Jamie shakes his head, grinning but fully owning it now.
“But hey,” I lift my glass slightly, “miracles happen. Sometimes your sister falls in love with a guy you used to want to punch in the throat. And sometimes—” I shrug, meaning every word now, “—that guy earns his way in. Step by step. Day by day, and he proves he’s exactly who she deserves.”
The guests cheer, taking a drink before I continue.
“Jamie showed up. Every damn time it mattered. For Tiff. For Ella.” I nod toward the flower girl currently dropping strawberries into her water glass. “The way he loves them. Well, that’s all I needed to see to know he was meant to be with them.”
Jamie presses a kiss on the top of Ella’s head just as Tiff brushes her hand over his shoulder, and it reminds me how much they’ve survived together.
Disowned by their families. Starting from the ground up. Building a new relationship while taking care of Ella. It’s admirable. It's also why I was more than happy to let them live inthe house I bought they want it. Frankly, they deserve a fucking break.
“So,” I say, shifting back to the couple, “here’s to the long road. To the second chances you don’t waste, and to choosing each other, even when it’s hard.”
My gaze drifts back to Honey as I say the words, then to the dick sitting next to her. Not Asher. Chris. The dick on her other side. His shoulder keeps brushing hers, and my brain immediately betrays me, filling in the rest.
I start picturing them secretly holding hands under the table as though he’s earned the spot by her side.
I drag my gaze away before I do something stupid like ask her to marry me again in front of all these people.
Focus.
Clearing my throat, my grip tightens on the glass.
“To the life you built, and the one you’re still building.”
I lift my glass fully now.
“To Tiff and Jamie.”
“To Tiff and Jamie,” the rest of the guests echo back to me.
Ella squeals as Jamie and Tiff kiss over her head.
As the room toasts, I take a long swig of my drink before handing off the mic to the wedding coordinator as I make my way back to my seat.
My mom catches my eye as I sit, her hand coming up to squeeze my shoulder as she leans in. “You did fantastic, Zach,” she says.
“Yeah?” I huff, glancing at my glass. “Felt like I blacked out halfway through.”
She smiles. “No. It was perfect.”
“Thanks.”
My dad gives me a smile from across the table before nodding at my mom. “Well, I think it’s time for us to head out before things get too loud,” she says as she stands.
I push to my feet, leaning down to hug her.
“Don’t leave it unfinished,” she whispers against my shoulder.
I pull back, frowning. “Leave what—”
Her answer is a small smile, and my gaze immediately drifts to Honey.
“I’ll try,” I say, feeling utterly useless. What am I supposed to do? Honey is with someone else. She doesn’t want me anymore.
With one final kiss, I’m left at the table, waiting for the first dance so I can leave the room with no one noticing.
Still, as I wait, I find myself looking over at Honey every few minutes, annoyed that she's smiling and laughing with her new crew of men.
