Chapter 12.02

She looked stunning in a deep blue, form-fitting velvet dress with thin straps. A silk layer over the bodice immediately drew my gaze, though her neckline was modestly covered. None of the girls had pinned up their hair—Jenny’s soft waves cascaded over her shoulders. The dress was beautifully tailored, and Cathy and Sarah wore identical ones.

Both were taller than Jenny. Cathy had curly blonde hair and green eyes, as slender as my sister. Sarah, with her brown hair and eyes, had a perfect figure that resembled my past girlfriends.

I gave Jenny a gentle kiss and took my place, second to last in line.

“Messyhair,” Jenny whispered as we waited. “This is the first time we’re walking in together,” she laughed.

“I hope it’s not the last,” I winked. She blushed.

The little girls entered first, scattering tiny blue flowers. Cathy and her husband followed, taking seats in the front row among the guests, as did Sarah and her partner.

Jenny and I walked in next. She waved to our friends and her parents. At the end of the aisle, I kissed her hand, and she took a seat in the front row while I stepped onto the platform.

Brad’s sister and her husband followed. He kissed her cheek before sitting beside Jenny and the little girls, while Barbara took a seat next to me.

Mom walked in with Brad’s father, Brad with his mother, and finally, Amber with Dad.

Amber wore a long, shimmering, very pale blue—almost white—velvet gown. The sparkle came from scattered sequins sewn onto the fabric. The dress was sleek and strappy, with a short train flowing from the hem. Her hair was left down, adorned with tiny blue flowers arranged by the girls.

The ceremony was beautiful. Brad promised my sister that, at her request, he would always bake peach pie. Amber, in turn, vowed to wake up early on weekends to play tennis with her husband.

During the ceremony, I occasionally glanced at Jenny, watching her smile. She truly had never looked happier. When she noticed me looking, she touched her nose.

After the ceremony, everyone congratulated the couple, who remained on the platform. I was the first to approach them.

“Congratulations, Brad,” I said, shaking my brother-in-law’s hand. “But despite your promise, I suggest waiting for her to wake up on weekends.”

“I will,” he laughed.

“I’m glad you’re happy,” I said, giving my sister a kiss.

“Thank you,” she said, hugging me. I stepped aside to let the other guests greet them.

At dinner, everyone took their seats. I sat next to Amber, who, along with her husband, entered last to a round of applause before sitting down.

Dad stood up to give a speech.

“Today, my only daughter got married,” he said with a smile. “I think few things make a father prouder than this.” Laughter rippled through the room. “And I’m glad she was raised well enough to find a husband worthy of her. Wishing them all the happiness in the world.” He raised his glass, and everyone applauded.

Dinner was lively. Jenny wasn’t seated next to me, but I could see her. Our friends sat at the nearest row of tables, facing each other, with Shannon among them.

Kevin stared at her from another table throughout dinner.

“Little brother, after the bouquet toss, the floor is yours,” Amber whispered.

After dinner, as planned, everyone gathered for the bouquet toss. Brian documented the event, and every girlfriend stood in the crowd—except mine and Daryl’s.

The master of ceremonies approached Jenny with the microphone while she remained seated. He was just as enamored with her as he had been last year, and I still didn’t like it.

“As far as I know, you’re still single. Aren’t you going to join in?”

The crowd listened to their exchange as the women gathered.

“No, because I already have a bouquet, and I wouldn’t want to take the chance away from others,” she said with a smile, making the guests laugh.

“You dodged that one, Jay,” Aaron whispered to me as we stood among our friends, watching.

“As you heard, she already has a bouquet,” I grinned.

Amber tossed the bouquet, and the women jumped for it. Jenny left her seat and stepped beside me. I wrapped my arm around her as we watched where it landed. Diane stood next to Daryl.

A girl from Brad’s side caught it—someone we didn’t know. The guys sighed in relief.

“You dodged it, boys,” Jenny teased, ruffling my hair.

Brad then tossed the little blue garter, which one of his cousins caught.

The master of ceremonies announced the dance, and before long, I joined in with Jenny.

“Little girl, you’re not planning to eat now, are you?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Let’s get this over with, pretty boy,” she laughed. I loved how quickly she caught on.

“Where should I be?”

“At the edge of the podium, little girl.”

At the end of the dance, the master of ceremonies seated the guests. I took the microphone and signaled Brian to document the moment. Paul snapped photos.

I nodded.