Page 91 of One More Shot
The entire terrace erupts into a loud cheer of congratulations as everyone holds up their glasses and toasts the ridiculously giddy newlyweds sitting up front. Cash has an arm draped around Bailey’s shoulders and both their cheeks are flushed red with excitement and probably more than a little champagne.
‘Thank you, Dane,’ Cash says as I hand him back the microphone. He momentarily lets go of his new wife and pulls me into a tight hug. ‘That was an amazing speech.’
‘Beautiful,’ Bailey says, standing up to give me a hug of her own. I have no idea what kind of sorcery her make-up artist performed earlier, but despite her tears, she still looks immaculate. ‘Didn’t know you had it in you.’
‘Come on,’ I snort. ‘I’ve always been good with words. That’s my whole thing.’
My attention wavers for a moment as I spot Eliott creeping round the back of the tables, her camera pointed in our direction. Bailey follows my gaze and her smile turns into something a little more smug.
‘Maybe you should use that talent of yours with someone else.’
I know exactly what she’s getting at, but we don’t have time to get into it because suddenly our parents and Cash’s mum are all approaching the table to give their congratulations to the happy newlyweds.
I slip out from the throng once I hear Mum say, ‘It’ll be Dane’s turn next’ and head back towards my table. I’m sitting with Amber and Finn and they both grin at me as I drop down into my seat. Amber’s leaning against Finn’s chest and he, just like Cash, has a protective arm wrapped around her shoulders.
‘Good speech,’ Finn says with a nod.
‘Definitely made me tear up a little,’ Amber says, dabbing at the corners of her eyes with a napkin. ‘It’s not going to beatmine, of course, but you did a good job.’
‘Ha ha,’ I deadpan, reaching for a handful of breadsticks from the bowl between us. ‘Did everyone think I’d get my speech from the internet or something?’
‘It definitely crossed my mind,’ Amber admits. ‘Ooh! It’s time for the bouquet toss.’
I watch a handful of the guests hop up from their seats and form a small cluster near where Bailey is now standing.
Amber doesn’t make a move and I nod my head in the direction of the growing crowd. ‘You’re not going for the bouquet?’
Amber arches a brow and tilts her head up so she can catch Finn’s eye. ‘Do I need to?’
‘Nope,’ Finn says immediately, an easy smile taking over his face as his free hand comes to rest on Amber’s stomach. ‘You’re good.’
I vaguely remember Bailey getting excited about the prospect of back-to-back weddings. I give them two months before they’re planning a wedding. To be honest, I’m surprised Amber doesn’t already have a ring on her finger, but I suppose they’re doing things in their own time.
Not that it matters.
Anyone can tell, just by looking at the two of them, that they’re made for each other.
Bailey suddenly hurls the bouquet as high as she can, but instead of landing amongst the crowd of eager and waiting women in front of her, it goes sailing through the air and lands straight in my lap.
Everyone roars with laughter but I stare, unblinking, at the colourful bouquet.
‘Looks likeyou’reup next,’ Amber laughs.
I glance around the room. It takes me half a second to find Eliott. She’s standing close to Cash and Bailey’s table, her camera pointed in my direction, and she’s laughing too.
I push up from my seat, the flowers skittering to the floor as I move. Someone calls my name, but I barely hear it as I make a beeline for my sister.
She’s still cackling as I approach her. ‘Yourface,’ she laughs. ‘Oh, I hope Eliott caught that on camera.’
‘Speaking of Eliott,’ I murmur, all too aware that other guests are milling around us. ‘Can I borrow her for ten minutes?’
Bailey raises a brow. ‘You want to borrow my wedding photographer at my wedding?’
‘Just for ten minutes.’
Her mouth splits into a wide grin that lights up her whole face. ‘Make it thirty.’
It takes me less than a minute to cross through the cheering and dancing crowd to find Eliott. She’s in the middle of photographing Cash’s mum and my dad enjoying a quick dance and I feel a little bad about interrupting but…
