Page 63 of The Plus One

A coordinator entered a few minutes later and announced it was time. My stomach tightened. I was nervous for my friend and this wasn’t even my wedding.

We gathered our bouquets and followed her downstairs. The ceremony was being held on the beach beneath a white floral arch overlooking the ocean. The bridesmaids lined up with the groomsmen near the entrance.

Markel was waiting for me. He looked good in his tan suit, but the sight of him didn’t make my chest ache anymore. I didn’t wonder what our wedding would have looked like or why I hadn’t been enough for him. I felt nothing.

That surprised me more than anything. Markel offered me his arm. I hesitated before placing my hand around it. “Kema,” he said quietly.

“Don’t.”

“I need to say something.”

“We’re about to walk down the aisle.”

“I know. Just listen.”

The couple ahead of us started walking. We had less than a minute before it was our turn. Markel released a breath. “I’m sorry.”

I glanced over at him. Why did this nigga feel like now was the right time to express his feelings. Whatever I just had to make it through us walking down the aisle together. “Kema, I'm sorry for cheating, embarrassing you, and if I made you feel like you weren't enough." His eyes dropped briefly. “You didn’t deserve any of that.”

I wanted to laugh in his face. What the fuck did he mean if he made me feel like I wasn't enough. Kel thought to highly of himself. But instead I chose peace becuase today was Sierra and Stephen's day not mine.

Maybe a few weeks ago or even a few days ago I wanted this apology but today I didn't need it. I simply nodded and replied, "I forgive you."

Markel's eyebrows lifted slightly. “I don't forgive you because what you did was okay. I forgive you because I’m tired of carrying it. What happened between us doesn’t get to control what I do next.”

His eyes moved toward the ceremony space. “Is Ace what you want next?”

The coordinator motioned for us to prepare. I looked through the open doors and found Ace sitting near the front. He was already watching me. A smirk touched my lips before I looked back at Markel. “Yes.”

Markel nodded. “He always wanted you.”

“I didn't know that until now.”

Music began, ending our conversation. Markel held out his arm again. “You ready?”

I placed my hand around it. “Let’s get our friends married.”

We started down the aisle. For the first time since Sierra told me Markel was bringing Tiana, I didn’t care who was watching me. I didn’t care whether Tiana thought I wanted him back or whether Markel regretted losing me.

My attention stayed on Ace. His gaze moved slowly over my dress before returning to my face. The corner of his mouth lifted, and I fought the urge to smile too hard.

Markel and I separated at the altar. I took my place beside the bridesmaids while he stood next to Stephen. Then the music changed. Everybody rose as Sierra appeared.

Stephen covered his mouth when he saw her. His eyes filled with tears, and Sierra immediately started crying too. I smiled through my own tears. The ceremony was beautiful. Stephen promised to protect Sierra’s heart, make her laugh when life got difficult, and choose her even on the days they didn’t like each other very much.

Sierra promised to love him, support him, and only threaten to leave him twice a year. Everybody chortled at that statement. When they exchanged rings and kissed, the entire beach erupted. My best friend was married.

After pictures, the wedding party boarded a boat that would take us back to the resort for the reception. Sierra and Stephen sat together near the front, wrapped around each other like nobody else existed. I found a seat near the back. Ace sat beside me and immediately placed his hand on my thigh. “You look beautiful,” he said.

“You’ve seen me all day.”

“And you’ve looked beautiful all day.”

I smiled and leaned against him.

“How was the walk?” he asked.

“Markel apologized.”