Page 67 of The Game Changer

Jill

“Anything else I can get you?” I ask Julia as I hand her a glass of water while we wait in the brides’ room that was set up for her to get ready in.

“I don’t think so. I’m just ready to get this done and over with!” she says, the excitement that her wedding day has finally arrived has kept us going for the last week. We’ve packed so much into the week we’ve already been here in Sweden. She wanted to arrive that early to, one, help adjust to the time difference, and then to have time to get all the last-minute details ironed out. Planning a wedding from halfway across the world wasn’t the easiest thing to do. She had many stressful nights over the last year, but it’s all come together, and things are just so beautiful. I now know why she wanted to get married here.

“Well then, let’s go get you married!” I tell her, just as excited for her and Beckett.

“Is my little girl ready to walk down the aisle?” Matt, Julia’s dad, asks as he enters the room.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” she tells him as he walks over and presses a kiss to her cheek.

“You’re a beautiful bride, baby girl,” he tells her.

“Thank you. Have you seen Beckett? Is he doing okay?” she questions her dad.

“He’s fine, antsy but just fine.”

“I wish we would have done a first look,” Julia states.

“Too late for that now.” Her dad chuckles. “It’s go time.”

“Then let’s get this show on the road!” she exclaims. I follow them out of the room, meeting up with Bridget in the hallway. We watch from the wings as the guys approach the front, then as grandparents and mothers are escorted down the aisle. Beckett’s two sisters are bridesmaids and paired up with their respective spouses as groomsmen, leaving me to be paired with, who else, but John. I think it shocked him when Beckett asked if he’d be his best man. I know they became pretty good friends the one season they played together, but I still think it surprised John when the question was posed. I finish fixing the back of Julia’s dress as Bea and Alice start their processional, then take my place in front of her for my turn. As soon as I can, I lock eyes with John. The look on his face as he sees me appear makes my heart skip a beat. He looks so good in his tux, but I’d like to see him out of it just as much.

I make it to my place, thankfully not face-planting or making a fool of myself during my best friend’s wedding. Once I make it to my spot and turn to face the back, the music changes and Matt and Julia appear in the doorway. The guests all stand, causing the two of them to be blocked for the first half of the length of the aisleway. I look over, watching Beckett’s face as he waits to see his bride as she comes into view. I know the exact moment that it happens, as he sucks in a breath and his eyes start to water. He must sway on his feet, as John’s hand comes up and lands on his shoulder to steady him. I can read John’s lips as he tells Beckett to just breathe, followed by him doing just that.

I turn my attention back to the aisle, checking to see how close Matt and Julia are. Once they are within a couple feet of the podium, Beckett steps down, accepting Julia’s hand as Matt hands it over after he lifts her veil and plants a kiss on her cheek. I miss whatever it is he tells Beckett, but it has both him and Julia chuckling lightly while they get settled.

I watch as my best friend looks up at her soon to be husband. The love these two have is serious couple goals.

“Welcome,” the minister starts the wedding, moving us quickly through the ceremony. Before I know it, Beckett is bending Julia over in a kiss not meant for minor viewing. “It is my pleasure to introduce to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Beckett Karlson,” the minister announces as the guests all stand in applause. They finally make their way out, followed by the wedding party.

“Have I told you how beautiful you look today?” John asks as I link my arm with his as we follow Beckett and Julia.

“Only a time or ten,” I say under my breath.

“How much longer until I can peel that dress off of you?” he asks once we’ve exited the sanctuary part of the venue.

“You’re incorrigible,” I tell him, smacking his chest lightly as I laugh at him.

“Can’t blame a man for wanting what he knows is his,” he says, a little cocky as he raises an eyebrow in question.

“Later.” I giggle as he captures my lips in a toe-curling kiss. “First, we have to do the reception thing,” I tell him between kisses. “The dancing, and cake, and some more dancing,” I remind him.

“As long as I’m dancing with you,” he practically growls into my neck.

“All right, caveman,” I chuckle as he attempts to suck on my neck. “Let’s go before you get carried away.”

“I’ll carry you away,” he quips back.

“Hmmmhmm,” I hum at him as I pull him down the hall to where we’re expected next.

* * *

“Can I take you back to the hotel yet?” John asks a few hours later as we’re slow dancing around the dance floor. All of our bridal party duties are finally done, we’ve just been enjoying the evening and time celebrating our friends.

“I suppose,” I tell him as I link my fingers behind his neck.

“About damn time!” he says, shocking me as he swoops me up into his arms.

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