Page 58 of Aisle Come Back to You

“Wait,” he says, resisting my pull. “When I said anything…”

I blink my large lashes and give him my best, most purposeful pout. “You mean you don’t want to make things up to me?”

“Fuck.” He gives in with a large, dramatic sigh despite the huge grin on his face. “Fine. I give in. You win. I did say I’d do anything, even if that includes making a fool of myself on that dance floor.”

“I mean, you already did it once tonight; what’s the harm in doing it a second time?” I joke, and he rolls his eyes.

“Just know, this is a one-time deal only, so you better enjoy it,” he says, taking initiative and walking ahead to reach the door first before opening it for me.

“Oh, believe me,” I assure him, letting myself inside, “I’m going to enjoy every single second of it.”

30

Blair

It’s a peculiar feelingto watch your best friend have such a monumental moment as she walks down the aisle toward the groom, while also knowing that the groom is a narcissistic asshole who in no way deserves her. Okay, so maybe he’s notthatbad, and maybe Ronnie is right—I don’t know him as well as I should, but there’s something about him that just doesn’t sit right with me. Knowing Ronnie as well as I do, I know that without a doubt she deserves a man who treats her like the princess she is, and from what I’ve seen from Pete—it’s not him.

In addition, she looks absolutely stunning in the white midi dress she’s wearing. The dress gracefully falls off her shoulders, and the fun little ruffle down the front adds an extra touch of playfulness before the main event tomorrow. I can’t believe that we’re only one day away from my best friend becoming Mrs. Pete West. God help us all.

Unfortunately, yet not surprisingly, that smile of hers only lasts for so long as Pete does what Pete does best: his incessantcomplaining, practically foaming at the mouth as he continually yells at everyone for not taking this seriously enough or for making some little mistake before he makes us start all over again.

“Don’t worry, babe. It’s just a rehearsal.” Ronnie tries to calm him down as she places her hands on his shoulders. “We’re just working through the kinks now so tomorrow everything will be perfect.”

“Don’t tell me not to worry,” he growls, forcibly stepping back as he lifts his hands out in front of him, making her hands fall. “And I’m not some child that needs to be calmed down, so stop with that bullshit. If I want to be pissed off about this, I’m allowed to be.”

“That’s not what I’m trying to do,” she says, her voice sounding defeated as she seems to shrink into herself.

“Why don’t we all just take a break?” I suggest, stepping out from my spot behind my best friend, no longer able to keep my annoyance and frustration to myself. It’s not her fault that people keep missing their cues and laughing about it. I mean, what did he expect when his entire line of groomsmen act like the annoying frat boys they once were? “We’ll start fresh, and everyone will get it right first try, I’m sure of it.”

“I second a break,” Ford agrees as I look over my shoulder and give him a grateful smile, even if I’m sure this is more for Ronnie’s sake than mine.

“Fine, whatever,” Pete grumbles, pushing past Ronnie, seeming to ignore her completely as he walks toward the main doors and lets them slam behind him. While the big event tomorrow is going to take place outside in Ronnie’s parents’ backyard, tonight we are using Evergreen Grove’s vast assembly hall for all of the wedding rehearsal needs.

“Just, uh, take a few minutes everyone,” Ronnie suggests, as most people anxiously scan the area, uncertain how to process the explosion caused by that ridiculous man-child.

Gradually, the silence is permeated by a few hushed conversations, bringing the room back to life. “You okay?” I ask, placing a hand on her shoulder as her eyes turn to meet mine.

“No, but it’s fine. We’re just stressed.” She shrugs, her voice strained as she does her best to brush off Pete’s uncalled-for behavior.

“Maybe,” I try to offer, but there is no way I can let him off the hook that easily. “But I’m sensing a bit of a pattern when it comes to Pete, so it’s okay if you’re not fine.”

“I said I’m fine,” she snaps and my eyes go wide.

“Ronnie, I…” I start, but she shakes her head before I can say more.

“I’m sorry,” she sighs, looking genuinely apologetic. “I think his attitude is rubbing off on me. I think I might need a minute too.”

“Yeah, sure, whatever you need.” I nod in acknowledgement. Plus, I’m her maid of honor; I should be making this day easier on her, not more stressful. I might hate her fiancé even more now, if that’s even possible, but she loves him and wants to marry him, so my only job is to be the supportive friend she deserves.

I watch with a defeated sigh as she walks out of the room before turning to face the rest of the wedding party. “Alright everyone,” I call out, doing my best to grab everyone’s attention. It’s possible my best friend is making a giant mistake by marrying the wrong guy, but that’s not up to me. What I do have control over, however, is stepping up and taking charge both tonight and tomorrow to make sure that, despite everything else, she has the best fucking wedding day ever.

“You did a good job tonight,” Ford whispers next to me as he places a hand on my knee and gives it a light squeeze from our spot at the table where we’ve gathered for the rehearsal dinner.

“Thanks,” I say with a smile, enjoying the comforting touch of his thumb brushing gentle circles. In return, I place a grateful hand on his cheek, relishing the rough texture of his light stubble that only adds to his undeniably handsome good looks. “I still feel like a horrible maid of honor, but at least I saved the rest of us from receiving another verbal beat-down.”

“You’re not a horrible maid of honor,” he assures me, placing his free hand on top of mine as he leans into the touch. “Ronnie is lucky to have you. Sure, you may have been trying to talk some sense into her, just like you did with me at my wedding,” he goes on, before leaning in to whisper the rest in my ear so only we can hear. “Just please don’t do the same thing you did then and beg her not to marry him and to choose you instead, because now that I have you, I’m not about to lose you to anyone else, not even to Ronnie.”

I let out a very soft giggle. “Don’t worry. That was only for you,” I assure him, just as Pete’s best man finishes his speech and the sound of applause fills the air. I clap along too, even if I had zoned out for most of it. Sorry, but there’s no convincing me that Pete’s actually some fun and charming guy, despite what his best friend just tried to sell us.

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