Page 36 of Deal Breaker
“Let’s get closer,” said Sophie. “I want to see the cake.”
We shuffled to the front, able to view the ridiculously huge cake. Consisting of four tiers, it was decorated with cream frosting and covered in trailing flowers in contrasting shades of the colors Brianna had picked. God only knew how they were going to cut it. Carefully, I would have thought.
The Master of Ceremonies beckoned Evan over. Mentally, I covered my eyes. The best man’s toast was usually the one full of jokes and stories about the groom. Thankfully, Evan had done a good job with that at the rehearsal dinner the night before.
Serving staff milled around with trays filled with glasses of champagne. I grabbed two and passed one to Sophie.
Evan cleared his throat. “You’ll all be pleased to hear I plan to keep this short. Anyone who knows Joshua and Brianna already knows how much they love and adore each other. I think that’s pretty obvious from today.” He gestured to the couple, who were standing so close together they may as well have been superglued. “Plus, I embarrassed Joshua enough last night and at his bachelor party, so I’ve already done the funny stories and inside jokes.”
A ripple of laughter spread around the room.
“So, like I said, these two are perfect for each other. They’ve been in love since high school, and today marks the start of their new life together as husband and wife.” Evan raised his glass. “To Joshua and Brianna.”
Evan’s toast hit home.
Sophie and I are perfect for each other.
We’ve been in love since high school, even if we’ve been denying it for so long.
Today marks the start of our new life together as boyfriend and girlfriend.
I had to make Sophie understand that was what I wanted.
I lifted my glass in the air and clinked it with Sophie’s. Once the toasts were over, I had to get her on her own and explain everything.
Joshua broke away from Brianna and turned to his brother. “Evan, thank you for the censored toast and for not telling everyone the extent of the shenanigans at the bachelor party. There are some things Brianna never needs to hear!” He grinned and faced Brianna again. “Bri, today has been everything I’ve dreamed of since I asked you to marry me last summer. I couldn’t wait to be your husband. Know that I will always be there for you, whatever obstacles we may face. We’ll tackle everything together, as partners, lovers, husband and wife. I love you more than I could ever hope to express in simply words…”
While he carried on, Brianna’s face flooded with tears, and I was certain Sophie wiped away a few as well. I’d never be as good as Joshua when it came to explaining my feelings. Perhaps I should have taken a few tips from him before I spoke to Sophie.
“To my gorgeous, beautiful, stunning bride, Mrs. Brianna Smith.”
Applause and cheers broke out again.
Sophie looked up at me, happy tears streaking her face.
“Look at you getting all emotional.” I reached out and stroked them away from her cheeks. She was everything Joshua had just said about Brianna.
She reached into her purse and pulled out a tissue, blowing her nose. “I never realized Joshua could speak so well. He’s usually such a joker.”
“He is. You don’t know how long it took him to actually write the toast though.” In truth, I had no idea how long it had taken him, nor that he planned to say such wonderful things about Brianna. He’d played it very close to his chest.
Brianna coughed. I hadn’t expected her to say anything, because she was usually quite shy in public. But I guess that all went out of the window on your wedding day. She blushed, shuffling around, the big skirt of her dress almost moving of its own accord.
“I wasn’t going to speak, but when yourhusbandhas said the kindest, most lovely things about you, I felt I had to respond. I’m not as good as Joshua when it comes to the big gesture…” She clutched Joshua’s hand. “Baby, I love you so much, and I’m so looking forward to seeing what this next chapter in our lives brings.” Standing on tiptoe, she placed a soft kiss on Joshua’s cheek.
There was a collective “awwww.” I felt Sophie reach behind her, taking my hand in hers at Brianna’s words, gently squeezing it. God, how much did I want to hold Sophie, lay my soul bare, and tell her how much she meant to me.
Soon, Max, soon,I told myself.
My impatience kicked in again when Brianna’s parents stepped forward. Honestly, why did everyone at the wedding feel they had to have a say? They’d said plenty the previous evening. Brianna’s father had a tendency to ramble when he’d had a few drinks, and he’d certainly had a few. Politely I listened and sipped my champagne, relishing the feel of Sophie’s hand in mine.
“I’m starving,” she whispered. “I hope they cut the cake soon.”
“Mmm, me too.” Cake wasn’t the only thing I was hoping to eat that night.
Finally, Joshua’s parents took center stage. Thankfully, they could tell the guests were getting restless and chose to keep their toast short and sweet, welcoming Brianna into the Smith family and toasting her parents as well.
The bride and groom bowed and curtseyed before making their way to the cake table. Now I’d get to see how they were planning on cutting the monstrosity and sharing it around. The photographer had them pose for a few shots before they actually cut the thing, some of the guests swarming around to get the money shot. Then Brianna handed the cake knife over to one of the resort staff, and she went about expertly dividing it up. She’d probably had practice at other weddings.
