Page 65 of Strong Side
“You okay, pretty girl?” I kiss her cheek, wiping away the tear.
“I’m just so happy for them. I feel like I’ve had a front-row seat to their relationship, and I’m just so…happy.” She hiccups the last word.
Silas looks at me, eyes wide, brows raised.
I roll my eyes and smile at him, then bend down again and kiss my girl on the top of her head. “I’m happy for them too.”
“They’re just, like, so in love, you know.” She brings her hands to her chest.
“Baby, are you okay?” I turn her in my arms.
She can get emotional from time to time, but this seems to be making a big impact.
She nods and tilts her head to kiss me. “Yes, totally. Sorry, I’m just in my feels. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone get engaged before either.”
My mom and dad, Beck’s dad and sister all start cheering, so I look up and see Charlie jump into Beck’s arms. Noelle turns and starts clapping and cheering along. I’m not gonna lie; I’m a bit more emotional than I’m letting on. There’s a lot going on today. But I’m excited for my sister and my best friend. I put my fingers in my mouth and whistle.
Beck has my sister on his back as they get back to us. “All right, let’s go do this thing.”
He drops her, and my parents envelop her in a hug. I take Noelle’s hand in mine, and we walk over to them.
While my mom sniffles and my dad tries to pretend he’s not also crying, I reach my hand out to Beck and pull him in for a hug. “Congrats, man. I’m so happy for you guys.”
“Thanks, brother. You’re gonna be my best man, right?” So typical Beck.
Me? I breathe in deep to keep myself together. I’m not a crier, but again, this is a big day for both of our families. And this is my twin sister we’re talking about. She’s literally the other half of me.
“You don’t have to even ask, man. You know I’ll be there.” I pull him in again. “Love you, buddy.”
“Love you too.” He laughs and smacks my back. “Come on, everyone. I need to get inside.”
My sister bounces up to me, and I lift her up in my arms.
“Case! I’m getting married!” she squeals.
“I know! I’m so happy for you, Char. Love you.” I squeeze her a little tighter. A bond like ours is special. “Take care of each other.”
She releases me, and I let her go. “Always.”
Her smile is probably the biggest I’ve ever seen it. She’s literally glowing. Beck’s hand is reaching for hers, so she takes it, but turns back to look at me.
“And I love you too, little brother.” She winks at me.
Brat.
NOELLE
This is the wildest day I think I’ve ever had. Seeing Charlie and Beck get engaged made me feel all the things. Then the anticipation and the stress of waiting for Beck to get the call are nearly more than I can handle.
But it’s all gotten me thinking about what this life will be like. Casey and I haven’t really talked about what’s next, but I know I’ll go anywhere with him. He’s staying at Walker to play one more year though, so we have some time to figure it out.
I’m sitting on Casey’s lap in a chair in Beck’s dad’s living room, the big screen of the television practically in our faces.
“What are you thinking about?” Casey kisses my neck.
I tilt my head, touching his with mine. “Next year. What it will be like for you.”
“Oh, yeah? Well, probably pretty similar to this.” He laughs.
