She squeezed my arm and whispered, “I’m getting married.”
The first of our group to do so. (I wasn’t counting my marriage to Greg in this equation.) But probably not the last…
Off to the side, speaking in low tones together, Malachi and Jocelyn caught my eye. Malachi looked down at her with the same adoration Ben gave Molly.
“They should make it a double wedding and be done with it.” Betsy rolled her eyes.
Molly’s eyes rounded. “That’s the best idea ever.”
I tightened my grip on her arm. “Don’t rush them. And let’s focus on one bride for today, hmm?”
“Are we ready?” Molly and Ben’s pastor had taken a stand in front of the arbor.
My neck turned, and I scanned the area. Where was Drew? A few rows up front were occupied, but not by Drew. They didn’t hold a head of hair I’d been dreaming of running my fingers through for days now. No, from the looks of it, those were Molly’s and Ben’s parents.
I kept turning, waiting to be held in his ginger gaze. This was who I’d become. That woman who searched a room for her man. Waiting for the connection that could span the distance. Not that I needed him for strength, although he made me stronger. Or for comfort, although he eased my worries. No. I looked for him simply because I wanted to be with him.
Laughter boomed from behind me. I craned my neck even more, a pinch forming in my shoulder. Our gazes collided. The lines around his eyes softened. One lid lowered as the corner of his lip tilted up in a flirtatious wink. He clapped Ben on the back and sauntered toward me with a huge grin on his face.
I swallowed down my corresponding smile as Betsy and Molly walked away from me to congregate with the others by the pastor. Betsy had been right though. How much practice did one need to walk and stand still?
Drew’s grin turned a bit wolfish as he approached. A thrill shot down my spine. I’d always thought playing games was a waste of time.
I’d never been more wrong.
“Don’t you know weddings are a serious event?” I scowled up at Drew, using all my control to appear annoyed when I really wanted to laugh.
Drew’s cheek twitched. He knew what I was doing. Issuing a challenge. Wanting to play. “Oh yeah? And here I thought they were a happy occasion filled with joy.”
“Am I going to have to separate you two?” Molly asked with a teasing glint in her eye.
Drew captured my hand. “I’d like to see you try.” But he let me go after kissing my knuckles and took his place as best man next to Ben.
Molly led her entourage of bridesmaids to the beginning of the aisle, and we all practiced our slow walk to the front. I held my invisible bouquet out in front of me and took the first step forward. When a baritone voice starting singing, I faltered—both my step and my lips. I looked up and met Drew’s gaze. He added volume to his voice as he sang the lyrics toMake you Feel My Love.His exaggerated twang made the muscles in my face bunch.
Must. Not. Smile.
I continued my slow march, my eyes never leaving his. By the time I stood off to the side of the pastor, my cheeks hurt. I quirked a brow at him, silently asking,Is that all you’ve got?
“Is that part of the ceremony?” The pastor inquired, clearly confused.
Ben glared at Drew.
Drew held up a hand then pointed to me. “She started it.”
Ben assessed me. I kept my face neutral. Ben really only knew me as the zealous environmentalist. When given a choice between me or Drew starting shenanigans, Drew would be the clear culprit.
Obviously, Ben thought so as well. “Don’t blame Nicole. Now, be serious so we can get through this.”
Amanda walked down the aisle next. Drew stared at me. I stared back. Neither one of us paid attention to the mock ceremony.
You got me in trouble, he mouthed.
I shrugged my shoulder, feigning innocence.
His eyes surged, and I felt the warmth all the way down to my toes.
“Then I pronounce you husband and wife,” the pastor declared. “Should we go through it one more time?”
