Page 124 of The One I Need
“You did that night too!”
“Technically, yes. But I wanted one where everyone could see I was dancing with the most beautiful woman in the room.”
I smile as I look up to Oliver, who has our joined hands against his heart. “You’re persistent, has anyone ever told you that?”
“It’s part of my charm.”
Oliver pushes me out before spinning me back in, earning him some cheers from our guests. I take a second to look around the room. I see Oliver’s mom, holding her heart as the tears fall down her face. I know I broke my promise to her by saying I’d make sure her son didn’t get married in Las Vegas, but at least now we were able to give her the wedding she asked for. Then there’s all of Oliver’s friends, watching us with nothing but love in their eyes. My family might be screwed up in sixteen different ways, but I know I’ll never feel like I’m not part of a family. Not while I’m here with Oliver in Rolling Hills.
We’re in the same venue that Jake and Whitley used for their wedding. Or, as we like to call it, the scene of the original crime. Before this started, we even got a few pictures of us standing at the bar. The same bartender was even working. And yes, he gave us shit for stealing the champagne.
We made sure to leave him a healthy tip.
After Oliver came out to see me in London, he stayed a few days before he had to go back. Unfortunately, I couldn’t go with him. I might not have been staying permanently, but I still had the task of finding the person to lead the team.
Turns out she was right in front of my nose the whole time.
When I approached Bridget about taking the job, she thought I was joking. She spent five minutes making cracks about how she was now technically going to be my boss, and if I was drinking a different kind of English tea. When I didn’t reply, she realized I was serious.
When she woke up after fainting, she said yes.
Juliet is going to be her assistant. The London office is in good hands.
As soon as Bridget was settled in, I took the first flight back to Nashville I could find. I thought it was rude that I didn’t get to fly back on the private plane, but I didn’t say anything when Hazel told me that her gift to Oliver and I was the use of said plane when we finally go on a real honeymoon.
Which, of course, has to happen after football season. Hell, this vow renewal either had to happen today, which fell on a bye week, or we had to wait until January. Oliver and I agreed that we had waited long enough, so Whitley pulled some magic out of her event planner ass and got us in at the place where it all started. We even requested Oliver’s room at the hotel instead of the honeymoon suite. I wonder if the old guy’s going to be next door to us again.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please come out to the dance floor and join our newly re-married couple for the first official dance of the night.”
“When did Simon all of a sudden become a decent DJ?” I ask as couples begin to come out around us.
“I quit trying to figure out Simon years ago. He’s a mystery wrapped in a conceited riddle.”
We look over to Simon, who’s currently having words with the woman who I believe is the caterer for the venue. What’s that about?
“Hey, you two,” Wes says as he brings Betsy into his arms for a dance. “This is great.”
“It is,” Betsy adds. “And thank you again for letting Magnolia be in it. I know you didn’t have to but it really took the pressure off us.”
“Anytime,” I say. “Though, just to let you know, I did hear her talking today when we were getting ready about the next time she did this, which was going to be your wedding, she maybe wanted a blue dress. So just be mindful.”
“Thanks,” Betsy says, but she turns her attention to our right. “Though I don’t know if we’re going to be next.”
The four of us look over to Shane, who’s currently sitting at a table, his eyes never leaving Amelia. She’s on the dance floor with her son, Luke, who looks like he’d rather be anywhere else.
“Oliver? Izzy?” Whitley says, tapping me on the shoulder. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but how about you head back to the table so Oliver can do the toast. Then we’ll cut the cake and get back to the dancing.”
“Sounds good.”
We do as Whitley says and head back to our table. It’s just the two of us since we had such an unbalanced bridal party. But I like it. I also can’t believe I like a setup where literally every eye is going to be on me.
Oh, how far I’ve come.
“Everyone, if I could have your attention,” Oliver says as the guests head back to their seats. “I want to thank everyone for coming out tonight. I don’t know if everyone knows this, but this place, right here, is where I first met the woman who turned out to be the love of my life…”
I smile up at Oliver as he tells the tale of how we met. Well, the PG-rated version. I can feel the smile on my face as I listen to him talk. I told him I didn’t want to make a speech tonight, but if I did, this is what I’d say:
I’d like to take the time to thank all thirty-three other women who said no to this man. I’d actually like to interview them and ask what was wrong with him. Too nice? Too sweet? Too caring? Too handsome? Too good in bed? Too caring? Too patient? Yes, I can see where all of those things must just be horrible to have to deal with in a partner.
