Page 66 of Finding Out

“Wren’s always been good to you.”

She tensed next to me. Maybe that was overstepping the line she’d drawn about talking, but it was true.

Jana was halfway down the aisle before she swallowed and then turned to me. “You really like her?”

“I love her.”

Avery looked down at the bouquet of red roses and white lilies in her hand. It might not have been what she wanted to hear, but it was the truth. I wasn’t trying to push the idea on her, but she asked, and I wouldn’t lie.

“I know you’re mad at us. And I’m sorry you found out before we could tell you. I really wanted to be the one to explain. But I love her.”

Avery didn’t answer. As much as I wanted to push her, now wasn’t the time.

Her eyes stayed locked on Wren as she walked to the door, unclipped Puff from his lead, and set him on the ground. She spoke softly to him, and then Puff took off in a half jump, half flight down the aisle.

Aws and giggles filled the air as the puffin made his way to Chris, with two rings tied around his neck.

Once he’d landed on Chris’s arm, he nuzzled against his head.

“I told you he’d do it,” Avery beamed, but she still hadn’t looked at me. It was my fault. I’d made the day uncomfortable for her, and I felt awful about that. So I tried to force the smile.

“And now it’s your turn. Ready to get married, Avy?”

By the timeI made it down the aisle, Chris had passed Puff off to his father and the bird had been clipped to his lead.

The way both Emerson and Mr. Damiano sagged in relief once the bird was secured was almost comical.

Although none of us were willing to burst Avery’s bubble and tell her that having Puff deliver the rings might be a disaster, I could almost guarantee every person here saw several scenarios involving feathers and poop that the bride didn’t want to acknowledge.

With a deep breath in, I took my place with the rest of the small wedding party.

Not counting Puff, there were only six of us. Chris with his dad and Emerson, then Gianna, Jana, and me.

The music changed and I turned away from Puff. Normally I was one of those people who watched the groom as the bride came down the aisle. Today, though, my eyes were locked on Tom. And his were on me. With every step he took down the red carpet, his gaze burned into me. In this moment, I could envision a similar scene, only with the roles reversed. I could see myself walking to where he waited at the altar. Maybe for the first time ever, I didn’t hate the idea of my wedding.

The thought sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

Like he could read my mind, he mouthed, “Someday.”

When they stopped, he handed my best friend off to the man waiting for her. After the vows, the exchanging of rings, and a kiss, Avery was officially married.

When the music started, Jana stepped in front of me.

“Switch with me. You should be walking back with Tom.” With a smirk, she linked arms with Chris’s father and followed the bride and groom.

Gianna and Emerson were next. Then I took the three stairs down and was greeted by Tom.

With one side of his mouth lifted, he held out an arm. I eagerly accepted, and together we walked up the aisle and met up with the rest of the bridal party in the large hallway.

“Someday, baby girl.” He whispered, pressing his lips to my forehead. “And I swear everyone will be happy for us.”

The conviction in his voice made me want to believe it was possible.

Until my father’s voice cut over the noise, and my stomach twisted.

“Wren.”

Tom lifted his chin, peering over my head. “I can skip the receiving line if you want me to.”

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