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I sighed. “It’s nothing for you to worry about.” I smiled tightly, and hoped it would be enough.
Amanda’s eyes softened. “I care about the both of you, I can’t help but worry.”
My lower lip trembled as I adjusted the bow for the third time. “Let’s just focus on your wedding, okay?”
She took the little box out of my hand and threw it in the pile. “Forget about the wedding for a moment,” she said, wrapping her arm around my shoulders. “What’s going on with you two?”
“I…I just can’t see him right now.” I wiped away a tear.
Amanda nodded, and pressed her lips together. “Well then, I guess I’ll just have to tell him to give you some space for a few days.”
I let out a sob, and she pulled me in tighter. I loved how she didn’t question me or pass judgement. She just let me cry and held my hand.
“Will you be okay for the wedding?” she asked, rubbing my back.
I met her eyes. “Oh, Mands, of course. It’s the one thing I’m actually looking forward to.”
Amanda’s body tensed up beside me. “And you’ll be at dinner Friday, right?”
Ah, shit. I’d forgotten about that. “I wouldn’t miss it.”
Her shoulders relaxed and her smile grew. “It’ll be okay, you know. You guys will sort it out. Whatever it is.”
I lowered my eyes and nodded, but my chest ached. I reached out for box number sixty-five and sighed. “We’ll see.”
* * *
There was no point trying to get out of dinner. It was the night before the wedding and Nate had invited Amanda’s family to join us. I knew Luke would be there, but hoped the extra company would diminish any chance of being alone with him.
As soon as he walked through our front door, it was evident he was losing patience with me. His gaze burned into mine, but he didn’t say a word. Amanda must have spoken to him, because over the last few days he stopped calling and finding excuses to come over.
Luckily, our dinner placements had changed, and instead of sitting opposite Luke, I was now beside him. So at least I could avoid his angry stare.
Most of my time was monopolised by Amanda’s teenage brother, Brent. He was your typical, awkward seventeen-year-old boy, who spent more time in front of video games than real people. He had taken quite a liking to me, and much to Luke’s annoyance, barely left my side for the duration of the night. Luke spent the evening talking to Amanda’s older sister, Freya. She sat opposite him in my usual seat. She was gorgeous, sweet, and most likely had a perfectly functioning reproductive system. She was perfect for him.
Nate tapped his glass, initiating an unexpected speech. We all paused our conversations and turned to the deliriously happy couple that sat before us.
“It really means a lot to us to have both our families here tonight, and thought it would be the perfect time to make a special announcement,” Nate proclaimed.
“You eloped?” Mum cried, with a fearful expression.
“No, Mum. The wedding is still going ahead,” he chuckled and took Amanda’s hand as she beamed up at him.
“Oh, that’s relief,” Mum exhaled, holding her hand over her chest.
Nate drew in a deep breath. “In about twenty hours, Amanda will be my beautiful wife. But in about thirty-four weeks, she will also be the mother of my child.” A huge smile spread across his face.
“You’re having a baby?!” Amanda’s mum gushed, and everyone cried out in delight.
“We only just found out and wanted you all to be the first to know,” Amanda followed excitedly.
Both sets of parents jumped up to congratulate them first, followed my Amanda’s siblings. I took a little longer to process the news, overwhelmed with conflicting emotions.
I sculled down my wine, forced myself to smile, and waited for my chance to offer my congratulations. Luke waited closely behind and reached out in concern, whilst everyone was distracted with the joyful couple.
“Don’t,” I growled, low enough for only Luke to hear and he dropped his hand.
Witnessing the blissful looks on both Nate and Amanda’s faces, made me put my emotions aside.
