Page 68 of I'd Never Date my Best Friend's Brother

Motion at the door catches my eye and I see Evie. My heart stutters and then jump-starts at the sight of her.

Her light brown hair is styled in a loose bun with curls framing her face. She’s wearing the same color dress as Penny, but where Penny’s is across one shoulder, Evie’s is a halter style.

My gaze finally finds its way to her face and my heart clenches at the way her eyes are shining with love at me. I can’t stop how my lips lift as I watch her.

Every nerve ending in my body is firing as she walks past me to her place beside Penny.

She turns and catches my gaze. My heart slams against my chest as I swallow hard.

She winks at me and I’m pretty sure the grin that spreads across my face is going to crack my cheeks.

The bridal chorus begins and the rustle of clothes fills the church as everyone stands up and turns to face the bride.

I hear a gasp from Sean as Jessica takes her first step with my father. As predicted, my dad is crying as he holds my sister’s hand, resting in his arm like a precious baby. Jess’s smile is radiant as she focuses completely on Sean.

I turn to him and find his focus entirely on his bride.

The love that is evident between them is on full display for the world to see.

My gaze lands on Evie and my chest tightens. A smile lines her lips and her eyes shine with a brightness that takes my breath away. As if aware of my stare, she shifts her gaze to mine. A jolt of electricity rushes through my body at the impact and my stomach flutters.

She smirks and bites her bottom lip. I go to mouth I love you but my father blocks me just as I start. It’s also a good reminder that I am at my best friend’s and sister’s wedding.

“Who presents this woman to be married to this man?” Pastor Jake asks.

“I do.” My father picks my sister’s hand up and goes to give it to Sean, but before he does I hear him say hoarsely, “Take care of her, son.”

“I promise,” Sean vows solemnly.

My mom smiles at my dad with glassy eyes and reaches out her hand. He grabs it and then leans in to kiss her on the cheek before sitting down.

“Welcome everyone. Today we gather to celebrate the love of Jessica and Sean on this very special day…” Pastor Jake begins the wedding sermon.

As I witness the bringing together of two very special people to me, I can’t help but get caught up in the magic that is a wedding. There is just something very special about two people being willing to share their lives with each other.

Not just the good times, but the hard times and the sad times; making a commitment to be there for that person and promise to do that for all the days of your life.

My eyes are once again drawn to Evie, and I feel a certainty that I haven’t felt before.

How did I ever think I could live without her? Why would I ever try to convince myself that I should? For an intelligent man, I can be really stupid.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Pastor Jake’s words interrupt my musings. “You may now kiss the bride!”

The church erupts in claps and cheers as both Jessica and Sean smile from ear to ear. Sean puts one hand on Jessica’s face and the other around her waist as he dips her dramatically.

Jessica’s arms are wrapped around Sean’s neck. As the kiss goes on, the clapping and cheering gets louder, and people are now hooting and hollering.

“At the rate they’re going, we are never going to eat tonight!” Steve says loud enough to be heard over everyone.

The church erupts in laughter and Sean and Jessica finally come up for air. But honestly, it wouldn’t be Sean if there wasn’t just a touch of drama.

Jessica turns to Evie and grabs her bouquet. She then turns to her husband and beams at him before giving him another kiss. He brings her hand to his mouth and kisses it, never taking his eyes from hers, as they start walking out of the church to the wedding recessional song as everyone continues to clap.

I turn to Evie with my arm outstretched and a smile on my face. I notice that her cheeks are a bit damp.

“That was beautiful," she says as she rests her hand on my forearm.

When I don’t start moving right away, she turns to look at me. I lean in and give her a soft kiss that I hope whispers the promises of the future I want for us.

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