Page 21 of Even Ground

“Is that what you think of me?” He places his palm on his chest.

“Maybe before I realised how annoying you are.”

He opens his mouth, as if he’s about to say something.

“And now the best man and bridesmaid,” the photographer announces.

Reece holds out his hand. “Come on.”

I swallow hard as I take his hand and we walk to the spot Delaney and Josh have just vacated.

“Stand nice and close together.”

Sucking in a breath, I move closer to Reece.

“Are you ready?” he murmurs.

It takes everything in me not to laugh as it dawns on me what he’s about to do.

“Say cheese.” The photographer steadies his finger on the button.

Reece and I look at each other, screw up our noses, and poke out our tongues right as the flash goes.

All I can hear is Delaney’s laughter

* * *

I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so much in my life.

But the food is good, and the wine flows. And then there’s that big cake right in front of our table, taunting me. It’s chocolate—Delaney would never choose anything else, and it’s beautifully decorated in white fondant with silver ferns around the sides to represent her and Melly’s homeland.

Josh’s father stands up and taps a spoon against his glass.

“On behalf of Josh and Delaney, I’d like to thank you all for coming. I believe Delaney’s bridesmaid, Pania, and the best man, Reece, have a few words to say.” He smiles down the table at me. “Pania?”

My knees knock together when I stand, which is the oddest feeling. I’m no fan of public speaking, but it doesn’t usually intimidate me this much. Then again, I’ve never been in a room full of celebrities before.

This is my best friend’s wedding.

I look down at Delaney, and she’s smiling up at me with so much pride.

“Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa. Greetings, greetings, greetings to you all.” I take a deep breath. “My name is Pania Wilson, and I’m Delaney’s bridesmaid and her best friend. At least I was her best friend until this one wormed his way back in.”

Josh grins at me as I meet his gaze.

“Delaney and I met when we were small, and she’s been my bestie my whole life. I’ve never seen her so happy. Josh is the love of her life as she is his, and I could not be happier for the two of them.”

“And me,” Amelia calls out.

Laughter fills the air, and I nod toward her. “And you, too, my sweet girl. Love you.” I look back at the sea of faces looking at me and hold up my glass. “To Delaney and Josh. You’d better take good care of my girl, Josh. She is one amazing wahine.”

Delaney’s eyes glisten with tears, and I blow her a kiss.

“To Delaney and Josh.” A chorus of voices make my heart swell, and I sit back down next to my best friend.

She takes my hand in hers and squeezes it. “I love you.”

“Love you too. You make sure he’s always good to you. You deserve the best, Delaney.”

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