Page 134 of Breakout
Beckett has been a godsend through it all, though. He’s supported me in every step. He even gave up going on a summer trip with the guys so that he could stay here with me. He didn’t want me to be alone.
It’s because of him that I started therapy again. It took me a couple of visits to feel comfortable, but now once a week, I go and talk with a woman about my issues. We have barely made a dent in my childhood, but I already feel lighter.
What happened to my parents was a tragedy, but I don’t have to let it define me anymore.
I feel free.
“Well, the pictures will be beautiful. I’m glad we talked you into hiring a photographer. It’s the second most important part of the day besides getting married,” Grace says.
“Thank you for that. I know I was being cheap, but spending money is still hard for me. I mean, look at my dress. I got it on sale for a hundred dollars.”
“Speaking of, we need to get you into your dress. It’s almost time.”
Looking at a picture of my grandfather, I give it a sad smile. I wish my father or grandfather were here to walk me down the aisle.
The pang of grief hits me like it always does, but I push it away. They would have loved Beckett.
Standing, I let Grace and Cora help me get into my dress. Grace touches up my makeup while Cora makes sure my dress and hair are perfect. Once they are done, they stand in front of me admiring me.
“You look gorgeous, Pey,” Grace whispers, her eyes tearing up.
“The most beautiful bride ever,” Cora agrees.
“Stop.” I wave my hand in front of my face. “You’re going to make me cry.”
They laugh as there is a knock at the door.
“It’s time,” Cora says, opening the door.
“We will see you down there.”
When I turn, I’m surprised to find Wyatt standing inside the door in his tux.
“What are you doing here?” I ask.
He gives me a smile. “You didn’t think we were letting you walk down the aisle alone, did you?”
“I mean, kinda, yeah.”
He shakes his head. “You’ll never be alone, Peyton. You have us. We are your family now.”
Walking over to him, I hug him. “Thank you.”
He nods, offering his arm, and I take it.
“No problem.”
“Why did they choose you?” I ask as we walk down the stairs.
“They didn’t. We drew straws.”
“Oh, and you’re the lucky one, huh?”
He looks over at me and smirks. “I’m not lucky. I cheated.”
I snort out a laugh. “What? Why?”
He stops at the bottom of the stairs, turning to me. “I knew about you and Beck from the beginning. He’s a great liar to the others, but not to me. I’ve been rooting for you longer than you realize. I felt it only right that I be the one to walk you down to my best friend so that you can make him the happiest manalive. Not only that, but I see you, Peyton. I see the pain that lives inside of you. Beckett is healing that. I want to make sure nothing stands in the way.”
