The Groom Swap
At the wedding rehearsal, my fiancé replaced the MC I'd hired with his childhood friend, Riley Robner.
"Step aside, Megan. Riley will run through the process for you. Pay attention."
He pulled her behind him like he was afraid I'd lose it right there in front of everyone.
But I didn't argue. I just quietly stepped back to the corner.
He paused, caught off guard, then smirked and took Riley's arm. They walked the aisle together, exchanged rings, and ran through the whole thing like it was their show.
Afterward, he drove her home himself. Before he left, he said, "She's a pro. She knows weddings better than you. This is for your own good.
"Relax. She's just helping with your marks. When the real day comes, you'll be front and center."
I smiled, nodded, and told him to drive safely.
Derek shot a look at his groomsmen. They all exchanged grins, chests puffed.
A while later, my phone buzzed with a message from the county clerk: [Your appointment has been canceled.]
Then another message came in. It was a new confirmation—same office, same license, different groom. Scheduled for what was supposed to be my wedding day.
Derek, you can swap out the MC.
I'm swapping out the groom.