That’s when I lean in, just enough so no one else hears.
“If you hurt her,” I say. “I will make you wish you stayed on the sidelines. Don’t test me.”
Jamie doesn’t flinch, but his brows furrow before he gives me a nod. “Understood.”
“Good.”
I release Tiff's hand and kiss her on the cheek. Then she turns to Jamie, who just looks at her for a second as though none of us exist and it’s just the two of them. I know that feeling well. I get it every time Honey is in close proximity.
“Hi,” he says quietly, his voice a little rough. “You look perfect.”
Her fingers curl tighter around his, her voice barely there.
“Hi,” she whispers. “I can’t believe we made it here.”
“I can. I was never going to give up on you, Tiff.”
I step back to take my place next to the best man, Thatcher “Asher” Hastings. The rich idiot a year below us at South Point Prep. Also, the guy who never shuts the fuck up.
“Touching,” Asher mutters under his breath as the officiant starts talking. “That was very alpha male of you. Really set the tone for the wedding.”
I ignore him, my eyes finding Honey across the aisle without meaning to. Who am I kidding? I always mean to find her.
She’s watching Tiff and Jamie, standing perfectly still with a smile on her face. Anyone watching would think she’s fine, but I can see the tension in her shoulders and how tightly she’s clutching onto that bouquet. She’s just as nervous as me but has too much pride to admit it.
Honeycomb, can’t you see? I never stopped waiting for you to come home.
“So,” Asher whispers. “Honey looks good. Real good. Makes sense you couldn’t hold on to her... and that she’s got a couple guys keeping her busy now.”
A couple?
My face must say it all because he lets out a quiet laugh. “Didn't you hear? She’s dating those hockey brothers. Yeah, she’s keeping herself busy these days.”
Do not engage. Do not engage.
Tiff and Jamie are holding hands, looking at each other with complete and utter adoration. That’s who I need to focus on, even if it sucks considering my current situation. It’s still better than giving Asher my full attention.
“I'm just saying, this must be peak torture for you. You standing up here, her standing over there. You pretending you haven't turned into a monk since she left. Her trying to not break your heart all over again.”
Fuck this. I can't listen to that idiot any longer.
I shoot him a look that could freeze hell over. “Talk about her one more time, and you won't be able to walk out of here without help,” I mumble through gritted teeth.
He sucks in a sharp breath. “Those are strong words considering we’re in church.”
I answer with a sharp look. That’s all he deserves.
He grins. “All right, but I'm sorry you fumbled the ball.”
“We're gathered here today to join Tiffany Marie Bright and James Jonathan Nicks in holy matrimony,” the officiant starts, and I do my best to focus on him.
It’s fucking hard work.
He’s talking about love and commitment and how these two were destined for each other. It hurts, and it feels wrong. So fucking wrong.
How can she stand across from me, smiling like we’re complete strangers?
We almost had this... but she said no.
