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The ceremony is perfect. I don’t know how Hannah worked such magic, but everything flows smoothly. I manage to hold back my tears when I walk Piper down the aisle and even when I hand her off to Luke. I don’t even cry when Luke recites his vows to her. It isn’t until they turn to face the crowd and they’re announced as Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Wolfe that tears fill my eyes.
I’d wondered if I had any tears left in me after this morning, but it seems there are still a few reserves. Still, I manage to rein them in before I turn into a watery mess. I remind myself that this is a celebration. It’s the happiest day of my sister’s life. Just because my heart is breaking in my chest doesn’t mean I can’t be happy for her. I do my best not to look at Cole as Linc holds out an arm for me to escort me back down the aisle and out of the ceremony room.
“You okay?” he asks, his voice pitched so low only I can hear it.
“Yeah,” I whisper. “Thanks for this morning.”
“No problem. I’m glad I was there.”
“Me too.”
He’s silent for several seconds as we make our way to the door. When we’re almost there, he speaks again.
“Don’t give up on him. He’s hurt and being stubborn, but he’ll come around.”
It’s the first time he’s said anything to me about the situation. Until now, I was worried he was angry with me for hurting his brother. Hell, maybe he is. But even if he is, he still hopes we can work it out.
“I never meant to hurt him,” I say.
Linc pats my hand where it rests on his arm. It’s such a brotherly gesture that I smile.
“I know you didn’t. And he knows it too.”
I nod. “I hope you’re right.”
“I am,” Linc says simply. “He’s my brother.”
I understand what he means without any elaboration. Linc knows Cole better than anyone else does. They share a bond, the same way Piper and I do. If he believes Cole will forgive me, I need to have faith that he’s right. Besides, the alternative is too painful to consider.
“Thanks,” I say. “For everything.”
He smiles down at me before releasing my hand and turning to look for Harlow who’s being escorted toward us by Cole. I know he’s there, but I don’t turn around to watch his approach. I can’t. After everything that was said between us today, I don’t think I can handle seeing that blank look in his eyes when he looks at me. That might actually break me. Instead, I follow Hannah’s direction to the room where the wedding party is supposed to meet for photos.
The next half hour is a blur of smiling and posing and pretending every fiber of my being isn’t screaming out for Cole. I want so badly to look at him and see that crooked grin directed at me. I want to see his brown eyes locked on mine with that intensity that never fails to take my breath away. But I know that’s too much to wish for right now. Right now I’d settle for him looking at me and not looking right through me as if I’m not there.
By the time we make our way into the reception hall and Piper has her first dance with her new husband, I’m overly emotional and somewhat drained from pretending I’m okay. But I do my best to focus on my sister and how happy she is. I take dozens of photos with my phone, even though I know the photographer is doing a fantastic job. I can’t help myself. I’m so happy for her even while my heart is breaking over Cole. It’s strange to feel these conflicting emotions at once.
I’m worried I won’t be able to keep up this happy mask for the rest of the night, but I won’t do anything to ruin Piper’s day. She keeps glancing at me, a question in her eyes. I know she’s asking if I’m okay, so I nod and smile each time, trying to reassure her. I’m not sure how well it works though. An hour into the reception, Harlow walks over and grabs my hand, pulling me out onto the dance floor.
“Come on,” she says. “You haven’t danced once tonight.”
“I don’t feel like dancing,” I say, tugging back against her hold on my hand.
“Too bad,” Piper says from behind me.
She grabs my other hand and helps Harlow pull me with her.
“You’re dancing, whether you like it or not,” Piper says.
“Now who’s the bridezilla,” I mutter.
But I stop fighting them. I know they’re just trying to cheer me up. I’m not sure they’ll be able to manage it, but I appreciate the gesture. Once we’re all out on the floor, I let myself move to the music, dancing with my sister and our friend. Eventually, I find myself smiling a smile that isn’t forced and it surprises me to realize I’m having fun. Even with this great big hole in my heart, I can still have fun. I give myself over to the music and the joy of dancing with these women I love so much. I push thoughts of Cole and the future out of my mind and let myself just be present in the moment.
But eventually, the song comes to an end and the dance is over. We’re all out of breath and giddy with endorphins. As the music shifts to some slow love song, Luke walks over and pulls Piper against him for a dance. All around me, couples are gathering on the dance floor, holding one another close. My gaze lands Cole where he’s standing on the other side of the dance floor next to his brother.
As I watch, Harlow walks in their direction. I can see her intent before she reaches them and a plan forms in my mind. I don’t know if it’s smart or crazy to do this now. But I need to talk to Cole. I need to tell him everything. And I can’t do that if he won’t talk to me. Maybe I should wait until after the wedding. Maybe he’ll turn me away and cause a scene rather than spend 3 minutes on the dance floor with me, but I’ve got to try. I hurry to catch up to Harlow before she reaches the two men.
“Wait for me,” I say, grabbing her arm.
