Page 88 of Love Me Again

“That’s easy because I’m never letting you go anywhere...ever.” I grin and brush my nose over his affectionately.

“Good, because I’m not going anywhere...ever.” Cole kisses my jaw, and we pull apart when my mother brings us Alaia, who smiles when she sees us.

“Oh my God, if this isn’t the most beautiful baby in the world,” Cole says, taking her into his arms. Alaia wore a flower girl dress with similar colours and designs to ours, but hers was with a tutu and had a big bow and feathers on the back. I found a matching headband with a bow and feathers, which finished the dress off perfectly. “What is this dress? Oh, my goodness. My heart can’t take it. Are you both trying to kill me?” Cole coos pressing a kiss to Alaia’s bow-clad head.

“She looks beautiful, don’t you, baby girl,” I say, smiling at her, and she giggles at me. Once we were done with the photos, we make our way to the venue, where the reception is held. Aimee and Josh chose to have a marquee reception rather than an indoor hall or a hotel. Which I thought was a fantastic idea. It was January, and it was still cold out, but inside it was beautiful. Twinkling lights and the décor, along with the white and blue flowers, were terrific. I watch Josh and Aimee while they have their first dance, and I couldn’t contain my tears again. I was a mess.

And then came the speeches, which I was dreading more than anything. After Cole delivered his speech as best man, it was my turn.

I exhale and stand up, taking the microphone from Cole, who winks at me. “Hi friends and family, I’m Shayla, one of the Maid of honours. Aimee and I go way back; I’m talking secondary school. We’ve known each other since we were like twelve years old. I never had a biological sister, and God himself must have known how desperately I wanted a sister, and he gave me two. No offence Sam, I love you dearly.” I tease, looking at my big brother, who laughs, shaking his head. I met Aimee and Jo back in our school years, and we quickly became more than friends, we became sisters, and we’ve been inseparable since. Aimee is the type of friend every girl needs in her life. She was there for me during the darkest times in my life and stood by me through it all tirelessly.” I say, tears streaming down my face, and I look at her.

“We made a pact that no matter where we are in life, we will always be in each other’s lives, and I’m so happy that I get to stand here on your wedding day and tell all your family and friends how much you mean to me,” I tell her, and she looks up at me, tears rolling down her cheeks. “I’m fortunate and thankful that two of my best friends found one another and fell in love. I wish you both a long, healthy, and happy life together. To Aimee and Josh!” I weep into the mic, holding up my glass of champagne, and everyone toasts to them before they applaud. Aimee and Josh stand and both hug me.

“Thank you, babe, that was so beautiful. We love you so much.” Aimee cries, wiping away my tears.

“That was a beautiful speech, Shay,” Josh says, drying his tears. “I’m so glad you got drunk and married my idiot best friend.”

“Hey!” Cole interjects affronted, and we laugh. “Bastard.”Cole chuckles, shaking his head as I take my seat beside him. “That really was a beautiful speech, baby. I’m proud of you.” He murmurs in my ear, brushing a kiss to my temple.

***

After dinner, the party was in full swing. My feet were aching from all the dancing.

“Baby, I’m going to go and change Alaia,” I inform Cole, who was talking with Sam and looks up at me.

“Do you want me to come with you?” He offers, and I shake my head, leaning over to kiss him.

“No, it’s fine. I’ll only be a few minutes,” I assure him, and he smiles, watching me as I grab Alaia’s bag and go on a hunt for the bathroom, which was in the main building. Once I find it, I lay her down on the changing unit, and she starts to fuss while I change her. “I know, baby, you’re not comfortable in that dress, are you.” I utter, taking it off her and dressing her in her onesie instead. “Is that better?” I smile, kissing her feet, and she smiles up at me. I pick her up and kiss her forehead. “Come on, baby girl, let’s go back to Daddy.” I push the door and walk out of the bathroom and look around the corridor. Which way was it back to the Marquee? After getting lost, I finally step outside and smile at Alaia, kissing her fingers when she touches my face. I gasp, surprised when I feel someone wrap their arms around me from behind. I relax, thinking it was Cole, until something is pressed to my face, covering my mouth and nose. I tighten my hold on Alaia and struggle against whoever was holding me. I try to scream, but it comes out muffled.

My heart was thumping hard in my ears, and I feel my knees wobble until they give way and everything around me fades to darkness.

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