Page 73 of Pregnant in Plaid
And I want this. Not just the baby, but everything.The ceremony, the promises, the forever. I want to stand where Gage is standing, and watch Patrice walk toward me. I want to put a ring on her finger and hear her say yes.
I've never wanted that before. With anyone.
But with her? I want it so much that it physically hurts.
The ceremony ends with the officiant pronouncing them married, and Gage kisses Tessa again while everyone applauds. They walk back down the aisle together, grinning like idiots, and I follow with Marnie, who keeps dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief.
"That was beautiful," she sniffles.
"It was," I agree.
"You're next, you know," she says, patting my arm. "Whole town's talking about it."
"About what?"
"You and Patrice. When you're going to make it official."
I blink. "We're not?—"
"Honey, everyone can see how you look at each other. It's only a matter of time." She winks and heads off to congratulate the happy couple.
I stand there, slightly stunned, until someone jostles me and I realize people are filing out toward the reception.
Right. Reception. Off to Moosehead Lodge.
The drive to Moosehead Lodge takes ten minutes, and by the time I arrive, the parking lot is already full.
The lodge looks great. Jake really went all out—string lights everywhere, tables set up with white linens, a makeshift dance floor in the corner. The bar is fully stocked, and there's enough food to feed the entire town twice over.
Gage and Tessa are already there, greeting guests and looking disgustingly happy. I make my way over.
"Congratulations," I say, pulling Gage into a hug. "You did it, man."
"We did it," he corrects, looking at Tessa.
"Still can't believe you two got married before Trace even asked Patrice out properly," Jake calls from behind the bar.
"Jake," I warn.
"What? It's true. You've been mooning over her for months."
"I have not been mooning."
"You absolutely have," Tessa says, grinning. "It's very sweet. Also, very obvious."
"Can we focus on your wedding instead of my nonexistent love life?"
"Your love life isn't nonexistent," Gage says. "You're just too stubborn to do anything about it."
Before I can respond, Patrice walks in.
She's taken off the shawl she wore to the ceremony, and the dress looks even better now. She spots me and waves, making her way over with careful steps.
"Hey," she says when she reaches us. "Beautiful ceremony. You two look really happy."
"We are," Tessa says, pulling her into a gentle hug. "Thanks for being here. It means a lot."
"Wouldn't miss it." Patrice smiles at Gage. "Congratulations. You're officially stuck with her now."
