Page 44 of Someday Not Soon

An hour later, the door to the mens’ suite creaks open. She steps through, looking like an absolute dream in a eucalyptus green dress. The bodice hugs her bust and waist, while the high slit in the a-line skirt reveals her smooth, toned legs. Her classic long, dark waves are artfully twisted into an updo, with a delicate braid woven through.

If I could describe my dream woman, it would be her, every single time.

The room falls silent. I can tell she feels the shift with all eyes in her direction. My legs feel like two sandbags as I stand frozen, completely captivated by how unbelievably gorgeous she looks.

It’s not our wedding day, but seeing her like this, itfeels like it could be. This is how I imagine every groom is supposed to feel about their bride.

Noah nudges me, coughing into his elbow to play it cool. “Go get your girl, man.”

My legs move on their own accord, carrying me straight to her. As I get closer, she looks up, nervous but with a hint of something else in her eyes.

“Is everything okay?” she asks, glancing around at everyone staring at us. “Why’d you want to see me?”

“Everything is fine. I just wanted to see how fucking gorgeous you look all dressed up like this. Then again, you’realwaysgorgeous.”

Her lips fall apart, surprised by my answer. You’d think by now she’d know I’m a love sick idiot around her, but it still seems to shock her.

“Well, thanks.” Whispering, she adds, “I feel awkward.”

My hand gently cradles her jaw. “Don’t. You’re perfect.”

I hear her breath hitch as I look into her eyes, feeling completely at home. She stares right back, perhaps beginning to realize this isn’t a game to me.

This thing between us is real.

The only difference now is I’m finally ready to fight for it.

Chapter Twenty-One

Ella

Present

The ceremony goesoff without a hitch. Madi looked freaking gorgeous walking down the aisle, while Noah balled his eyes out—not the least bit self-conscious to let the tears roll. As we stood up front, the bridesmaids on one side and the groomsmen on the other, I could feel Jude’s eyes on me. It took a mountain-sized amount of self-restraint to not glance over at him every few seconds, as I tried to keep my eyes trained on two of my favorite people getting married.

But for a sliver of a moment, right when the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, I let myself look back at Jude.

I allowed myself those three seconds to dream about what if this could have been us.

What if I hadn’t been such a coward and told his sister the truth? If he hadn’t left without saying goodbye? If one of us had communicated better that summer? What if we’d made up, endured the distance, the stress of school and work? What if it were him crying tears of happiness as I walked down the aisle?

There will always be a lot ofwhat if’swhen it comes to him.

The only thing I know for certain is that I keep looking back at the past, when he already seems to be offering me a second chance for the future.

We stand in a field for what feels like an eternity as the photographer snaps endless pictures in every possible combination of the bride, groom, and wedding party. With the catering disaster resolved and the ceremony behind us, I finally feel like I can breathe again.

As we start to make our way to the reception, Delaney intercepts me, and shoves a glass of champagne into my hand. “Pretty sure you’re going to need this more than I do.”

“And why’s that?” I laugh.

She tilts her head toward Jude. “Because with the way that man is looking at you, there’s no way you’re leaving here without some type of action.”

“There’s zero chance of any ‘action’ happening—we’re at a wedding. In a public venue.”

“And?”

“And I highly doubt anything will be going on with so many people around.”

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