Page 53 of Pretend it’s Forever

“When did you grow up?” I asked, my voice rough.

“Long ago, big brother. Thank you for this.” Her eyes filled, and I cursed under my breath.

“Don’t cry.”

“I won’t. Well, I will, but not for anything other than happiness. Because I have my family here. The family that matters.”

“Damn straight.”

“Sophia is beautiful, you know.”

“I hate the fact that we have the same taste in women,” I teased.

“Always have. She is gorgeous though. And seems nice. You should bring her to more family events.”

“We’re just friends. It’s not like that.”

“It should be. It could be.”

“We’re at your wedding. So we’re discussing your relationship. Not my lack thereof.”

“I love you, brother of mine. And I truly believe the two of you would be amazing together. Just saying.”

I shook my head, then leaned forward and kissed the top of her forehead, careful of her makeup and hair. “Focus on the love of your life.”

“And not yours?”

It was like a kick to the gut, and I scowled at my beautiful baby sister.

“Cora.”

“I know. I know. I’ll tease you later.” She went up to her tiptoes, kissed my cheek, and then the music began.

It was an out of body experience, walking my sister down the aisle. Her friends all stood, staring at her, as I led Cora to Juliet. Juliet had walked first, without us near so we wouldn’t be able to get the first look. But as I realized that the two had not only chosen similar styles, the colors themselves, an off-white and cream that complemented each other so well, I knew that they were soulmates beyond anything.

Cora began to cry as soon as she saw Juliet, and Juliet just smiled wide and held out her arms.

My sister practically ran to her future wife, and I held back a chuckle even as others laughed, before I handed over the person I adored more than anyone else in the world to someone I knew would care for her in all the ways that mattered. The two clung to each other, laughing as they complimented each other’s dresses, and as everybody else joined in on the laughter, I moved to sit in the first row, taking Sophia’s hand without thinking. She leaned into me and whispered, “I have never seen such a beautiful couple.”

I swallowed hard and nodded, careful not to look at her.

“You’re right.”

And with that, I watched as Cora and Juliet professed their love and dedication to each other, their values and futures entwined, and a small part of me believed it could work.

Because forevers might not be ordained or destined, but I had a feeling these two would make it work.

And throughout it all, I held Sophia’s hand and refused to look at her. Because if I did, I was afraid of what I would see. And worse, what it would do to me.

By the time the reception began, I needed a fucking drink and a place where people didn’t look so damn happy.

“Congratulations,” a man I didn’t recognize said as he shook my hand. “Those two have a bright future.”

I nodded tightly. “They do.”

The man gave me an odd look, before he said something similar to Sophia, and moved on to another couple.

Sophia tugged on my jacket and scowled up at me.