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We took our places at the front, with Ryder nervously fidgeting beside me. I patted his shoulder reassuringly, feeling honored to be standing beside him on his wedding day.
As the music began to play and the bridal party started their procession down the sandy aisle, I let my gaze wander over the gathered guests until they rested on her. Summer. She was sitting in the audience, looking absolutely stunning in her elegant dress, her hair cascading around her shoulders. Our eyes met for a brief moment, and I felt my heart skip a beat.
In that instant, I couldn’t help but think about what it would be like to have Summer by my side forever, our lives completely intertwined. In my mind’s eye, I saw her walking down the aisle towards me, her eyes shining with tears of joy; I saw us raising children together, their laughter filling our home with happiness; I saw us growing old together, our love only deepening as the years went by.
My heart raced with the possibilities, a fierce desire to make this dream a reality coursing through my veins. I knew that there would be challenges along the way, but I was willing to do whatever it took to make Summer mine and to prove to her that I was committed to our love.
I shook myself out of my daydream. Right now, I needed to focus on celebrating Ryder and Talia’s love, and ensuring that their day went perfectly. Happily, the ceremony went off without a hitch. I really didn’t have to do much except for handing over the wedding rings at the right time and escorting Talia’s friend, Ellie, back down the aisle.
While the ceremony drew to a close, and the sun dipped lower on the horizon, it cast a warm golden glow over the picturesque beach setting. It was the perfect backdrop for Ryder and Talia. They looked so incredibly in love, their eyes locked together as if they were the only people on Earth.
The crowd of attendees moved back up to the hotel where the reception was set up. Before the festivities began, Ghost took to the stage at the reception to perform a song that he had written for the newlyweds.
My fingers itched as he strummed on the acoustic guitar. I couldn’t help but want to be up there playing with him. Ghost effortlessly captured everyone’s attention as he sang the lyrics that spoke of everlasting love, of standing by each other through thick and thin, and of finding solace in one another’s embrace. His voice was mesmerizing as he belted out the words.
I weaved through the crowd, intent on finding Summer. I scanned the crowd, searching for her amidst the sea of faces. People cheered as Ghost finished his song and then the waiters and waitresses who’d been awed by his performance began circulating with their trays of hor d’oeuvres again.
As the DJ began playing music, I spotted Summer across the room. There she was, her laughter like music as she mingled with Kaylie, Lacey, and Greyson. She looked so beautiful, her blonde hair cascading in waves down her back, the setting sun casting a halo of light around her. Her smile was radiant, lighting up the room and filling my heart.
I crossed the room and took the spot by her side. She gazed up at me with a bright smile and I slid my arm around her. We socialized with our friends, and when the music changed to a slow dance, I offered her my hand. “Would you like to dance?”
Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she took my hand, not hesitating for a moment. She answered with an exaggerated Southern accent. “Why, it would be my pleasure.”
As we stepped onto the dance floor, our bodies moved together effortlessly. Our eyes locked, and we shared wide smiles, fully enjoying the romantic atmosphere of the wedding.
“You look beautiful tonight,” I whispered in her ear.
She shuddered slightly. “Thank you.”
“How about we ditch this party and head back to our room early?” I knew she wouldn’t go for it out of respect for Talia and Ryder, but it would at least give her something to think about.
“There will be plenty of time for whatever is on your mind later,” she said playfully.
I enjoyed holding her in my arms as we swayed to the gentle rhythm of the music. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of us. When the song ended, I led her back to the table.
“Your best man’s speech is coming up soon, isn’t it?” Summer settled at our table, sitting next to Kaylie. “Are you nervous about it?”
I shrugged. “Let’s just say I gave Ryder a little preview of it, and it didn’t go over too well. I’ll have to tone it down a bit, but I want to make sure it’s a memorable toast.”
“Knowing you, I’m sure it will be,” she reassured me with a wink.
Later, after we ate dinner, the time came for me to deliver my best man’s speech. I stood up and got everyone’s attention. I began by recounting some humorous anecdotes from our years together as friends and in the band. Then, I focused on the love story between Ryder and Talia, sharing how it all began with a chance meeting that led to an unforgettable first kiss.
I was pretty sure that not many people knew the exact details about their first meeting when Talia crawled into bed with Ryder, thinking he was her boyfriend at the time. Talia was squirming in her seat, her cheeks pink, as she understood the double entendre behind my words.
“…and as they say, it was love at first lip-lock,” I joked, eliciting laughter from the guests.
The guests cheered at the end of my toast, and then Ryder stood to thank me with a hug. I returned to my seat, where Summer’s eyes shone with pride and amusement. “Good job,” she praised.
After spending a lot of time drinking and dancing with our friends, Summer and I took a break to walk along the beach. The sand was cool beneath our feet, and the gentle breeze carried with it the salty scent of the ocean. As we walked hand in hand, our fingers intertwined, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace and contentment wash over me.
“Sunshine,” I began, my voice barely audible above the soothing sound of the waves crashing against the shore. “I’ve been thinking about us, about what comes next.”
Her eyes met mine, curiosity and warmth reflecting back at me as she said, “What have you been thinking?”
“The band is going on tour in two months,” I reminded her, feeling a touch of sadness at the thought of being away from her. “But I want you to know that I’m committed to making this work between us. I’d love for you to visit as much as you can while we’re on the road if that’s something you’d be willing to do.”
Summer squeezed my hand gently, a soft smile playing on her lips. “I’d love that, Knox. I can’t promise I’ll be able to make every stop, but I’ll do my best to be there for as many shows as possible. I’ve been a little nervous about what was going to happen.”
