Page 76 of It Happened Back Then
“Forever, Peach. I’ll love you forever.”
EPILOGUE: EIGHT WEEKS LATER - JANUARY AND DRAKE’S WEDDING DAY
Clink, Clink
“Hey, everyone! Can I get your attention for a moment?”
The hum of conversation begins to quiet as guests find their seats. I reach for Bennett’s hand, gently placing it on my lap as we turn to face Cole, who's standing with a confident grin, ready to deliver his best man’s speech.
I glance over at January, who is glowing and completely in love with my new brother-in-law. The sight of them together makes my chest swell, and just like that, I fall in love with love all over again.
Cole lifts his glass, voice warm and playful. “Hi, everyone! I know I speak for both Drake and his stunning new bride when I say thank you for being here tonight. What a celebration it’s been, though I think the real party’s just getting started.”
A few laughs ripple through the room.
“For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Cole DuPont. Drake and I have been best friends since we were kids. Inseparable to a point we even left our hometown togetherand made a life here in Bluemoon. I’m pretty sure I got the best man title by default, mostly because the groom doesn’t have any other friends.”
The crowd chuckles, and Cole winks at Drake.
“Drake and January’s story started with a bang, literally. I know you’ve all heard it. I was the bartender that night, and evenIwas caught off guard by how fast the rumor mill spun. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned about Bluemoon, it’s that the gossip is almost always true, and the exaggeration isn’t really exaggerating, it’s just telling the story with flare.” He narrows his eyes and points around the room. “So watch yourselves, people.”
Laughter grows louder this time, and Cole's tone softens just a bit.
“January, you’ve made my guy the happiest I’ve ever seen him. He’s been through his fair share of tough hands, but finding you? That turned his two pair into a royal flush.”
The room melts into warm applause, and I squeeze Bennett’s hand just a little tighter.
“So, in the spirit of love,” Cole says, raising his glass with a grin, “I need you all to do something for me. Everyone raise your hand in the air!” He looks around at the crowd with their hands raised. “Ok good, now if you’re married, put your hands down.”
Hands drop and a few cheers echo from the more enthusiastic couples.
“Alright, now put your hands down if you’re engaged.” A few more hands lower. “Nice, very nice. Now, if you’re seeing someone or in asituationship,” he points spinning around the room, “don’t pretend you don’t know what that means, hands down.”
Laughter ripples through the crowd. I glance around, smiling, still holding Bennett’s hand. No one needs to knowwe’re already married. But across the table, I catch Meadow watching Cole with a curious expression.
She never raised her hand to start.
“Okay,” Cole says, scanning the room with mock seriousness. “Who’s left?”
A few hands remain raised. He then narrows his eyes playfully on Meadow. “Some of you aren’t playing fair.” He clears his throat. “If you’re a man, put your hand down.”
A round of laughter breaks out again as more hands fall.
“Now who’s left?”
Cole’s gaze sweeps the room, lingering just a little longer on my sister. “To those of you still with your hands in the air, let me formally introduce myself. I’m Cole DuPont, a pediatric surgeon who volunteers at the local animal shelter in my free time. Feel free to come say hi tonight. In fact, let’s start with table one.”
The room erupts with laughter. I glance across the table just in time to see Meadow throw back the rest of her champagne in one gulp. Then she catches my eye, winks, and rises from her seat, striding out of the room.
A moment later, Cole sets down his glass and casually follows her.
“Did you see that?” I whisper to Bennett.
A song plays and the DJ encourages the crowd to get on the dance floor.
“I did. And I don’t care what nonsense your sister and the bartender have going on. All I care about is getting my wife out there to dance.”
“Well, anything my husband wants, my husband gets.”
