Page 48 of (Not Really) Faking It With My Best Friend's Brother

Susan blinked in surprise but quickly composed herself. "Thank you, Tiffany. That's very kind of you to say."

Tiffany nodded, glancing down briefly as if gathering her thoughts. When she looked back up at us, her eyes were glistening.

"I was foolish and jealous," she admitted, her voice filled with remorse. "But I see now what real love looks like. I wish you both nothing but happiness. You deserve it."

Moved by the sincerity in her words, Susan stepped forward, embracing Tiffany gently. "I forgive you," she whispered, their smiles mirroring one another's.

I was touched by Tiffany's change of heart. Perhaps this evening marked the beginning of a fresh start for each of us.

As the lights dimmed and a familiar melody filled the air, I turned to Susan, extending my hand towards her. "May I have this dance?"

Her cheeks blushed as she nodded, placing her hand in mine. "You may," she replied with a coy smile.

Together, we walked onto the dance floor, the soft notes of a slow jazz number playing. Susan's laughter rang out above the melody. Her bright eyes were fixed on mine, a promise of all the joy to come whispered in their depths.

Under the soft spotlight, Susan and I swayed together, lost in our own world. The trials of our journey already seemed to be fading into memory. All that mattered now was the love that had seen us through - and the bright future that lay ahead.

Chapter twenty-one

Susan

The scent of fresh carnations and baby's breath greeted me as I pushed open the Rivermint Cove Community Center door, my arms straining under the weight of the fairy lights and linens. Mom and Emily chatted behind me, their laughter floating through the empty space as our footsteps echoed loudly across the wooden floor.

I paused to take it all in—the soaring ceilings, the tall windows letting in warm streams of sunlight, and the blank canvas of tables and chairs just waiting to be transformed. This room would be filled with our family and friends in less than two hours, celebrating our engagement. A nervous flutter rose in my chest.

"Alright, ladies," Mom said, setting down a large box with a thud. "Let's get to work decorating this place for the happy couple."

Emily giggled, giving me a playful nudge. I stuck my tongue out at her, then grabbed a bundle of lights. It was time to turn this place into something magical.

We spent the next couple of hours draping fairy lights along the walls, softening the space with their warm glow. Ivory linens added an elegant touch to the tables, although Mom insisted on accenting them with mismatched floral bows she'd found at a thrift store.

"It adds character," she said, holding up a neon orange one.

Emily and I burst into laughter. Only my mom would think so. But the crazy bows made it feel more personal, and I loved vintage things.

I paused to take it all in again as we put the finishing touches on the decor. The once-empty room now shimmered with light and new life. It was everything I had imagined for this celebration of love. I couldn't wait to share it with Nate.

I was admiring our handiwork when Emily's other best friend, Amelia, breezed in, arms loaded with vibrant flower arrangements. Though not quite as close as Emily and me, Amelia's presence was always a welcome addition to any project. She wore her typical bohemian ensemble: a flowing skirt dotted with sunflowers, a white blouse tied at the waist, and an array of bangles adorn her wrist. And although I didn’t want to admit it, their personalities were probably better matched than mine and Emily's.

"Let me add a little pizzazz to those tables," she said, setting down the flowers with a flourish.

Amelia began meticulously arranging the colorful blooms in the center of each table, her artistic eye and flair for design instantly brightening up the room.

"Gorgeous!" Mom exclaimed as Amelia put the finishing touches on the last arrangement. "You've outdone yourself!"

Amelia beamed, clearly in her creative element. "What can I say? I love playing with flowers. I think it adds that special touch for celebrations of love."

I had to agree. The flowers added a joyful pop of color that perfectly complemented the dreamy, romantic lighting.

"They're absolutely perfect," I said, giving Amelia a grateful hug. She had gone above and beyond.

With the decor finally complete, it was time to set up the games and activities. Emily and I focused on creating the "Engagement Trivia" station, filling a large poster board with funny stories and special milestones from my relationship with Nate.

"They'll get a kick out of guessing some of these," Emily said with a smirk, writing down the story of how Nate and I first met as MysteryDoc and Boundless Bookworm on the ‘Find A Mate On A Blind Date’ app.

We stepped back, admiring our work. The hall was ready for a night of celebration and fun with our loved ones. My heart swelled, and I thought about sharing it all with Nate soon. This was going to be a night to remember.

As the first guests began to arrive, I felt a flutter of excitement. I greeted Aunt Leslie and Uncle George at the door with hugs.

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