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I couldn't help smiling as Nathan paced back and forth in his tuxedo, excitement radiating off him. Aiden and I watched him, amused, as we helped him with the finishing touches.
"Man, you're going to make me look bad," I teased, straightening my tie.
Nathan laughed, but he looked ready to burst. He’d been pacing for about an hour now, waiting for a call from the bridesmaids to let us know that Sophie was ready. Was that fear in the great Nathan's eyes? I wondered if he was afraid that Sophie would bolt at the last minute.
"No way. You guys both look great. I couldn't have picked better best men."
Aiden clapped him on the back. "You better not have, or we’d have had to fight for the title."
“Really, what if Sophie doesn’t show up?” I asked Nathan, just to see him twist.
“Fuck you man,” he swore at me.
Aiden burst out laughing, filling the room with sound. Then his phone rang.
“Hello,” he said, listening. His face took on a confused expression and then a worried one. He slipped the phone into his pocket.
“That was Alex, Aiden said. "Sophie is gone,” he said, looking at us askance.
“What did you say?” Nathan asked, and he indeed looked freaked.
“Her room at the hotel is empty. Nobody's seen her, and her phone goes straight to voicemail,” he said.
“That can’t be right,” Nathan said, his hands in his hair, walking out of the room. I felt pretty crappy about teasing him earlier. Then Aiden let out a wicked laugh as he’d just heard the best joke in the world.
“You’re an asshole,” I said to him, even as I joined the laughter.
“Actually you’re both assholes, and your invitations to my wedding have just been canceled,” Nathan grumbled, smiling and clearly relieved, coming back into the room.
“No need to look so worried. Your bride is ready and willing,” Aiden told him, before marching out of the room ahead of us. I tapped Nathan’s arm and gave him a tight bear hug before we left to get on with the wedding.
The outdoor venue was breathtaking, the pavilion surrounded by acres of lush greenery and colorful flowers. The florists from the wedding supply shop outdid themselves—lush arrangements of pink and white peonies were carefully placed all around, and their spicy sweet aroma filled the air. Luckily, fall in Miami was perfect for an outdoor wedding, the gentle breeze carrying the scents of tropical lushness and salt spray.
At the altar, Nathan stood tall and proud, waiting for Sophie to make her appearance. Aiden and I stood beside him, and I felt a sense of pride for my friend.
As the guests began to arrive, dressed in their finest attire, the bridesmaids made their way down the aisle. Finally, Sophie appeared, looking stunning in her white gown, her long hair flowing behind her like a waterfall. Alex followed her, her face a watercolor of expressions.
The laughter and tears flowed as Nathan and Sophie exchanged vows and rings, promising to love and cherish each other forever. As the newlyweds walked back up the aisle, arm in arm, the crowd erupted into applause and cheers.
The reception was just as beautiful as the ceremony, held beneath a massive tent with fairy lights twinkling overhead and soft music playing in the background. Aiden and I took turns dancing with the bridesmaids, laughing and joking with them. Nathan was the center of attention, his happiness infectious.
I found myself reflecting on my own life. I'd always been somewhat of a loner, preferring to keep to myself. But watching Nathan and Sophie together, I realized that I wanted to find someone to share my life with too. Maybe even someone like Alex. Not Alex, but someone beautiful and smart and great like her.
I watched her dancing with Aiden. She’d looked beautiful at the wedding, her eyes glistening as Nathan and Sophie had exchanged their eternal vows. When the song stopped, I walked over to her.
“May I get a dance milady?” I asked. I wasn’t sure how she felt right now. She’d agreed to carry on the ruse that we were engaged for a little while longer, but I wasn’t sure how she’d react now that Sophie and Nathan were safely married. Technically, she'd won the bet, and there was nothing to oblige me to her.
Twirling her to the dance floor, I watched her face carefully. As usual, she wasn't too happy with me, but you’d never know it because she was smiled up at me, her lips creasing softly.
“We should go talk to my parents,” I said to her, my hands around her waist as we danced.
“True that," she said. "No need to forget why we’re here together for even a moment, huh?” she asked me, the smile still plastered on her face.
“Stop it, Alex, please. I said I was sorry about everything. We'll clear the whole thing up with them and you can wash your hands of me,” I told her, begging her with my eyes to let it go.
She sighed softly, shaking her head.
“You’re right, Christian. None of this is your fault” she said, her tone actually apologetic for once. “I’m just being petty,” she said, uncharacteristically.
