About marrying you. About what our wedding would look like. About whether asking after a week makes me romantic or delusional.
“Nothing. Just tired.”
She clearly doesn’t believe me but she lets it go.
The speeches start and Owen stands up first, looking nervous.
“I’m not good at speeches,” he starts. “But I want to thank everyone for being here.” He looks at Olivia. “And mostly I want to thank Olivia for agreeing to marry me even though she could definitely do better.”
Everyone laughs and Olivia’s already crying.
“I love you,” Owen continues. His voice cracks. “I’m going to spend the rest of my life trying to deserve you. And I can’t wait to start tomorrow.”
That’s what I want. That feeling. That certainty. I want that with Juliette.
Olivia stands next, crying before she even starts talking. “Okay, my turn. And I’m going to be a disaster so bear with me.”
She thanks her parents, and Owen, then turns to us.
“And Jules.” She looks at her sister. “Thank you for being my person. For always being there.” She pauses. “And thank you for bringing Rodriguez. I’m so happy you found someone who makes you happy.”
Juliette squeezes my hand under the table.
Owen’s dad tells an embarrassing story about him. One of the bridesmaids talks about college with Olivia. A groomsman tells a story that’s probably too dirty for the parents.
Then Juliette’s dad stands and starts talking about watching his daughters grow up. About being proud of them.
He looks right at Juliette. “My serious one. My determined one. You’ve always been so hard on yourself. Always trying to be perfect. But I hope you know you’ve always been perfect to us. Just as you are.”
Juliette’s eyes are shining and she’s sniffling, trying not to cry.
“And Rodriguez?—”
My heart stops. Oh my god. Why is he addressing me directly?
“Thank you for making my daughter smile like that. For seeing what’s special about her. She deserves someone who appreciates her.”
I can’t breathe and Juliette’s definitely crying now. I put my arm around her shoulders and she leans into me.
My brain is doing backflips because her dad approves. Her family likes me. She’s falling for me even if she can’t say it.
This could actually work. This could actually be forever.
I’m going to marry her someday.
The thought doesn’t scare me. It just feels true.
I’m listening to another story when I catch movement from the corner of my eye. Garrett’s pushing back from his table, a determined look on his face that means he’s about to do something stupid. He weaves through the chairs, heading straight for us. Of course he is.
He stops next to our chairs.
‘Jules. Can we talk?’”
Juliette’s face shuts down. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Please. Just give me five minutes.”
She opens her mouth to reply but I’m already standing.
