Page 75 of The Drummer's Heart

CHAPTER 25

ATTICUS

The moment I spotted her, everything else had faded away.

The church was now packed with people as the organist played the Wedding March. But all I could focus on was Nicole, sitting five rows back to my left.

She wore a light pink dress that was off the shoulder on one side. Her hair fell down her back in loose, black tendrils. When had her hair gotten so long? She’d had it up in a ponytail earlier so I hadn’t noticed. It had only been a couple of months, but it felt like forever since I’d seen her. Stuck in the recording studio and missing her more than ever, it had been the longest two months of my life.

I couldn’t get over how damn gorgeous she looked in that dress. The shoulder that was bare had a small beauty mark that I’d always loved circling with my tongue. And she’d pinned a silk flower in her hair. She’d never looked more beautiful, and my chest ached with longing.

Ronan leaned in to whisper in my ear. “Hey, the bride’s over here, you know.”

I hadn’t even realized Emily was walking down the freaking aisle.

That’s notmybride.My bride is in the fifth row.

“You okay?” Ronan mouthed, seemingly amused.

I nodded and forced my eyes to where Tristan now facedhisbride. I tried my best to pay attention to the ceremony. But it was damn hard not to look over at Nicole.

While I was so happy for my friends, my eyes inevitably wandered back to her as the ceremony continued. But she kept her gaze on the happy couple.

The priest started a sermon about the covenant of marriage, citing a verse from the Bible and talking about how marriage is a commitment through all seasons of life.I should’ve fought harder against the divorce when she filed. Yet despite all we’d been through, she was here. We’d be together today, and I couldn’t complain about that. I needed to trust that there was a reason for everything that had happened, and the man upstairs had it handled. At least I hoped he didn’t hate me enough to make me endure watching Nicole marry another man someday.

I glanced over at Ronan to find him smirking. He’d noticed me daydreaming again. I felt like the kid in class who’s constantly getting caught goofing off.

When the ceremony ended, I winked at Nicole as I passed her on my way down the aisle and out of the church. When she smiled, I felt my heart come alive. The last thing I wanted was to continue walking away from her, but alas, it was a procession that couldn’t exactly be stopped.

Once I made it to the exit, I hoped to wait for her there. But Kenzie and her team led the wedding party aside for a group photo outside the church. By the time that was finished, Nicole was nowhere to be found. I assumed she’d already left for the reception. I hoped she wasn’t skipping it altogether. She’d only said she was coming to the wedding...

When we got to the venue, the wedding party was kept from entering until the DJ was ready to formally announce us. To make matters worse, the wedding planner told me that after we made our grand entrance, the very first thing on the agenda was my best-man speech and toast.

At least I’d get it over with. I had it memorized for the most part but was still pretty nervous. Public performing was acinch. But public speaking? That was uncharted territory for me. Especially with Nicole in the audience. If I so much as looked at her, I’d lose my damn train of thought.

When the time came for the grand entrance, each member of the wedding party was announced individually. Fucking Ronan decided to do a backflip after his name was called, which made the crowd go absolutely wild.Way to one-up my speech. It was likely dull as it was, but now it would be overshadowed by a circus act.

Just as we were seated at the head table, the wedding planner prompted me to stand.

My pulse raced as I made my way to the podium and tapped the mic, which didn’t seem to be on. “This thing working?”

As I spoke, the mic let out feedback like a high-pitched squeal.

Excellent way to start things off.

Tristan gave me a thumbs up.

I forced myself to start. “Hey, everyone. Thanks for being here today. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Atticus Marchetti, one of Tristan’s best friends. I love him to death, but clearly he hates me for making me come up here and speak.”

Tristan blew me a kiss.

“I can perform in front of thousands, but for some reason, public speaking gets me. I’d rather grab some silverware and start drumming like an idiot right now. So bear with me.”

I took a deep breath. “Anyway, I hope you’ve been enjoying Tristan and Emily’s wedding thus far. I’m sure when most of you saw Emily walking down the aisle you thought…” I paused for effect. “What a beautiful flower girl. But where’s the bride?”

Laughter rang out.

“But alas, no, Emily wasindeed the bride, marrying this lucky old fuck over here. There’s only fifteen years between them, which isn’t a big deal, right? I mean, when Emily wasborn, Tristan was in high school and shit.” I chuckled. “Nothing a little Viagra can’t help now, right, man?” Lifting my chin, I cracked, “Congratulations in advance on staying awake past nine PM tonight.”

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