Page 23 of A Little Twist

I don’t want to talk to him about a job later. I want to talk to him about getting to know each other better, about continuing what we started this weekend.

My rebellious eyes slide to his again, and this time it’s like a roll of thunder. A subtle smile curls his full lips, and heat rises in my cheeks. Imagining him looking at me the same way, thinking what I’m thinking, makes my pussy clench.

Aiden lifts Britt’s veil for the kiss, and my gaze returns to them. The soft yellow lights behind them cast a glow, and I make a mental note to give this florist a rave review.

The full effect of the sparkling event space, the flowers on the backs of the chairs, the lights, the family, and the guys standing at the front, smiling and waiting for us is perfectly gorgeous. It’s sacred.

Aiden cups Britt’s small face in his hands, smiling deeply into her fast-blinking eyes, and the tears I was holding now spill onto my cheeks. Piper presses the back of her hand to her lips, and a few sniffles echo from the front row, where the moms are seated.

The love between Britt and Aiden is so pure and hard-won, when their mouths unite, the room bursts into applause.

Britt’s lips curl into a smile, and Aiden’s do the same against hers. One more longing look at each other, and they turn to their friends and family as the recessional music begins.

I’ve never felt so surrounded by love—love flowing from us to the audience and back again. I might have planned this wedding, but I never could have conjured this atmosphere. It’s all for them.

Lifting the tissue I hid behind my bouquet, I dry my eyes before nudging Piper. She takes it from me, and I gaze over the crowd as they exit to the tasting room and the lawn while we finish with photographs.

Happiness shines in my chest like the sun, until my eyes land on the one gaze capable of ruining it all. It’s like a shot of lidocaine in the top of each of my cheeks.

My smile melts, and I cut my eyes at Piper. Only she’s too busy drying her tears and hugging Britt. I reach for her arm, but the photographer appears and starts barking orders.

“We don’t have much time before the guests return.” The young woman waves her hand, directing us to our positions.

“We might have to rethink this part for next time.” Alex is at my side, taking my arm. “If the weather’s bad, we won’t be able to hustle the guests outside for twenty minutes.”

“It’s true.” I’m distracted, scanning the faces of the guests through the windows, but I don’t see him.

“We only need a few shots of the entire party.” The photographer orders us back to the places we held for the ceremony.

We hold as she takes several angles before moving through the groups. She shoots the bridesmaids, the groomsmen, the mothers, the children, the happy couple. While we take photos, workmen break down the chairs and arrange the stage and the DJ booth.

It feels like an eternity passes of me chewing my nail before Britt grabs my hand. “Finally!” she hisses under her breath.

Aiden’s finishing up with his brothers, as she hustles us to the doors leading to the tasting room. The little boys have ditched their suit jackets, and Pinky’s running in circles, swinging her empty basket over her head and singing a made-up song about petal girls.

Britt throws open the doors and calls to the waiting crowd, “Time to party!”

Smiles and laughter greet us as they return to the event space. The bartenders take their stations, and the catering staff uncovers the large silver platters of food.

The DJ cranks up the music, and Britt loops her arms through Piper’s and mine. Champagne flutes are placed in our hands, and we do a quick clink before drinking.

“You did it!” Piper smiles so big, and I hear a camera shutter click.

“Cass did it!” Britt clinks my glass again, and I take another sip, my eyes scanning the room for the face I saw earlier.

Maybe he was just here for the ceremony, and he’s gone. Yes, I decide that must be what happened. The fist of nerves starts to unclench in my chest, whenfuck.

“What’s the matter?” Britt slides her arm around my waist. “Why are you frowning? It’s all so beautiful!”

Turning my face to the side of her hair, I whisper, “Why is Drake Redford here? He wasn’t on the guest list!”

“Oh.” Her bottom lip slips between her teeth, and her nose wrinkles. “Aiden ran into him yesterday at the Pack-n-Save. He felt bad that Drake was in town for a visit, and he wasn’t invited to the wedding. Everyone is here. Anyway, that’s all ancient history, right?”

“Of course it is, but it’s ancient history I never want to revisit. Our breakup was not pretty. He told me I’d regret turning down his proposal, and I said I could do better. Now he’ll see Ididn’tdo better.”

“But youaredoing better! You’re happy!”

“I can’t even pay rent!” My fingernail is between my teeth again. “I hate being wrong.”

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