Page 5 of Hold Still

Better soak in all this happiness. It has to last me a lifetime as well.

Everything’s going great until I get up near the front. Thereheis. In an aisle seat. Of course he’s here—why did I think his non-appearance last night at the pre-wedding party open to all early-arriving guests meant I was out of the woods?

My cheeks deflate as my eyes lock onto the dark brown ones belonging to Ozzy. The ultimate bad boy rocker. The only man I’ve hooked up with since Matt. Too bad his wild streak can no longer fit into my recently re-prioritized life.

He’s wearing a tux that’s molded to his broad shoulders and trim waist. Dayum. His back straightens, and he nods at me.

Stay strong, McKenna.

I force my feet to keep a steady pace forward, my smile returning in full-force once I get past the man who makes my heart race, panties drop and heart break. Emilie’s nearby, next to her fiancé, Wills. I give her a little wave and take my place at the makeshift altar, across from Cole. He looks so calm. So sure of himself.

From the doorway, Suzanne urges Emma forward. She starts up the aisle, throwing rose petals all over. Literally. I shake my head at how cute this little girl is.

The music stops. Cole strides over to a piano and begins playing ‘To Have and to Hold,’ his latest hit that he co-wrote with Rose. As we practiced, when he sings, “You’re my heart—I’ll fight for us both,” Rose appears.

All the guests stand.

Rose is glowing as she glides up the aisle, carrying an overflowing bouquet of multi-colored roses. She stops a few feet away from me and when Cole finishes the song, he joins her, kisses her hand and they complete the walk together. Their eyes never stray from the other.

I breathe in their love.

The celebrant begins, “Dearly beloved.…”

His voice becomes background music.

Do not look past the couple. Do not tear your eyes away from your beautiful best friend on the most important day of her life. Do not even think about glancing at.Shit. Ozzy’s eyes are squarely on me. His kissable lips tick upward. Look away! Look away! His tongue swipes his lower lip. My nipples harden. Stop. Focus on Rose and Cole.

I rip my disloyal gaze from the tatted and pierced Latin rock god and focus on the shiny new couple standing at the altar. The celebrant says it’s time for them to exchange their vows and hands me Rose’s bouquet. It’s really gorgeous. And heavy.

Cole takes the mic. “Rose, before you came into my life, again, I was empty. Mom recognized you were meant for me long before I did. I can’t believe you so patiently waited for me to wise up, but I am forever grateful you did. You taught me how to open my heart and how to love. You brought meaning into my life, and have been my steady hand in the crazy rock and roll world. We’ve already been through so much, but I vow to love you more tomorrow than today, and to keep your needs above mine always. Because without you, I have no music. I am honored that you will call me your husband and will strive to deserve this title every day for the rest of my life.”

My mind goes to mush at his words. They truly have survived hell and deserve this happiness.

Cole hands the microphone to Rose, and wipes a tear off her cheek with his thumb. In a breathy voice that gets stronger as she speaks, she says, “Cole, I didn’t want to let myself go and trust you, after living in the background for so long. But you refused to take ‘no’ for an answer and kept pushing me to be a better person. And I am better because you’re in my life. You bring music to my soul and love to my world. I look forward to spending the rest of our days together and to facing whatever is ahead as one. I vow to put you above all else forever. I love you so much.”

When she finishes, a collective sigh raises to the ceiling from all of the guests. It’s obvious they have found their soul mates in each other, and it is truly special.

The celebrant calls for the rings and Jayson, Cole’s brother and best man, reaches into his pants pocket. And then the other pocket. “I know I have them somewhere,” he says, smiling at his big brother while tapping his chest. He reaches into his blazer pocket and pulls out two ring boxes, holding them up high for everyone to see.

I snort at his antics, which I’m sure he planned. Looking out to all the guests, I’m not alone. Leave it to Jayson to inject his own brand of humor into the ceremony.

The celebrant swallows, then he blesses the rings. Hers is a beautiful diamond band, while his is a huge platinum one every fan will be able to see, even from the back rows. Nice.

After they slide the rings on each other’s fingers, the celebrant raises his voice. “By the power vested in me by the State of New Jersey, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss—” Before he can finish his sentence, Cole plants his hands on Rose’s cheeks and brings her in for a long, delicious, swoon-worthy kiss to end all kisses.

My eyes stray from their very public display and venture down the aisle. Toward the one man whose kisses make my own toes curl. No! Do not do this again, McKenna. Before they reach their traitorous destination, I force my gaze to return to the embracing couple.

When Cole releases Rose, they smile at each other as if they’re the only two people in the world. They know how lucky they are to have made it to this point. Rose’s beaming face confirms they’re reveling in their good fortune.

“Let me introduce to you, for the first time ever, Mr. and Mrs. Cole and Rose Manchester!”

Guests clap. Grinning, I return Rose’s bouquet to her and watch her join hands with the man who will hold hers for the rest of her life. The happy couple strolls down the aisle and for a moment, I feel the emptiness at being left here alone. It passes when Jayson offers me his arm to follow them. I even manage to ignore the oversized rocker as we pass.

When we get to the back of the room, I grab Rose and give her a big hug. “You did it, Mrs. Manchester!”

“I did, didn’t I?” Her smile radiates from her whole body. Now I understand why everyone wants to touch the bride on her wedding day—to soak up some of that giddy love.

I turn to Cole. “Come here,” he says, grinning.

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