Even now, on her brother and best friend’s wedding day, she felt little joy, just anxiety. Anxiety over finally seeing him and dammit why had she agreed to give this speech? She didn’t know what to say about love so she Googled it and cobbled together a basic-bitch mishmash of words that even she knew had no heart in it. But what was she going to do now? It was too late.
“Okay, I’m ready!” Christy crowed, getting up from the vanity in her room. Taylor and Justine turned and both gasped then sighed.
“Te ves hermosa,” Justine whispered, placing her hand to her chest, her eyes filling with tears.
“What she said,” Taylor laughed, holding out a hand to Christy and twirling her. Her blonde curls bounced on her shoulders, making the diamantes woven through her hair glitter in the light. Her dress was an off-the-shoulder, floor-length lace number, but the most amazing thing Christy wore was her smile which shone brighter than any accessory, and Taylor couldn’t help but return it.
Christy glowed, happiness bursting from her. It was infectious, even dispersing Taylor’s dark cloud. They hugged, gripping each other tightly. This was a huge moment in their friendship, the first to marry and start an actual adult life. Justine cradled her stomach when she stepped back and this time Taylor felt no pangs of sorrow, just supreme happiness for her friend. All was not lost for Taylor; Beau had got her seriously thinking about adoption and now she had a larger stake in the bar she had more stability. For the first time, there was hope for her becoming a parent.
“I love you both,” Christy said, smiling.
“We love you too,” Taylor squeezed her hand. “If you want to run though, we’ve got your back.”
Christy laughed. “And miss out on the rest of my life with that man? Are you kidding me?”
“Just checking,” Justine grinned.
After a pause, Christy’s head dipped and Taylor saw her playing with the ring on her right hand, her mom’s ring. “Can I have a moment?” she asked, her voice hesitant.
“Of course,” Taylor said gently. Both Christy’s parents had passed away so today must be extremely tough for her.
“I need to pee again,” Justine sighed and headed for the bathroom. Taylor stepped out onto the patio, needing some air. She smoothed her hands over her navy wrap dress before combing them through her hair, forgetting she also had diamantes woven throughout the tight coils and accidentally pulling one out. She cursed, throwing the stupid thing on the ground.
“What did that sparkly thing ever do to you?”
His rough voice was music to her ears. God, she missed hearing it. She spun around and there he was, leaning against the wall of the house, his arms folded over his chest.
“Hey you,” she whispered when she found her breath.
“Hey sweetheart.”
Those words did funny things to her insides, they clenched, caving in on themselves as she drank in the sight of him, looking all suave and panty-melting in his suit. Her gaze roved him until she met those eyes that curved so seductively at the edges, promising her all kinds of wicked delights that she knew he could definitely deliver.
“Don’t we scrub up well?” she joked to break the tension.
His eyes did their own leisurely stroll over her body. “My thoughts exactly.”
“I missed you.” It slipped out before she could stop it. Any anger she felt at him leaving town and ignoring her for the last month immediately evaporated the moment she saw him. She knew now how harmful grudges could be.
“I’m sorry about that, Tay. I needed the time to get my head straight. I’m all good now, though,” he said.
What did that mean? Does that mean he doesn’t love me anymore?Why did the thought of that suddenly make her feel like a knife had been plunged into her chest?
“How’s the bar?” he asked, changing the subject.
“Real good. I, uh, bought the other half. She’s officially all mine,” she said, sheepishly. His smile was a thing of beauty, stealing her breath.
“That’s amazing, Tay. I’m so damn proud of you.” A huge, goofy grin overtook her face, one to rival the brightness of Christy’s. He pulled her into a hug, his strong arms banded around her and she collapsed into them. So familiar and safe, like home. His scent, fresh and minty made a beeline for her, wrapping around her and dragging her down memory lane until her chest flooded with anguish and a longing she felt to the depths of her soul.
“Sounds like the guests are arriving, I better go. See you at the end of the aisle,” he joked, pulling away and then he was gone, leaving her to meltdown over that hug and those words. She knew he was kidding, it wasn’ttheirwedding but what if it was? What scared her was the fact that itdidn’tscare her. Holy shit, is that what she wanted?
Half an hour later she was walking down the aisle towards Dean who had an equally huge smile on his face, both dimples on full display. Beau, Blake and Will stood to one side and she could feel Beau’s eyes on her but she couldn’t meet them so she focused on Dean instead.
She hugged him. “Don’t you look so handsome? I love you, big bro,” she whispered.
“Dang it, Taylor. Don’t make me cry on my wedding day,” he grumbled before kissing her cheek. She chuckled and took her place, watching as Justine walked down the aisle, belly first, shoving out her tiny bump proudly for the world to see. Taylor laughed and shook her head as Justine took her place beside Taylor and they linked arms.
Then Christy was heading their way, glowing. She heard Dean’s sharp intake of breath when he saw her for the first time and Taylor’s eyes flicked to him. He was in awe, his face lit with love, pride and hope.
