Iris shook her head as she spoke. “If you love Bree dad, then you should be with her. I’m sorry I put up such a tough act and made things difficult for you both.”
“I’m the one who’s sorry, honey.” I stopped her, framed her cheeks then kissed her forehead. “I just want to do what makes you happy.”
“I know,” Iris said with a smile. “You’re the best dad in the world. You’ve always been and always will be.”
That night, Jenny came into my room, and I sat with her in silence for a long time before she finally said the words I knew she wanted to say. “I want a divorce.”
Jenny cried as she asked for a divorce just like she did the first time. The pain was fresh for her like we hadn’t separated over fifteen years ago.
I brushed away the thrust of tumbling hair on the side of her face, then hugged her. “We’re alright Jenny. We’ll be alright.”
26
BREE
Iloved weddings, and Iris’s was perfect. She was the prettiest I had ever seen her in her white lace dress, and her eyes shimmered with tears as she walked up the aisle with Josh.
Allison and my dad sat with me in the front row, and I was holding Samuel’s hand to keep him from running all over the place and causing a scene. The priest made them say their vows after a short introduction, and it was a heart-warming moment watching Iris pour out her heart to the man of her dreams.
Unwillingly, my gaze wandered across the open field where we sat, and I spotted Josh. He was sitting on the other aisle, same front row, and he was looking at me.
His ex-wife was by his side, and she clutched his hand tight as they both watched the ceremony. Josh tore his gaze from mine when a second passed and put his attention back on Iris at the altar.
I felt tears sting the back of my lids, but I blinked them away and focused on my best friend again. Today was for her, and I wanted her to have the best time at the after-party.
Iris and Francis exchanged rings, then the celebrations began because everyone cheered for them and rose to their feet. Josh stepped forward first to hug them both, then I let Samuel stay with Allison and walked to them.
“Thanks for being here,” Iris said to me when we hugged. I kissed her cheek and she chuckled when she pulled back. “All of this was possible because of you. I might not have decided on a dress without your help.”
I laughed, shook my head, and patted her arm. “I’m glad you let me be here, Iris. I wouldn’t forgive myself if I missed being your maid of honor.”
“Iris,” Jenny called in a loud voice and interrupted what I was saying. I stepped aside so she could hug Iris, then I smiled and watched as she fussed with her daughter’s hair, then touched her chin. “Congratulations honey. All I want is to see you happy even though I still think you’re too young to be married.”
“Mom,” Iris said, then hugged her tight. “I’m not too young.” she said with a small laugh.
“Well, well,” Jenny joked, and Francis touched Iris’s shoulder before he kissed her cheek.
The pleasantries continued from then, and the musicians began playing a slow tune in the background so everyone could find their dance partners.
I danced with my dad first, then with Iris, but the entire time Josh danced with Jenny while he looked at me. I was dancing with Allison’s brother next when Josh let go of Jenny and walked over to me.
“May I have a dance?”
His lips quirked to the side when I hesitated, and Dave stepped aside so he could take my hand.
“What are you doing?” I asked in a muffled voice when he put his left hand on my lower back and guided me closer to him. Standing this close to him reminded me of the passion we shared, and that was the reason why I couldn’t forget him.
“I’ve missed you, Bree,” Josh whispered to me after he twirled me around and brought me back into his arms again. His head drooped low, and his hot breath fanned my face as he spoke again. “I think we should talk, Bree. There’s a lot I want to tell you, and a lot that I’m sorry for.”
“Your wife is looking at us, Josh,” I said to him when my gaze danced past him and landed on Jenny. She was standing behind the crowd of happy dancers, and the red look on her face showed her anger.
Her eyes pinned right on me, and I averted my eyes from hers to Josh's. “I think she’s upset. I think it’s because we’re dancing. You should go to her.”
“I want to dance with you,” he countered and shook his head when I tried to speak again. “Just listen to me Bree…I..”
I didn’t realize Jenny had left where she was standing until I heard the screech of the microphone. The music stopped, and everyone turned to the front stage.
Jenny stood there with the mic in her hand, and her eyes teary as she stared at every face before looking at me. “I think…” she began. Her voice shook, and the pale look on her face proved that she was feeling sick.