The tears I had been holding on to now flowed freely as Charlie locked eyes with Nathan and wiped her own tears from her cheeks. I glanced at him to see his normally harsh gaze completely soften, like he only had eyes for her.
Their vows were short and simple, but their love and determination shone through each word. I kept stealing glances at Harrison, only to find his eyes already on me each time.
After the ceremony, we moved into the oversized dining room that had been set with a beautiful tablescape full of candles and greenery. Because the wedding was such an intimate one, there was just one long table in the center of the room for us all to gather around.
I took my seat next to Harrison and leaned into him. He kissed my forehead and laid his arm around the back of my chair.
“Have I mentioned you look beautiful?” he asked, eyeing my forest-green tea length dress.
“Only about a dozen times,” I teased.
“You two are going to make my heart melt.” Oliver sat across from us, chin cradled in his hand as he openly stared.
Harrison snorted. “Has anyone ever told you you’re overbearing?”
“Is it even possible to be overbearing with friends?” he asked, picking up his glass of champagne and swigging the contents.
Harrison and I both looked at each other and laughed before saying, “Yes.”
“Oh, whatever.” Oliver rolled his eyes good naturedly. “You two are together for five minutes, and all of a sudden you don’t need me anymore.” But despite his words, I could feel his happiness for his best friend emanating from him.
Oliver pulled out his phone to check it before glancing back at the snowboard leaning on the wall behind him.
For most of the year, when he wasn’t teaching rock climbing or snowboarding lessons, Oliver worked at a sporting goods store. The three of us had driven up together, and I’d given him a weird look when I’d caught him putting a brand-new snowboard into the trunk of the car.
“I can’t believe you brought that to your brother’s wedding,” Harrison said, eyeing the brightly colored thing.
“It’s limited edition and it’s beautiful,” he argued. “Besides, my friend Giles lives over here and this was way easier than trying to ship the thing to him.”
“Whatever,” Harrison muttered.
“He’s out front,” Oliver said, setting his phone down. “I’ll be right back.”
“You better be back before your toast or Charlie will kill you,” I said, laughing.
Oliver saluted us and grabbed the board. It was comical, him dressed in his navy-blue suit for the wedding and carrying the snowboard under his arm.
“He truly is one of a kind,” I said as we watched him sneak out the front door.
“Truly,” Harrison said.
Harrison heldme around the waist as I reached up to wrap my hands around his neck. I’d kicked off my heels hours ago, so I had to dance on the balls of my feet to reach. Soft music drifted out from the speakers as a few couples moved across the dance floor, swaying to the music. Charlie and Nathan were in the center of it all, her head resting on his chest. Today had been magical, and I couldn’t be happier for my best friend.
“I’m glad I ended up with a plus one after all,” I said into Harrison’s chest.
He snorted and pulled back to look at me. “Hopefully you’re happy about more than just that.”
I pursed my lips and pretended to think about it for a minute. “Nope. That’s it, really. We can go back to how things used to be between the two of us once this is over.”
A smile tugged at his lips as he gripped my waist tighter. “I’m glad you’re telling me now.”
“I didn’t want to wait any longer and risk you getting your heart broken.”
He pinched my side and I let out a burst of laughter.
“I think we both know it’s way too late for that.”
After a few more seconds Harrison said, “Speaking of after this... I was going to ask you what your plans are for Christmas.”
