Page 142 of Playing For Keeps
She springs into his arms and hugs him. “I’m so happy you’re here. It wouldn’t be the same without you.”
“Does that mean I can walk you down the aisle?” He steps back.
“Yes. I’d love that.” She turns to me with glossy eyes. “Thank you.”
“No need to thank me. This is the way it’s supposed to be.” I point to the opening of the chapel. “I’ll be the guy waiting inside.”
She laughs through breaking tears. “Thanks for the clarification.”
I kiss her cheek as my chest balloons. For once, I got it right with her and Aiden.
Let’s just hope it stays that way.
CHAPTER 33
DORI
I’m still floatingwhen the officiant declares Jami and me husband and wife. He sweeps me into a meaningful kiss.
I pull away and laugh. “We did it. This really happened.”
“You’re stuck with me now.” He runs his thumb over my lower lip. “I can’t wait to be with you tonight and show you how deeply I love you.”
“It’s going to be spectacular, seeing as I’ve made you wait since my doctor’s appointment.”
“We’ll make up for the lost days. You can count on that.”
Melanie and Aiden clap, signaling it’s time to make this two-person exchange a four-person conversation.
I plant a kiss on Jami’s lips.
Mel snaps her fingers. “Hey, you have guests here who would like a hug.”
“We know, Mel. We just needed a few moments of our own before opening up the night and sharing it with you.” Jami tugs on my hand, leading me to where she and Aiden are waiting for us.
We take turns hugging while they congratulate us.
Jami’s thoughtfulness makes me melt. He knows what Ineed even before I do. I would’ve regretted Aiden not being here if that had happened.
I take Aiden’s hands in mine. “It means so much to me you put your differences with Jami aside and supported us today.”
“It means a lot to me too. If I found out you got married, and I wasn’t there to see it, I would’ve been crushed.” He gestures to Jami. “He’s my best friend and more like my brother.”
“You two definitely fight like brothers.” I pat Aiden’s chest. “Did you mean what you said? Are you and Jami on the mend?”
“He called, and we talked. We’re in a good place.” Right as Aiden finishes his sentence, Jami slaps him on the back.
“Since you didn’t throw me a bachelor party, we need to have some fun tonight.” He drapes his arm around my neck. “It’s okay about the bachelor party because I’d rather have a celebration where Dori’s included.”
Mel bumps Jami with her hip. “Don’t forget me. You know I take every party up a notch.”
“Or ten,” I quickly add.
“You could’ve used my help with the ceremony.” She peeks back at the officiant. “He basically got paid for three sentences. It was the shortest union in history.”
Aiden pretends to wipe his forehead with the back of his hand. “Thank God for that. I hate long weddings.”
“So you’re saying you want to get married in Vegas?” Melanie winks and takes my flowers like she’s ready to tie the knot if Aiden is.
