Page 30 of Center Ice

Father Pepe stood behind it with his jolly smile, and I spoke into my headset to signal to the waiter standing next to the controls for the music. He put on Kendall’s requested song and after a few notes, she and Wyatt stood.

Everyone focused on them, so Maggie and I slipped back to our hiding spot with the perfect view of where the couple would stand.

“I know we’re here to celebrate Noah and Colby, but if they would be kind enough to share the spotlight tonight, we have some news,” Wyatt spoke up.

“Of course!” Colby cheered from the center of the table.

“We appreciate that.” Wyatt took Kendall’s hand, “Since this likely one of the last times we’ll all be together like this, we wanted to take advantage of this chance.”

“What’s going on?” Noah asked.

“Tonight, we’re getting married!” Kendall said and raised their joined hands in the air.

Clapping, whistles, and cheers broke out. I watched Noah and Colby for any sign they might be upset but they were the most enthusiastic. That was a huge relief. I spoke into my headset again, and a spotlight appeared on the arbor, showcasing the waiting priest.

Wyatt and Kendall walked over and joined both hands between them. Silence fell across the table as the ceremony started.

Watching the love in their eyes as they stared at each other, becoming husband and wife, made my throat feel thick. Tears threatened to overflow, but I sniffed and pulled myself together. I didn't usually get emotional at weddings, my emotions were a bit numb to the romance at this point, but something about watching them hit me.

Maybe it was knowing their story. Maybe it was the personal connection I felt because of Jake. That was ridiculous. There was no connection. Before I could stop myself, I searched for him. He was turned around in his seat, watching his friends with a wide smile.

How could he look like that when he didn’t believe in love and marriage? He should be looking at them like they were fools. Maybe he was just happy they were happy? Wasn’t that what a good friend did?

I wanted it to mean more. I wanted him to have had a change of heart and realize that there was nothing better in the world than finding true love and someone you wanted to spend the rest of your life with.

I heard Wyatt say, “I do,” and turned back to them. Kendall was crying and smiling and laughing as she repeated the words to him. They kissed, and their friends jumped from their seats celebrating.

A crowd formed around the newlyweds, and I moved into action.

“Thank you again, Father.” I gave him a hug, and he patted my shoulder before walking away.

“Maggie, get the photographers out, please.” We’d had them sign an agreement that they could be in attendance for the ceremony only. Nothing after.

The servers were busy cleaning up the table, and I picked up the speaker and mic to take inside. When I came back, I hesitated on the outskirts and watched.

The music was back on, louder this time, and a few couples were dancing with Kendall and Wyatt in the middle.

“This was you, wasn’t it?”

I jumped at the voice and turned to see Jake coming up the path toward me. “Yeah, they came to me yesterday and asked for help.”

“It was perfect. We’ve been waiting for them to finally get married, but those two put everyone else before themselves. I’m glad they finally decided to be a little selfish.”

I smiled. They seemed like that type from the little time I’d spent with them. “I hope they’re happy with how it turned out.”

He leaned against the pillar next to me. “I think they’re more than happy.”

I watched them as they danced, Kendall with her head thrown back in laughter, and Wyatt watching her like she was the most precious thing in the world.

“Thanks for doing it,” he said quietly.

I turned to him. “You don’t think it’s stupid?”

He shook his head. “No.”

I waited for him to say more, but he just watched his friends with a content smile.

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