Page 99 of I Could Be Yours

Essie plucks another tissue from the packet on the stand, but she leaves the rest beside the glass of water. She squeezes my arm and whispers, “You’ve got this.”

I pat my pocket with the cue cards. If ever there was a time to speak from the heart, it’s now. I adjust the mic. “It’s an honor to be standing here today, celebrating my brother and his beautiful bride. Rix, you are stunning, and he is one hell of a lucky guy to have found you.”

“Got that right!” Tristan kisses Rix on the temple.

“Growing up in a one-parent house wasn’t easy. Everyone had to do their part to make things work. Tristan, you were always there when we needed you, not just because you had to be, but because you authentically wanted us to feel like we mattered and were loved. You always made time to shoot the puck around with Brody, and you always let me explain my newest ideas and designs, even though you probably didn’t understand half of what I was saying.”

“I didn’t, but I love your huge, sexy brain, brother.” Tristan’s smile is soft and proud.

Brody nods his agreement. A few of the guys on the team shout and whistle, and Essie claps enthusiastically.

“I’m so grateful that I have you as a brother. Last year, when I switched gears and ended up back in Toronto, you and Rix opened your home to me while I figured out my living situation. And I witnessed firsthand the way you two love each other with your whole hearts. You taught me not to sweat the small stuff, but that it’s the little gestures that have the biggest impact. Thenotes you’d leave on the fridge for Rix always made her smile, the treats that would show up when you were on an away series, the way Rix would always make your favorites when you came home, and of course the excessive PDA…”

Our friends snort, and someone coughs to cover a laugh.

Tristan just smirks, and Rix presses her face to his chest with a giggle.

“Despite some of the things I can’t unsee or unhear, those little things you did for each other spoke volumes. You always put each other first, you stand up for and to each other, and I’m so thankful that I had the chance to watch you grow together, because it’s given me hope I didn’t know I needed until now.” I clear my throat, exhaling the anxiety that comes with the honesty I’m about to share. “Being your best man, Tristan, and being able to be part of this journey with you has really restored my faith in love.”

Tristan’s eyes flare, and Essie lets out a little surprised sound beside me. She probably doesn’t realize I’m talking about her, that she’s the reason I want to believe in love.

I fight to keep my emotions in check and clear my throat before I continue. “Rix, I’m so happy that you’re finally my sister. You’ve always been in our lives, and now you’re truly a part of our family. It’s funny now, when I think back to Thanksgiving when you and Flip came for dinner. My brother was awfully territorial when it came to you. It wasn’t long after that I understood why he was so growly when I asked if you were single.”

Rix’s mouth drops open, and she elbows Tristan.

He shrugs. “He was trying to step on my toes.”

“He was already head-over-heels for you, and seeing the way he loves you now is inspiring. I’m really looking forward to family holidays now that you’ll be part of them.”

“You’re excited for pie!” Flip yells.

“This is true.” I nod solemnly. “But aside from good food, I’m grateful for the light you bring to our family. Thank you forloving my brother. It’s an honor to have you as a sister.” I hold up Essie’s water and toast the bride and groom.

Tristan and Rix meet us at the podium.

“Well done, brother.” Tristan pulls me in for a tight hug.

“I’m glad you’re my family, too,” Rix whispers.

Essie and I return to our seats while Rix and Tristan thank everyone for being here to celebrate them. The two chairs that separate me from Essie feel like an ocean. All I want to do is slide over and hold her hand as she dabs at her eyes.

Once the speeches are over, Tristan and Rix share their first dance, and then we’re called up to join them. I take Essie’s hand and guide her to the dance floor. She lets me pull her into my arms, and I marvel at how perfectly we fit together.

All this time, she’s been right in front of me, and I finallyseeher. She’s the most devoted best friend. She has the kindest soul, the biggest heart. She’s smart and fun and she brightens my world.

“That was a great speech.” Her fingertips skim the side of my neck.

“So was yours, but I expected as much.” I pull her closer. “I’ve been waiting all day to have you in my arms again.”

“You’re making me melt over here, Nathan,” she whispers.

I think about what Flip said when we went for the run on the beach the other day. I need to own what I did all those years ago. It’s time to fix what I broke. And then this week doesn’t have to end when we leave the island. She could be mine, and I could be hers.

Essie loves love more than anyone else I know. This could be the beginning of something amazing.

So when the song comes to an end, I drop my mouth to her ear. “Can we talk?”

CHAPTER 31

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