Page 114 of When You Were Mine

“You did.” Jess glanced around to find everyone staring at them.

“More importantly, how is this a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ moment if you’re not in it?”

“Bri, the point was to not cause a scene.” Her eyes widened as if to say,Like you’re doing right now.

“I invited seventy-three people. They are the only people in the world who matter to me. They get me. Do you think they don’t understand what you mean to me?”

Oh. Jess jerked upright. Tears stung the backs of her eyes, and pride infused her.

“She has a point,Mom,” Kelly said.

“Shut up.” Jess burst out laughing. “I’m not your mom. And again, I was trying to not make a scene.”

“Well…big fail,” Bri said. “Now, can you please get your ass up and walk me down the aisle? You might not have given birth to me, but you’re every bit as much my momma as my mom.”

“You’re being ridiculous.” Jess didn’t even try to hide her smile as she got up and made her way to the vestibule. The entire congregation broke out in applause. “Oh, stop.” But she was laughing.

“I can’t believe you did that,” Bri said to Jessica as she snatched the bouquet out of Kelly’s hands. “Iloveyou.”

Jessica pulled her niece into her arms. “I love you too. I only ever want what’s best for you.”

“And Itoldyou what’s best for me.” Bri clung to her. “Now, are we ready? I want to fast-forward to my Coco’s Chocolates’ cake. I’m going to drop my face in it.”

“No kidding,” Amber said. “It’s all I can think about.”

But Jess was holding tightly to the woman who was truly a daughter to her. “I love you, sweet pea. And I’m so proud of the woman you’ve become.”

Bri pulled away, eyes glazed with tears. “You know my first memory? It was dark. I was cold. I heard scary noises. And I remember I didn’t say a single word. I didn’t cry. I didn’t call out. You want to know why?”

“Why?” Jess blinked back tears.

“Because I knew you’d come. It wasn’t a hope or a wish. It was the absolute knowledge that my Yessy would come get me. And you know what? You did. You came right into my room and picked me up. You held me in your arms, and I knew I was safe. The only thing I remember is the certainty that you’d be there for me. That you’d never leave my side. And you haven’t. You’re my other momma, and you’re walking me down the aisle.”

Jess swallowed against the painful knot in her throat. “Okay, then. Let’s do it. Let’s get you married.”

As they turned toward the chapel, Stella spoke quietly into her microphone. A moment later, the musicians began playing Brian Crain’s “Butterfly Waltz,” and the three women hooked arms and started walking down the aisle. All the congregants stood, their familiar faces beaming joy, and Jess smiled and nodded at everyone.

This is my family. My people. My community.

A quick thought about Trevor stabbed her heart, but no. She wouldn’t let herself go there right now. Not on this beautiful, happy day.

That was for later tonight. When she was alone in bed, feet hurting from dancing, eyes red from crying after sending Bri and her husband off on their honeymoon, she’d let herself feel the loss. She’d remind herself the past few days were good, that she’d gotten the closure she’d needed. That he was a good man….

He just couldn’t be her man.

Up ahead, the groom dipped his chin, discreetly wiping away a stray tear, but there was no hiding his overwhelm at seeing the love of his life walking toward him.

As they reached the altar, Bri hugged both Jess and Amber, handed her bouquet to her mom, and then stepped into her groom’s arms. They clung to each other for several long moments as the two women took their seats.

Jess clasped her sister’s hand, and when they looked at each other, it was with a shared understanding. Bri had been through a lot in her life, and to know she’d found true love brought a profound sense of joy.

And if there was a hint of sorrow attached for Jess, it was only because she’d experienced a glimpse of bliss with her first love.

Just as the couple pulled apart to face the officiant, a murmur rippled across the chapel. A charged energy had everyone shifting in their seats for a second time.

“Is that Trevor Montgomery?” someone whispered.

Jess’s heart thundered. Her hands went clammy. Her pulse fluttered wildly in her throat.

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