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This. This was what she wanted with Sebastian. Not necessarily the fancy wedding—although that might be fun—but the promise of forever. The ability to declare and share their love in front of everyone who mattered to them.
She just hoped he wanted the same thing.
* * *
Sebastian strode down the hall at the reception venue, a fancy hall decorated to the nines, his phone in his hand. After the ceremony, everyone had decamped for photos and then met up here for a cocktail hour before the seated dinner reception. Between photos, he’d pulled out his phone multiple times to go over his best man’s speech, his nerves starting to ramp up.
Just then, his phone dinged with a text. He frowned when he saw that it was from Olivia.
I need to talk to you. Meet me in the back hallway.
He hurried his pace, wondering what she’d want to talk to him about. He’d be happy to help her in any way she needed—he was just surprised she’d texted him at all.
When he reached the back hallway, he found her pressed up against the wall, Lucian caging her in with his mouth against her throat. When she saw Sebastian, she giggled and pushed at Lucian’s shoulders. He lifted his head, his eyes slightly glazed.
“Sorry, I don’t mean to interrupt,” he said, glancing back over his shoulder. “You said you wanted to talk to me?”
Lucian and Olivia exchanged a look and she nodded, pushing off of the wall. “I heard that your proposal last night was thwarted.”
Sebastian’s eyebrows crept up his forehead. “Oh, uh. Yeah.”
“Do you have the ring with you?” she asked. He shook his head. “Then you need to go get it, because I have an idea.”
* * *
“Where did Sebastian go?” asked Theo as he plunked down at a table where Kayla was sitting with Lauren, Willa, and Aerin, enjoying a glass of sparkling water and the lively jazz music floating through the air. The reception venue was absolutely stunning, with dozens of yards of swagged fabric hanging from the ceiling, lit up with soft pink lights that matched the bridesmaids’ dresses. Globes made entirely of white roses dangled from the ceiling, mixed in with the twinkly pendant lights casting a soft glow below. Candles in glass hurricane vases sat on every single table, lending a flickering light to the space and making it feel intimate and romantic despite its size. Beyond the round tables was a gleaming white dancefloor, along with a stage where the band—and Lauren—would perform later.
“He said he had a best man errand to do and that he’d be back shortly,” said Kayla, sipping her drink and taking in the scenery.
Max and Willa exchanged a look, but before she could ask them what that was about, a new couple joined them.
“Hey!” said Max, standing up and clapping his cousin Noah on the shoulder. “Good to see you!”
Noah grinned, flashing his dimples, and Kayla had to admit that he looked like he was glowing. Normally, Noah was tense and quiet, all controlled composure and sad eyes. But this Noah was loose and happy, vibrant, almost.
“This is my girlfriend, Felicity Hawthorne,” he said, indicating the very pretty redhead on his arm.
“This is the famous Felicity!” said Kayla, standing and giving her a hug. “I’m Kayla Bristowe, Sebastian’s girlfriend. This is Lucian’s brother Theo and his wife Lauren, and I think you already know Max and Willa. And this is Aerin Prescott-Flores.”
“The lone Prescott sister,” said Max. “Almost as scary as Lucian.”
“Ha ha,” said Aerin, giving his muscled arm a playful slap.
“It’s really nice to meet you,” Felicity said sweetly, leaning slightly into Noah. His arm went around her waist protectively. It was lovely to see Noah so happy and with someone on his arm. Kayla had the feeling he’d been lonely for a long time, and everyone deserved someone to share their lives with.
“Are you starting the party without me?” Levi Prescott, Sebastian’s cousin and Noah’s little brother, came over, his arm around the waist of an absolutely stunning brunette. Kayla didn’t think she’d ever get over how shockingly gorgeous Levi’s girlfriend Madison was.
“Never,” said Felicity, shooting him a smile. “In fact, we were all just sitting around moping, hoping you’d come over here and grace us with your presence.”
“Oh, I like her,” said Theo. “You’d better keep her around,” he said to Noah.
Noah glanced down at Felicity, his eyes going soft. “Oh, I plan to.”
She leaned into him and everyone let out a collective “awwwww,” which made Noah laugh and Felicity blush.
“What are you guys, a live studio audience?” muttered Noah, but Kayla could see how pleased he was with their reaction.
“Where’s Bastian?” he asked, glancing around.
