Page 97 of It Could Happen
But probably the most interesting thing is that Tyler’s and my parents are seated at the same table and have become instant best friends. I have no doubt Caroline made that seating arrangement on purpose.
“It’s great to finally meet you, Tori,” Tyler’s mom says after Tyler introduces us.
Finally?
“Did you talk to your mom about me?” I ask under my breath.
“I might have mentioned you,” he says innocently. “I told you we were close.”
“I’m having so much fun with your mom,” Tyler’s mother says. “We’re ready to hit the dance floor together.”
My mom starts swaying her body back and forth, which makes me wonder how many free drinks she’s consumed. My father and Tyler’s stepdad are devouring their second pieces of cake. I’m sure my dad’s trying to eat and drink his way through this wedding to make some of the money back that he paid for this trip.
The DJ announces that the bride has requested her bridesmaids join her on the dance floor. “Dancing Queen” starts playing loudly, and we all surround Caroline as we sing along. When she pulls us into a huddle, Leslie and I end up next to each other. She puts her arm over my shoulder and gives me a nod. We may never be friends, but I believe we can respect each other because of our connection to Caroline.
“Team#sweetcarolinegetsmarried,” Erica yells. We all cheer as we dance with the bride.
The evening continues, and one of the best moments is when Tyler joins his mother and my mother for the Electric Slide.
“I told you I’d impress you with my moves,” he calls.
I giggle. “You were right.”
Following the Electric Slide, a slow song comes on, and Tyler holds out his hand to me. I join him on the floor, and we end up as close as you can possibly get.
“I’m finally getting one of the dances you promised me,” he says, pushing a strand of hair behind my ear.
“Oh, yes,” I say, remembering his first request. “Of course, that was before you asked me to be your date for this evening.”
“Well, I have a confession,” he says.
“Really?”
“I was so insanely jealous when you were dancing with Matt on the cruise ship,” he admits.
I’m instantly relieved that’s all he wanted to confess. “Are you sure? You didn’t seem bothered at all.”
“I had to play it off,” he exclaims. “I thought you couldn’t stand me. That’s when I decided I was going to win you over.”
I bite my lower lip.
“How am I doing,” he asks, his eyes gleaming, “with winning you over?”
“You’re doing very well,” I say, my voice low.
Without another word, he moves his face toward mine and kisses me. Everything and everyone around us fades into the distance, and it feels like we’re the only two people on the dance floor.
When the song ends, the DJ announces that it’s time for Caroline to throw the bouquet.
Tyler gives me a nudge while a mischievous grin spreads across his face.
I join Erica, who looks unsure of her newly single status.
I put my arm around her and give her a squeeze. I remember when she mentioned that I’d need to battle Leslie and Rachel for the bouquet. It’s shocking how the tables have turned. Leslie stands on the other side of me.
“Good luck, ladies,” Leslie shouts.
Caroline twirls the bouquet in the air before flinging it over her head. I jump up to grab it, but Leslie beats me to it. Good for her. She may have ended up with the bouquet, but I ended up with Tyler.
