Page 92 of Finding Forgiveness
I’m not even nervous when it’s time for me to make my speech. I reach for the neatly folded piece of paper that I stashed in my clutch earlier, then stand.
“Good evening, everyone. Jacinta and I first met when we were twelve years old, and I loved her in an instant. She was shy, innocent, and so damn sweet … she still is to this day. The kindest, and purest person I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing … well when she’s not being mouthy, she is.”
Everybody laughs, and when I feel Jacinta’s foot stomp down on mine under the table, I look down at her and grin.
“She’s the coolest, funniest, and most loyalest BFF a girl could ever ask for, and I’m not only blessed, but honoured to be able to share this special day with her. I’d like to think I even played a hand in bringing these two together.
“Almost a year ago, we were out celebrating Jacinta’s twenty-first birthday when these two bumped into each other at the bar. I immediately saw the sparks fly. Jacinta’s protective shield promptly came up, and her sass came out to play. You see, being her closest friend for all these years, I knew this was her tell-tale sign. Code for I like this guy so I’m going to scare him away with my mouthy mouth.”
I look down at her and arch one of my perfectly sculptured brows, driving home my point from earlier.
“When she turned and stormed away, and Mason gobbled her up with his eyes, I knew I had to do something. That’s when I decided to hatch my devious plan, because there was something about these two that felt like kismet.
“On first impressions, those rugged good looks, big muscles and inked arms can be a little intimidating for a woman still carrying around her ‘V’ card.”
“Oh my God,” Jacinta screeches, punching me in the thigh.
“I’m not lying.”
“You didn’t need to say that in front of my parents.”
I roll my eyes and continue.
“These two needed a little push, and I was the perfect person to give it, but I needed to vet Mason first. I wasn’t about to send my BFF home with just anyone. It was my duty as her best friend, and I don’t take those kinds of things lightly. When I found out he was not in fact a career criminal, but had a good job, never murdered anyone, been in prison, kicked a puppy or a kitten, I realised underneath his brutish exterior he was a stand-up guy.”
“I swear on everything that’s holy, if you mention birthday ‘D’, I’m going to kill you,” Jacinta mumbles from beside me.
I throw my hands in the air because my BFF has chosen this very moment to become a bridezilla and ruin my speech. I give her the stink eye before turning back to my audience.
“Since the bride has just informed me that I’m not allowed to mention the birthday ‘D’ or the three mind-blowing ‘O’ she ended up getting that night, I’ll just move things along and adlib the rest.”
Mason throws back his head and cracks up, and Connor places his hand over his ears and gags.
“When we were younger, Jacinta and I made a pact that we were going to marry best friends when we grew up, and after the events of today, I can’t believe that those two starry-eyed little girls are going to get their wish.” My eyes move to my fiancé. “I know I am.”
I hold up my hand and wiggle my fingers, showing off the massive rock I’m now sporting before reaching for the glass of champagne in front of me and raising it in the air.
My attention ping-pongs between Jacinta and Connor.
“Not only will I officially become your sister, Jazzie, but I’ll also finally get something I’ve yearned for since I was a little girl—to be part of a real family, and the best one in the world—a Maloney!”
I may say the last word too loudly, with a lot of emotion, and fist pump the air, but that knowledge has my heart swelling to a point where it’s in danger of busting out of my chest and spraying little chunks of my heart all over the guests.
My eyes move back to the piece of paper in my hand.
“Jacinta, you are my best friend, you are my ride or die forever and I love you more than words can ever say. May your troubles be less, your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door. A toast to laughter, love and a happily ever after.
“To Mason and Jacinta.”
“To Mason and Jacinta,” the guests repeat.
She stands and hugs me a little too tight for my liking. “I’d be sleeping with one eye open tonight if I were you,” she whispers.
“Oh please, I’ve heard all about those nympho pregnancy hormones of yours. You’re going to be too busy riding that big hunk of man meat to worry about me.”
“Princess,” Connor says, reaching for my hand across the centre console. “Why are you still crying?”
I dab the tissue under my eyes. “I’m so emotional right now, Con. It was that stupid farewell circle at the end of the wedding that did me in. Saying goodbye to my best friend like that, ripped my damn heart out. I can tell you one thing, that circle is banned from our wedding.”
