Page 84 of That Secret Something

We stuffed ourselves on goat’s cheese and chilli jam arancini, a spinach and tomato nut roast main for me, and herb-crusted chicken for the meat-eaters. But the trio of desserts were hands-down the crowning glory: salted caramel brownies, glazed lemon tarts, and an apple cider sorbet. I was gutted that Lily and Tyler did the food tasting on their own—because I would’ve loved to eat that all again.

The champagne continued to flow as the speeches began.

Tyler’s dad kicked it off with a hilarious rehash of the happy couple’s younger moments—embarrassing stories about their first fights, overheard conversations, and awkward chats about finding open condom wrappers in the bin. Tyler was next, his face flushed red with nerves and a generous helping of alcohol. He stumbled over a few words, but his speech was short and sweet, and ended with a big round of applause and a big kiss from his new wife.

Thankfully, I’d got out of giving any speeches. My anxiety couldn’t handle it, which meant I could enjoy the day knowing my jobs were all done. But when Rebecca stood up next to me and tapped her glass, my stomach tied itself into knots for her.

She straightened up and readjusted her jacket, blew out a short breath and began. “I met Lily when I was three years old… And I hated her. Mum says I told her ‘I don’t want a sister. Can we get a dog instead?’ All these years later…that still stands. Mum, Dad, you should’ve got a dog.” The guests laughed, and Lily leaned over to pinch Rebecca’s arm, but she continued, undeterred. “A dog would’ve been a lot quieter, made less mess, and probably smelt a lot better too.”

“Is this going somewhere?” Lily shouted, met by another laugh.

Rebecca smiled, her cheeks also red from the flow of bubbly. “I never wanted a sister…but, boy, am I glad that I have one. There’s no one else I’d rather argue with or poke fun at, that I’d rather share my sweets with or my secrets, that I’d rather grow up with, trying to figure out this wild rollercoaster ride. In truth, there’s no one else I’d rather have as a sister. She drives me up the wall, and I know that I do that to her too, but if we went back in time and Mum asked me the question, there’d be no hesitation in my answer.” She turned to her parents. “Mum, Dad…please, please, please…get a dog.”

The guests erupted, and even Lily shook her head, unable to hide her smile. “I hate you,” she muttered.

Rebecca raised her glass. “To my sister. I wish you all the happiness in the world. You really deserve it, both of you. And, Tyler, best of luck, mate—you’re going to need it. To the happy couple!”

“The happy couple!” the guests echoed.

It took a little while for everyone to settle, especially Lily, who was caught in a back-and-forth with Rebecca about who was actually the better sister. Eventually, there was another fork tapping on glass, and everyone turned their attention to the bride.

I was shocked to see her standing.

“Don’t get excited,” she began. “Everyone knows I’m not fond of public speaking—”

“But she’s a fan of public dancing with the stripper!” one of Lily’s colleagues shouted, clearly a big fan of the champagne.

“Paula, I’m so gonna get you for that one.” Lily shook her head. “Sorry, Grandma,” she said to the white-haired woman on the table to the left of her.

“Don’t be sorry,” her grandma said. “I’m just sorry I didn’t get a go.”

Rebecca burst out laughing next to me, followed by the rest of the guests. She leaned closer. “Well, at least I know what to get Grandma for her next birthday.”

I laughed, covering it with my hand, and Rebecca put her arm around my shoulders. Feeling the touch of her fingertips on the bare skin of my arm, a familiar sensation tingled in my chest.

Lily cleared her throat. “Anyway…I just wanted to thank you all for coming and for celebrating our special day with us. I couldn’t think of better people to spend it with—apart from you, Paula.” She stuck her tongue out and turned to me and Rebecca. For a split second, I almost pulled away from Rebecca’s touch. But then I relaxed; it felt so good not to have to hide anymore. “I want to say a special thanks to my two maids of honour, who, if you can’t tell, have gotten pretty close while organising my wedding.”

Whoops and whistles circulated the tables, making me blush.

“At first, I thought this was the worst thing in the world,” Lily went on. My insides clenched, and I felt Rebecca stiffen beside me. “My best friend and my sister? What if it didn’t work out? How could I possibly take sides?

“But loving somebody always comes with risk. If we spent our lives tiptoeing around, never taking that leap, we’d be doing ourselves a disservice. What would life be if we never took chances? We can’t fall in love without being a little bit brave; we’d just be shadows of ourselves, waiting for something that would never come.

“The more I think about it, the more I know you two are perfect for each other. Your love gives you both courage. You bring out the best in each other, and that’s something a lot of people can only dream about.” Lily smiled, tucking a curled piece of brown hair behind her ear. “Jess. Without you, this whole wedding would have fallen apart. I seriously cannot thank you enough for everything you’ve done. Thank you for being the best wedding planner, and an even better friend. To Jess!” She raised her glass, and all the guests mirrored her.

I tried to hide in my own flute of champagne, but it didn’t help; heat still flushed my cheeks, regardless.

“And to my sister, and the biggest pain in my arse, you’d better treat my girl right—or else.” Lily lifted her eyebrows. “You know I could take you.”

“Whatever you say, Lilz.”

“But seriously, thank you for sorting this wonderful venue, and for helping Jess make this day a dream come true.” She raised her glass a second time. “To Rebecca!”

The guests cheered again, and Lily took a seat.

“That’s it now,” she said, dusting her hands together. “No more.”

“What about me?” Tyler teased. “Where’s the ‘Best husband in the world’ speech?”

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