Page 129 of Our Chaotic Love Affair

“This is it,” Melody whispered, grabbing my hand one more time. “I’m getting married.”

“You’re getting married,” I confirmed. “To the man who absolutely adores you. Who would move mountains for you.”

“Stop. I’m going to cry again.”

“Let’s go get your happily ever after.”

The bridesmaids started walking. One by one, they disappeared down the path toward the beach. Then it was my turn.

I took a breath. Straightened my shoulders. Started walking.

The beach came into view and it was perfect. Every chair filled with guests. The archway draped in those beautiful peonies. The ocean sparkling behind it all. I saw Austin, but I didn’t really see him. I only had eyes for Cash.

He was in a tuxedo, looking devastating, and the second I stepped onto the beach his eyes locked on mine. He watched me walk down the aisle like I was the only person there. Like this was our wedding, not his brother’s.

I took my place at the altar, standing across from him. He smiled. Just a small one. Just for me.

The music changed. Melody appeared. The whole beach gasped. She was radiant, floating down the aisle on her father’s arm, beaming at Austin who looked like he was on the verge of tears.

I watched him take her hands in his. His gaze was locked on her. The man was absolutely crazy in love with my friend. There was no denying his feelings for her. I wanted that kind of love.

The officiant spoke about love and partnership and building a life together. Melody and Austin exchanged vows they’d written themselves, funny and sweet and so perfectly them that half the guests were in tears.

I watched Cash watching his brother. Saw the pride on his face. The joy. Then his eyes found mine again.

I heard the officiant saying the famous words, but I got distracted.

“You may kiss the bride,” the officiant announced, bringing me back to the moment I was supposed to be paying attention to.

Austin dipped Melody dramatically and kissed her. The beach erupted in applause. I wiped my tears and cheered.

Melody and Austin walked back down the aisle as husband and wife. The wedding party followed. Cash offered me his arm. I took it and let him lead me back down the beach while cameras flashed and guests threw flower petals.

“You look beautiful,” he murmured.

“You clean up pretty well yourself, Lurch.”

He laughed. “Later. We need to talk.”

“Is it a good talk or a bad talk?”

“The best talk.”

My heart stuttered. “Okay.”

We reached the end of the aisle and I released his arm to go congratulate Melody. But Cash caught my hand, pulled me back for just a second. He stared at me. I waited. I could see he wanted to say something, but he simply looked at me. Then he let me go.

I watched him walk away to congratulate his brother. I felt the words he didn’t say. This was real. We were really doing this.

And I’d never been more terrified or more sure of anything in my life.

CHAPTER 41

CASH

The reception was in full swing.

A tent had been set up in the side yard. String lights crisscrossed overhead. Tables were set with enough candles to light up the entire coastline. Dinner had been served, eaten, and cleared away. The cake had been cut. Photos had been taken until the photographer probably had enough material for three albums.