Page 98 of I Could Be Yours

I pull an extra packet of tissues from my pocket, make eye contact with Nate, and toss them to him underhand. He snatches them and passes one to Tristan who dabs at the corner of his eyes. He looks like he’s half a second away from running down the aisle to get her. He takes a single step forward, and Nateputs a hand on his shoulder, leaning in to whisper something. Whatever he says settles his brother.

Tristan’s love is written so plainly on his face, eyes shiny with adoration as Rix hugs her dad and turns toward him. Tristan holds out his hand, completely awestruck as she moves to stand beside him.

I step in to take Rix’s bouquet. She squeezes my hand, and I tuck a tissue into it.

“I love you,” she whispers.

“I love you, too.” I step back, and Rix refocuses on Tristan.

He kisses the back of her hand, then presses it to his cheek.

“How you doin’?” she murmurs.

“So much better now that you’re here with me.” He kisses her palm. “You are just—” He shakes his head. “—stunning. I can’t believe you’re mine.”

“And you’re mine.” She smiles. “Let’s make it permanent.”

I touch a tissue to the corner of my eyes as the officiant starts the ceremony. And even though I shouldn’t, I can’t help but picture Nate and me in their place.

I’m terrified that I’m following the same pattern I always do, that I’ve already done what I said I wouldn’t, with the man I said I wouldn’t get attached to.

He already hurt me once. It’s my fault entirely if I let him do it again.

CHAPTER 30

NATE

Essie smells fantastic and looks like she stepped right out of a fairy tale. I rush to pull out her chair at the reception and offer my hand as we make our way to the podium for speeches.

Just like at the rehearsal dinner, we’re separated by Tristan and Rix at the head table. That means I haven’t touched her since photos this afternoon, and it feels like I’m going through withdrawal. Essie sets a packet of tissues and her glass of water on the podium and smiles out at the crowd of friends and family.

“Look at all you beautiful people.” She claps, and everyone joins in.

Essie waits until the chatter subsides before she turns to the head table where Rix and Tristan are snuggled together, looking wildly, wonderfully happy. “And these two are a picture, aren’t they? Just radiating pure joy.”

Rix blows her a kiss, and Essie catches it and presses it to her cheek.

Peopleawww, and I wish I’d gone first. I’m excellent at presenting facts, but I don’t have a whole lot of experience wowing wedding crowds, and Essie is a natural.

“You meet this amazing person, and they just get you in a way no one else ever has before. They love everything aboutyou, and you love everything about them, even the weird and quirky parts, especially those.” She presses her hand to her heart and smiles fondly at Tristan and Rix. “And it’s just so special, because you know in your heart that you’re going to spend your lives together. You’re going to love each other through thick and thin, and price match the old-school way until the end of time…” She turns her attention to the guests. “And that’s how I feel about Rix.”

The crowd laughs and claps.

“I feel the same way about you, Ess!” Rix calls.

Essie grabs a tissue, her eyes soft. “I met Rix on the first day of junior kindergarten. She had a green backpack, and all the other girls had pink, including me, and I immediately knew I wanted to be her friend. Fate gave us last names close to each other in the alphabet, so we ended up sitting next to each other, and from that day on, we were inseparable—except when they split us up in classes because we talked too much. Actually, it was me. I was always the one who was talking. Rix was very studious.”

More chuckles follow.

“Trixie Rixie, we’ve been through so much together. We’ve seen each other through all the ups and downs of our teen years and the challenges of adulting. You have always had my back, every step of the way, and I’ll adore you until the end of time. You are the most loyal, loving person I know, and seeing you and Tristan grow together has been so beautiful to watch. The way you protect each other’s hearts and hold each other accountable every day is inspiring. You’ve both fought so hard to get where you are.” She dabs away a tear. “And I know that no matter what life throws at you, you’ll keep fighting for each other and the love you share. It is an honor to be your best friend, to be able to stand with you and celebrate your love and the beautiful life ahead of you. To Tristan and Rix!” She holds up her water and everyone clinks their glasses, shouting, “Kiss, kiss, kiss!”

Tristan helps Rix to her feet and places his hand at the side of her neck, brushing his nose against hers before he wraps his arm around her waist and lays one on her.

Everyone hoots and hollers. Rix is red faced and Tristan is smirking by the time they take their seats again.

Essie and I trade places. “I should have gone first,” I say into the mic.

“You ca do it, honey bear!” Flip shouts.

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