Page 89 of Hart Breaker

“Yes, she is.”

“You okay?” I give his knee a squeeze.

“She’s my baby sister.”

“I know. Look how happy she is.”

“He’s a good guy. He’ll treat her well, keep her happy.” He turns and smiles at me. “Doesn’t change that she’s my baby sister.”

When the table is cleared of all the food, bartenders and a photographer appear, and I overhear Hudson whisper to Jillian, “I know there’s no specific time, and we’re in no hurry, but it looks like rain may be coming.”

“Nour and I love the rain, but yeah, I think this is a perfect time.”

Nour nods his agreement.

She stands and looks at her brothers. “You two wanna come with me? I’ll bring them right back.”

I watch as Nora talks to AJ and Bennett, and they all move toward an arbor that’s covered in flowers. Roman and Hudson move toward them, and they all stand in line like you would see the groomsmen do at a wedding.

I notice the girls have disappeared, too, and hear a “Psst.”

I turn and look back, and I see Jillian in a stunning cream dress.

“I should have given you a heads-up.”

“Oh my God, no, I’m honored to be here.”

“And I’ll be honored to be at yours and Hudson’s.”

She and I grin at the exact same time when the song, “Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head,” begins, and everyone laughs. I’m sure I’m missing something here, but it doesn’t make me feel like I don’t belong. His family is awesome. He is awesome.

When Jillian walks out, she’s wearing a headband with a unicorn horn on it. Everybody, including myself, begins to laugh again. It’s probably for different reasons, but how freaking adorable is she?

Linda is escorting her toward them as she stops to remove the headband and tosses it behind her, right into my hands. Interesting how I have never caught a bridal bouquet at any of the weddings I’ve been to, but here I am, holding what may be the equivalent.

I look toward Hudson, and he gives me a wink before he turns and looks at his sister again.

When she’s finally up to her future husband, he takes her hand, spins her, then pulls her tight against him.

The minister begins. “It’s been a true joy to have been able to meet these two individuals and get to know more about them and their beliefs about love. I’m sure everyone standing here would agree that there is no doubt they’re the real deal and will make it through any storm they encounter.”

“We love storms.” Jillian beams.

“We do.” Nour winks.

“There was something very interesting that was discussed in reference to all of you.”

Jillian puts her forehead on his chest, and he kisses the top of her head.

“They told me that not one person they chose to be part of today is someone they would not expect to tell them if they saw something that Jillian or Nour may do that wasn’t honoring their promise to one another. That was followed by, ‘How lucky are we to have found each other and our true family?’ So, now I ask you: how lucky are we to be here to witness their promise, their vows, and to feel the love they have for each other and for all of us, too?”

I hold my hand to my chest, suddenly overwhelmed by emotions, and yes, feeling privileged to be here to witness this.

“I love you,” Nour whispers.

“I love you,” Jillian whispers back.

“Oh my God, I can’t with these two.” CeCe giggles.

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