Page 44 of Fake Engagement with my Brother's Best Friend

I glance at Logan, standing across from me as the best man, looking incredibly handsome in his suit. For a brief second, he catches my eye and smiles. It’s a small moment, but it fills me with warmth, reminding me of how far we’ve come. Still, today isn’t about us—it’s about Emily and Joseph. I squeeze the bouquet of pale pink roses in my hands, ready for the ceremony to begin.

The music changes, and I turn to watch the bridesmaids start down the aisle. Jess, one of Emily’s closest friends, is leading the way, her blush-colored dress flowing gracefully behind her as she beams at the guests. She looks radiant, and I feel a surge of pride for Emily, for pulling all of this together so beautifully.

Then, it’s Emily’s turn.

As she steps into view, a gasp rises from the crowd, and I can’t help the tears that immediately well up in my eyes. She looks breathtaking. Her gown is simple yet stunning, with delicate lace details that catch the sunlight just right. Her veil flows softly behind her, and her smile—bright and full of love—is enough tolight up the entire beach. She locks eyes with Joseph, and the world seems to stand still.

Joseph’s face lights up when he sees her, and I swear he looks like he might burst from happiness. He stands tall at the altar, his hands fidgeting slightly as if he can’t wait for her to reach him. There’s an excitement in his eyes that’s contagious, and I can’t help but smile through my tears.

When Emily finally reaches him, their hands find each other naturally, as though they’ve been waiting for this moment their whole lives. The officiant begins the ceremony, his voice steady and warm, but all I can focus on is the love between Emily and Joseph. It’s so clear, so palpable, that I can feel it in the air around us.

Then it’s time for the vows.

Emily goes first, her voice soft but steady as she gazes up at Joseph. “Joseph, from the moment I met you, I knew my life was about to change. You’ve brought so much joy, laughter, and love into my world, and I promise to stand by your side through everything—every high, every low. I promise to love you with everything I have, just as you’ve always loved me.”

I bite my lip, trying to hold back the tears that are threatening to spill over. Her words are beautiful, full of the quiet strength that defines Emily’s love. I sneak a glance at Joseph, who’s beaming like the happiest man alive.

When it’s Joseph’s turn, he takes a deep breath, grinning at Emily. “Emily,” he starts, his voice light, “I thought about making some joke about being stuck with me forever, but the truth is, I’m the one who’s lucky. You’ve made me a better man just by being in my life. I promise to make you laugh every singleday, to never go to bed angry—even when you steal the covers—and to love you with everything I have, for the rest of our lives.”

The guests chuckle at his playful words, but the sincerity in his voice is unmistakable. I watch as Emily laughs through her tears, and Joseph reaches up to wipe one away, his touch tender. The love between them is undeniable.

The officiant continues, guiding them through the rest of the ceremony as the ocean gently crashes behind us, casting the moment in a kind of peaceful, magical calm. When he finally announces them husband and wife, Joseph pulls Emily into his arms, their kiss soft and sweet as everyone bursts into applause.

They walk down the aisle together, hand in hand, the perfect image of joy and love. As Emily passes me, she squeezes my hand, her eyes shining with happiness. I feel a lump in my throat, so happy for her I could cry.

As Emily and Joseph walk down the aisle, hand in hand, they are the perfect picture of love and happiness. The sun shines on them, casting a golden glow over the entire scene. Emily catches my eye as she passes, her smile wide and bright, and she reaches out to squeeze my hand. My heart swells with so much pride and happiness for her that it’s almost overwhelming. I can feel a lump forming in my throat, but I blink back the tears, not wanting to ruin the makeup Jess spent so much time perfecting.

Once the ceremony is over, we all follow the couple toward the reception. The event staff directs us inside to the stunning glass sunroom, where the reception is being held. The space is bathed in warm light, with sunlight streaming through the windows, making everything feel cozy and intimate despite the grandeur. The room is decorated with elegant floral arrangements, and long tables are lined with a buffet featuring a wide variety ofoptions—everything from fresh seafood to carved meats and an array of salads.

I spot Emily and Joseph near the entrance, surrounded by family and friends offering congratulations. After waiting for a quiet moment, I make my way over, unable to resist pulling them both into a group hug.

"You did it!" I whisper, my voice thick with emotion as I hold them tight. "You guys are married."

Emily beams up at me, her eyes glistening with joy. "We are! I couldn’t have done it without you, Grace."

Joseph laughs and wraps an arm around us both, squeezing gently. "Yeah, thanks for keeping Emily sane during all this."

Suddenly, I feel a familiar pair of strong arms wrap around me from behind, and I know immediately who it is. Logan’s warmth surrounds me, and I smile as I turn slightly to look at him. He’s grinning, his eyes bright with amusement.

“Don’t think you’re getting away without me joining this group hug,” he says, his voice teasing but filled with affection.

Emily giggles, and the four of us stay in the embrace for a moment longer before we all pull back. The joy of the day is infectious, and it feels like nothing in the world could ruin this moment.

“Look at the two of you,” Emily says, eyeing Logan and me with a playful glint in her eyes. “I bet your wedding is going to be even bigger than this.” She winks, clearly enjoying teasing us.

I freeze for a second, my heart skipping a beat as I glance at Logan, unsure how to respond. Emily’s just joking, but when I look up at him, there’s something in his eyes—a look that’s moreserious than usual, like he’s been thinking about something much more than just the fun of today.

"Too soon?" Emily asks, catching my hesitation. She laughs, trying to brush it off, but I can see that she notices the shift in the air between Logan and me.

I laugh, trying to play it off. “Way too soon, Em.”

Logan’s expression stays the same, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that makes my heart race. He doesn’t say anything, but there’s something behind that look, something unspoken yet undeniable. It’s like he’s trying to tell me something without words, and suddenly I wonder if Emily’s joke wasn’t too far from the truth.

As we all laugh and continue chatting, my mind is spinning, the possibilities running through my head. Could it be? Could Logan be thinking what I think he’s thinking?

Joseph wraps an arm around Emily, pulling her close as they bask in their newlywed glow. "Hey, Logan," he says with a grin, "you better watch out. Once Grace sees how great married life is, she might be dropping hints left and right."

Logan chuckles, his hand still resting on my lower back, his thumb brushing small circles against my skin in a way that makes my pulse quicken. "You think so?" he asks, giving me a sideways glance, his tone playful but with that same undercurrent of seriousness.

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