Jack Hughes | Golden Boy

Chapter Eighteen | Electric Touch

The ceremony was one of the most beautiful ones I had ever seen.

The amount of love that Quinn and Isabel shared seemed enough to power the whole universe.

Which was made abundantly clear by the crystalline tears that dotted their cheeks, their eyes that never shifted from one another, and their hands that never seemed to part.

And as they sealed their fate on that altar, I knew that they had made the right call.

If the ceremony was beautiful, then the reception was stunning.

A white canopy hung over a series of large, mahogany tables.

Wildflowers sat as centrepieces on each one in delicate vases.

Flowers seemed to creep up the sides of the canopy, as if they were providing strength.

And various candles - scented like lavender - acted as a ring of light on the scene.

People who participated in the ceremony sat at a long, luxurious table at the front of the tent.

People meaning the happy couple, their parents, myself, Jack, and various friends the bride and groom had made along the way.

I sat to the left of Isabel, glass of chardonnay in hand.

But I didn't move to drink it.

Instead, I twirled the glass in my palm, watching the alcohol swirl and pool.

My gaze remained trained there for a short moment.

The abrupt clang of metal against glass broke my train of thought and I met the eyes I loved so much once again.

Jack coughed into his fist, clearing his throat, as all eyes turned to him.

"I suppose it's time to get that pesky best man speech out of the way," he joked playfully.

Various laughs erupted amongst the sea of people that lay before him.

As the laughter stalled, Jack continued.

"As many of you may know, I'm this lucky man's brother. And I've gotta tell you, I've seen it all. From that one time Quinn wet the bed at nine, to his first game. From that one time I blamed him for breaking mom's good China, to the time he got back at me and blamed me for stealing dad's car. From his first girlfriend, to his last. Isabel, I have never seen Quinn at his worst and at his best. And I can tell you that I have never seen him as happy and as in love as he has been with you. I just know that happiness will continue and grow. Your kind of love is something to be cherished, and I just know the two of you will do that well. I'm so excited to finally call you my sister," he said with a grand smile.

Cheers and laughter took hold of the crowd as Jack took his seat at the table.

It was then that our eyes connected again.

It was only for a short moment, but the spark that ignited within my gut was anything but short lived.

After a moment, I released a soft cough, following Jack's lead.

I stood, the eyes of the guests shifting to my figure as I spoke on behalf of the bride.

"When we were five, I asked Isabel who her perfect man would be. Her response: a prince ready to conquer the world for her. Then, at sixteen I asked again. She responded: someone kind but funny, someone who could make me laugh. Finally, at twenty-one I asked her one last time. She said: someone who will listen, someone who will give as much love as they will take, someone who truly understands me. A week later, she went out on her first date with Quinn. If there's one thing I can say about Quinn, it's that he fits all those qualifications. He's thoughtful, he brightens every room he walks into, he somehow manages to make everyone laugh at his stupid dad jokes, and... he truly would conquer the world for her," I paused for a moment, brushing away the stray curls that had fallen into my eyes.