rising applause. Her hands linger at her sides, as if she's unsure whether to reach for me or pull away completely.

"I'll see you later," she says then disappears into the crowd.

As she disappears into the crowd, her words replay in my mind, fragile but full of possibility. She's not ready to let me in completely-but tonight, she cracked the door open. And that's more than enough to keep me waiting.