Page 113 of Finding New Dreams

“That’s our cue,” Hunter murmured with a tight smile.

The violinist’s bow sang out sweet notes as Hunter escorted my mom down the aisle. Everyone craned in their seats to watch. Owen, the best man, followed closely behind with Grandma Higgins, whose purple lipstick I’d barely managed to scrape off my cheek.

Once he’d dropped my mom off at the front, Hunter hurried back for his nana, Sal. The smile he gave her was genuine this time. And stern old Sal actually smiled back, her eyes bright. She whispered something in his ear as they walked down the white runner. He kissed her cheek, and she gave him a tight hug at the end, her cane almost knocking my mom’s feathered hat off her head. I would’ve paid money for that to happen.

“Ready?” a familiar voice whispered in my ear.

My gut clenched, and I turned to see Rose looking like a summer goddess with white and pink flowers in her hair. Her gossamer lilac dress floated around her like a cloud.

“You look beautiful,” I whispered back.

She flushed, her eyes darting over me and my tux. “You look…perfect.”

I tried to smile, but I wasn’t sure if I pulled it off because she looked concerned. But there was no time. Sarah, the maid of honor, and Carter were marching down the aisle, and we were next.

I offered Rose my arm, and she took it, her fingers wrapping around the inside of my elbow. Even though I was starting to sweat in the sunny June afternoon, I welcomed the warmth of her hand.

My heart felt like it might beat out of my chest as I carefully walked down the aisle, mindful of Rose’s heels and the rippling runner. One of Rose’s interns stood at the end of the aisle, taking pictures, and I tried not to look pained.

Happy and relaxed. Not at all tortured by this one small touch I was allowed to have with Rose.

We got to the end and separated. I took my place next to Carter, giving Hunter a smile when he nodded at me.

Wyatt and Gina followed, touching as little as possible. Leo and Ella, Sarah’s little sister, were next. They looked much more smiley and at ease than the rest of us. Louis came last with Arwen, which got a big “aww” from the crowd.

Finally, everyone was in position. The rest of the band joined in, and the music swelled. Everyone stood and faced the tent Chloe would emerge from.

Except me.

I glanced at Rose, the profile of her sweet smile. The happiness she felt for her friend was genuine. Which, oddly, only made my heart hurt more. How would it feel to have such care directed my way? To be worthy of these people’s friendships and unwavering support?

They had it all. And I was giving it up.

Everyone sighed, and I turned to see Chloe walking up the aisle. Her long dress sparkled like diamonds. She clutched our dad’s arm and her bouquet of flowers like they might blow away. My sister looked like the picture-perfect bride. But the best part—the part that tightened my throat—was the happiness radiating from her.

She practically glowed with it. Her dainty slippers seemed to barely touch the ground. Her smile for Hunter was infectious. Everyone smiled with her. I peeked at Hunter and noticed his throat working up and down. He grinned back at his bride, despite the silver lining his eyes.

And it hit me like a meteor. I wanted that. One day. Maybe not now. Or soon. But damn it, in that moment I felt like I’d give anything to have a quarter of that happiness, that certainty, with someone.

I glanced at Rose again. She wiped tears from her smiling cheeks, then her eyes met mine. Her face puckered a little, and I wanted to run to her.

In unison, we turned back to Chloe and Hunter.

Twenty minutes later, the local pastor declared them married, and everyone cheered and applauded as Hunter bent Chloe backward in a dramatic kiss. Both of their faces were flushed as they righted themselves.

Carter nearly broke my eardrum with a loud finger whistle, but I whooped along with the rest of the guys.

The band struck up a merry tune, and Chloe and Hunter flew down the aisle. The rest of us followed in a jumble.

Everything turned to fun chaos as the newlyweds were surrounded by friends, family, and Tangled River townies galore. I snuck in a quick hug and a “love you” to Chloe before backing out of the fray.

Unfortunately, I bumped into my parents. Dad was droning on with a few committee members about something, but Mom pulled me aside.

“So you’re leaving in the morning?”

“Yep, at seven.”

“Make sure you get there two hours early.”

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