Page 3 of All My Broken Pieces

This is going to be a long night.

I’m so beyond ecstatic for Ava and her man, but if I’m honest, all I want right now is to meet Arriana somewhere and beg her to tongue fuck me until I’m screaming.

Shifting my thighs against the growing pressure, I glance to my left. Killian stands next to the officiant, his eyes glistening with unshed tears and genuine adoration as he watches his bride. His fingers twitch like he’s having to force himself to remain in place.

My smile widens at the sight. I’m so happy they have each other. Even though it took some shit to get here, the two are made for one another.

My eyes drift back to Arriana, the thought crossing my mind again. Like it does so often.

Arewemeant for each other?

Before I can get too lost in the whirlwind of my anxiety, I return my focus to Ava and Killian as Ava comes to a stop before him.

“Hey, firecracker.” Killian murmurs, brushing his fingers down her cheek. He leans in to whisper something in her ear, making her shiver. Chuckling, he pulls back and holds out his elbow, escorting her to a stop before the officiant.

Clearing his throat, the man looks over the crowd. “Ladies and gentleman,” He starts, his voice booming in the large church. “Please take your seats.” As one, everyone sits down in the pews.

The officiant proceeds with the ceremony, but I don’t hear a word he says. My focus is on the way Ava and Killian are watching each other, the love shining in their glistening eyes. I gulp, trying to blink back my own tears.

I want that.

As the thought slips through, I find myself reminded of all the ones that have come up throughout the whole process leading up to the wedding. Thoughts that grow louder as the familiar church setting only serves to give them strength. Reminders that, while Ava and Killian can have this beautiful moment together, I can’t. Not really. Not in the way I would want.

“It’s just a phase.”

My mom’s words run through my mind.

“You’ll grow out of it. Settle down with a nice man.”

I bite my cheek, fighting back the emotions.

“Girls aren’t made to be with other girls. Man and woman.That’swhat is right. Now get those thoughts out of your head.”

I can feel Arriana’s eyes on me, but I don’t look at her. I can’t look at her.

“You may kiss the bride.” The words float through my subconscious and I bring myself back to the present. My heart aches once again as I watch my best friend and her new husband lean into each other, my heart aches once again. I ignore it and clap wildly, letting the tears flow down my face.

People cry at weddings all the time.

Ava and Killian pull apart, panting for breath as they resist the urge to devour one another. A watery laugh bubbles from my chest, drawing their attention to me. Ava smiles, throwing me a wink.

Love you.I mouth at her. Her smile widens as she mouths the same back. Some of the heaviness on my chest lifts. This isherday, and I’m going to celebrate damnit.

“Hey, gorgeous.” Arms slip around my waist from behind. I lean back into Arriana’s embrace, releasing a sigh at her comforting touch. “Your poor friend.” She whispers, nuzzling my neck.

I dart my gaze around the room in search of Ava, Arriana’s cryptic words sending my thoughts into overdrive.

Does she know something? Did Killian do something stupid again?

My eyes narrow at said man, flashing back to the pain he had caused Ava. When she finally broke down several months afterit had happened and told me about hispunishment, I wanted to rip his head clean off his shoulders. A pure hatred like I’ve never known filled me at her confession.

“It’s okay, babe.” Ava consoles me, like somehowI’mthe one who needs it.

I shake my head, looking around for the asshole. “No. It’s not.”

“Fallon.” She pleads, grabbing my hands. “He’s more than made up for it, please trust me.” I glare at our connection, trying to breathe past the rage. “I shouldn’t have said anything.” She mumbles, releasing my hands and tossing back the rest of her drink.

Slowly blowing out my breath, I grab her face between my hands. “Ava. You can tell meanything.” She blinks at me, her eyes filling with unshed tears. Smiling to try to alleviate some of her concern, I release her face and place my hands on my hips. “Doesn’t mean I don’t want to rip his balls off though.”

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