Page 15 of The Charmer
She holds my hand as we move back to the rocks, climb up to our perch behind the waterfall, and wrap ourselves in towels.
We sit down and I unpack our lunch: egg salad sandwiches, watermelon, sparkling water, and brownies.
“This is incredible, Reese.”
“I know,” I agree. But again, I’m looking at her.
Mick and Emily’swedding is out of a magazine. In fact, I’m pretty sure their photos are being submitted for publication inTravel Bridemagazine.
“This is next level,” Jayde says beside me, as if reading my thoughts.
“This is Mick and Em,” I explain, lacing our fingers together.
The ocean is before us, an endless stretch of blue-green water and pristine coastline. Lapping waves tickle the shore, stopping before an arch, decorated with soft, muted-colored flowers and greenery.
White chairs are lined up on either side of the petal strewn aisle and I guide Jayde toward the front of the groom’s side. We take our seats, twisting in our chairs to watch as Mick and Emily’s family and friends arrive, oohing over the decor and scenery.
“I’ve never been to a wedding like this,” Jayde says beside me.
I turn to look at her. Her hair is gathered over one shoulder, soft curls held together with some type of floral band. It’s deep blue and violet, pairing well with the lavender, strapless dress that hugs her curves and cinches her waist. When Jayde dressed this afternoon, I couldn’t tear my eyes away.
There was a wariness in her movements that bothered me because she’s so damn confident, sure of who she is. But the flowers and lavender are uncharted territory for her. Even at thehockey events and fundraising galas I’d see her at, she always rocked black. With embellishments, but black is her staple.
“Like what?” I ask.
Her eyes swim with emotion and I lean closer. This weekend, I’ve seen and learned more about Jayde than in a year of quiet observation. Underneath her cool exterior are deep, complicated, messy emotions I wish she’d share.
“Just, so much…love,” she mutters, the word coming out of her mouth like a bullet. Sharp and deadly.
The music starts up and I reach for her hand. My thumb brushes over the backs of her knuckles as everyone stands.
By the arch, Mick is waiting, his eyes glued to the aisle, not wanting to miss a second of Emily walking toward him to begin their lives together.
When Emily appears, Jayde draws in a sharp breath, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t overcome with emotion too.
Emily is stunning. Yeah, she’s wearing a fancy dress and her hair and makeup is professionally done. But she’s glowing, her entire being vibrating with a happiness you can’t fake.
I smile the second she steps into the aisle, unable to look away.
“He’s so happy,” Jayde whispers.
Frowning, I turn and realize she’s been watching Mick. And yeah, my buddy, the jokester and prankster, looks like he’s about to cry. Grinning, I turn toward the arch as Emily’s father gives her away.
We all sit as the officiant begins the ceremony and Emily and Mick say their own vows.
I clasp Jayde’s fingers as Mick swears to love Emily for all his days and Emily promises to support Mick as they live out their dreams. And I want that. All of it, the promise and commitment, the dreaming and loving, with the woman sitting beside me.
Even though I’ve mostly watched her from the sidelines, I know it to be true. I knew it from the looks and smiles she used to toss my way. From how she engages with children and stands up for her friends. From the easy conversations, short but with flirtatious undertones, we’ve had traveling to away games or at youth outreach events. I knew it that night at Taps.
Deep down, I’ve always known but now I’m certain. This weekend with Jayde is just the beginning, the tip of it all. There’s no other woman for me. No other dream but this one.
I turn to look at her, noting how serious she’s watching the couple exchange rings. She can’t tear her eyes away.
She feels it too. This moment is so much bigger than us and yet, if we’re lucky, it will sweep us away and hold us together.
A lifetime of love.
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