Page 110 of Game Changer

"It's not even." She hesitates. "Do the other one, too?"

* * *

It’s not until all the girls are finally ready to walk down the aisle that I miss Mom and Dad.

Now I'm sitting at the end of the aisle, feeling a pang of regret that they weren’t here to watch Mari walk down the aisle, too.

I can’t think about that now, with the music swelling and my sister’s face peeking out from the doorway.

The music starts, and the procession begins.

On my walk down the aisle, I don’t see the guys, but when I turn to face the rows of guests, it’s impossible to miss the tall, handsome men in the back.

Mari appears at the end of the aisle. Her hair is half twisted up and half loose, the mermaid dress sexy and modern and so very Mari. I’m thrilled to see her so happy.

Pictures snap.

Mari smiles, her eyes only on Harlan, and starts down the aisle, a riot of pink flowers erupting from her hands, shades matching her lipstick and flushed cheeks.

She looks every bit the bride, even in a broken shoe, and I don’t notice the flower until she’s almost at the front.

I rub the back of my neck to ease the tension. It’s not that big a difference.

But it is.

A small sign of her meltdown. It’s the tiniest crack in perfection.

It’s a relief somehow.

She reaches Harlan, who looks every bit as stunned as her.

Tingling draws my attention to the crowd, and I catch Clay watching me.

His gaze warms me.

He’s gorgeous in a dark suit, his tattoos invisible except for that trail inching up his neck. I don’t know when he got here, but I’m glad he did. I offer a tiny smile, and he returns it.

The officiant starts the wedding, and I focus on that. Not the dreams that seeing Clay in a church has suddenly sent spiraling through my mind.

When they exchange vows, I allow myself a moment to daydream.

"Nova, you’re my forever.

I’ll put you first.

Love you and cherish you.

I’ll be here when you’re at your best and worst."

I want to believe there’s a chance for Clay and me. Not some wild adventure, but a chance for a real relationship and future.

Brooke slips me a tissue, and that’s when I realize my eyes are damp.

The vows conclude, and Harlan and Mari kiss to deafening cheers. They sign the register with Chloe and Harlan’s best man, and we cluster around for pictures at the altar.

Once everything is signed, the happy couple rises and prepares for the recessional. Mari’s eyes meet mine, and I can tell she’s thrilled, but there’s a fleeting sadness.

The song Mom used to sing isn’t playing during this special moment.

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