Page 125 of The One I Need
Even when I was stuck in my ways, I knew Oliver was a catch. I was stubborn, not an idiot.
I’d also like to thank my shithead ex and my horrible excuses for parents. I hate to talk ill of the dead, but my dad had just as much to do with what happened sixteen years ago, so he gets lumped in. Without them, strangely enough, I wouldn’t be here. And here is the only place I want to be.
I’ve thanked Hazel a million times, but I’d thank her again. I’d thank her for the years of support and friendship. And for seeing what was in front of me before I knew it.
I’d thank Wes, Betsy, Shane, Amelia, and Simon. I remember being intimidated when Oliver told me about the close knit friend group he had, but since day one, these people made me feel like family. Oliver once told me about the family you choose, and now I know what he means. And I’m so grateful they chose me.
And speaking of choosing me…my husband. Though, now that I think of it, and as the applause resonates through the banquet room, I want to thank him in person.
“Whitley?” I flag her over to our table. “Is it okay if Oliver and I go take a minute outside to ourselves?”
“Of course,” she says. “It’s your day. Take all the time you need.”
Oliver looks at me, slightly confused, as we walk out to the patio.
“Why do I immediately smell whiskey and champagne when I step out here?”
I laugh as I hold each of his hands. “Every time I smell either I think of us.”
“How romantic.”
We both laugh as I bring our joined hands up between us. “You’ve always said that you knew from the moment you asked me to dance that I was different.”
He nods. “I have.”
“Well, this is the spot I realized that about you.”
His eyes grow wide at my confession. “Really?”
“Yeah,” I say, taking a few steps closer to where we sat that night. “This is where we first danced. This is where I told you something about me no one knew. I’d never done that before. I remember it scaring the shit out of me. And I didn’t know what was happening. Turns out, I was just falling in love.”
Oliver leans down as our lips meet. Love. That’s all I feel when I kiss Oliver. Love and forever.
From the sound of the music inside, Whitley has let the guests back on the dance floor, but they can go without us for another minute.
“I know I said I didn’t want to make a speech, but I did want to tell you something. I’ve loved you since day one. I didn’t know it. In fact, it took me months to know I did. I’m sorry it took me so long, but thank you for loving me back. Thank you for seeing what I didn’t see. And thank you for waiting. Thank you for coming to get me. Just…thank you.”
Oliver lifts me up, making it a little easier for our lips to meet one more time. This kiss is a little more intense than the last one. I have to remember we’re in front of a glass wall and that every guest can see us.
They’re really cramping our style.
“Guys?” Whitley says, interrupting us. “I’m sorry, but Simon is going rogue, so we need to cut the cake soon.”
We both laugh as Oliver puts me down. “We’ll be right in.”
I start walking toward the reception, but Oliver pulls me back. “We’ve been told to go in.”
He shakes his head. “I have something I want to say.”
“Well, then, by all means…”
“Thank you,” he says. “Thank you for not giving up on love, even when you thought you did. Thank you for letting me into your life. Thank you for giving me what I’d always dreamed of but never thought was going to happen. Thank you for being you. And thank you for loving me.”
Oh for fuck’s sake…he’s going to make me cry. Or jump him. One of the two. Maybe both.
“Come on,” I say, pulling him toward the door. “Let’s go.”
“What? No kiss? I give you that whole romantic speech, and I don’t get anything?”
