Finding Love /Jordan Knight FanFic/NKOTB

VII

Jordan

I KNEW WE'D get some speculative glares tonight, but I never would have guessed there'd be so many. As bride and groom, we were fortunate enough to have a table to ourselves, but maybe it would have been better if we had moved over to Jon's table. Hardly anyone spoke to us, and when they did, jabs came at us from right and left about what we did to "poor Patrick" and how he must be handling all of this. With each ticking minute, I became angrier. 

I mean, what is wrong with these people? Now I see why she was so worried to be here tonight. Hell, I'm giving her props for even showing up. I would have given the one-finger salute as I drove away as fast as possible. No wonder she married me; why would anyone want this life? 

Even still, although I feel like she owes them absolutely nothing, Caroline plays her part, the one she's perfected, but I see the heartache lying under the surface. The only family member to speak to her is her grandfather, and thank goodness for him. The only time she lit up was when he acknowledged her. He even took over the father-daughter dance, claiming they needed to appease him because he's an old man. Of course, Caroline and I danced too, cut the cake, and kissed, but I also saw how many glasses' worth of champagne passed through her lips. 

I know she's not mine. I don't even want her to be mine, but for tonight, she is, and I've had enough. 

"Hey, are you ready to go?" I lean over and ask her as we're taking a break from dancing and sitting at a table just off the dance floor. The few friends she does have here look exhausted, and it's only a matter of time before they say good night as well. 

Blurry, sad eyes find mine. Slowly she nods and lets out a relieved sigh. Pulling her hand to my mouth, I kiss it lightly, and the two of us stand. She links her fingers through mine then leans into my arm and hugs it. This girl is killing me. 

"Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen," says a voice over the speakers. 

My eyes whip across the lawn to find Jon standing on the stage looking directly at me. What is he doing? 

"Thank you to everyone who decided to stay tonight and share in this unexpected, but certainly not unwelcome turn of events." Is he giving a best man speech? "For those of you who don't know my brother, and I'm sure that's most of you"—he chuckles—"there's no one in the world like him." 

My heart rate slows as I stare at him. He knows this whole thing isn't real, so is he just trying to make it look more authentic? Is he doing it because he knows he'll never have another chance? Or is he doing it because he's my brother and he's supporting me? 

"What people see on TV, the dedicated athlete and teammate—sure, that's a huge part of who he is, but that's not all he is. Jordan is the best person I know. Growing up, he filled every role I needed filled, from father figure to best friend. He showed me how dedication, hard work, and determination can help you achieve your dreams. He's selfless. He gives one hundred percent of himself, and he never asks for anything in return." 

Warmth trickles into my veins as his words sink in. It's one thing to know someone loves you, but it's entirely different when you hear them speak it. I mean, Jon and I have never had flowery type conversations. We push each other, hard, because that's what brothers do. 

"I never thought I would see this day, but then again, I shouldn't be surprised. It's in his nature to care for others, always has been." He shakes his head and presses his lips together. 

I don't understand. He should be surprised. I've told him repeatedly I never plan on marrying, and I don't really care for other people, I just do right by them.