Page 73 of The Best Man Wins

I glance back at Mandy sitting on the other side of the aisle. I hold my breath, praying she’ll stay seated. When she shifts in her seat, I nearly lunge at her and pin her to the ground just to protect the wedding. I relax, however, when I see her pull a tissue out of her purse and blow her nose.

“Very well,” the pastor says. “By the power vested in me, I pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”

This is it. My heart patters wildly in my chest as Ray tilts down and presses a single, sweet kiss to Cora’s lips. The audience interrupts in wild hoots and cheers.

Now it’s my turn to cry. I should’ve known to bring tissues. I dab at my eyes and whimper, “It gets me every time.”

“Come here.”

Braxton pulls me against his jacket and gives me a place to cry. I cry, not because I’m sad, but because it is so beautiful and my heart feels so full. It’s overwhelming. Braxton supplies me with a small soft handkerchief, and I make a mess of it.

The ceremony finishes up, and everyone crowds around the now happily married couple to give their congratulations. I pull myself together enough to get back to my feet. I’m sniffling when I tell Braxton, “I’ve got to…go make sure everything’s okay.”

“Susie,” he says, and I turn to face him. Those deep eyes look intensely vibrant now. “Thank you,” he says sincerely. “For everything. This wedding is perfect.”

I can’t help the grin that spread across my lips now. “It’s what I do.” I give his chest a small pat and then pry myself away.

I zip past the crowd to meet up with Thom and Marlee again. My feet, however, come to a quick stop when I see him. Oh no. And this whole wedding day had been going so smoothly.

Ace stands behind a white chair. When his eyes lock on mine, he smiles.

No. This won’t do. I can’t have him here. His presence is toxic, and I’m afraid if he’s here even a second longer, he’ll ruin what’s left of the day. I walk toward him quickly and hiss, “What are you doing here?”

“I had to see you.” Ace’s blue eyes flicker between mine. He takes my wrist in his hand. “I couldn’t leave for New York…not with our conversation on my mind.”

“What is there to think about?” I say, exhausted. “Ace, I’m working. You can’t be here.”

As if out of nowhere, Thom and Marlee appear on either side of me suddenly to back me up. “Ace.” Thom clucks the word against his mouth. “I’m sorry, but you didn’t make the invitation list. I’m going to have to ask you to leave.”

“I’m Susie’s plus one.” He smiles, that bright white smile that could get him anything he wanted. “Don’t worry about it.”

“No,” I say firmly. “You’re not.”

“Everything okay?” Braxton steps to my side suddenly, as though he smelled trouble. The tension is thick, and he must know something is up with Ace, because he’s staring daggers at him.

This is bad. Braxton is wound tight right now, the tin man having trouble processing real, true emotions for the first time. Ace is the lit match to Braxton’s gasoline.

“Everything’s fine,” I say and hug my arms to my chest, cupping my elbows. “He was just leaving.”

“Hi.” Ace smiles and extends a palm toward Braxton. “Ace Soren. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Braxton takes Ace’s hand and shakes it. His eyes, however, are locked on Ace, and a flicker of understanding crosses his expression. “You’re Ace?”

A cocky smile draws across Ace’s mouth. “That’s me.”

“The Ace Soren?” Uh-oh. I don’t like the look of that storm brewing behind Braxton’s eyes.

Ace lets out a breathy, albeit somewhat frustrated laugh. “I can give you my autograph after I finish up here.”

“That won’t be necessary.” Braxton pulls up his sleeves. Purposefully, he curls them above his elbows. “I’m going to hit you now.”

“What—?”

Braxton swings his fist into Ace’s face. My hand flies to my mouth, and I let out a short screech.

Ace stumbles back, surprised, but then a scowl cuts over his mouth and he throws himself at Braxton, fighting back. The two push each other back and forth, muscles locking. Fists swing, connecting with skin and bone, and soon it becomes hard to tell them apart. They stumble through the guests—who cry out and disperse quickly—and fall against the folding chairs, collapsing a whole row.

“Thom! Do something!” I say and shove him.

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