Three years after his mother's death, Noah Reed is lost once again. Unsure of where to go after running from his problems for so long, he ends up back home, wanting a place to finally settle down. He's ready to tie up loose ends and to try and corre...
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Once Jess and I reach the wedding venue, a riverside that has been completely transformed for the big day, I'm surprised to see that so many of the guests have already arrived. Almost all of the chairs that have been carefully set into rows are occupied, the two sections separated by a long white satin cloth that acts as the aisle.
The sky is bright and blue today without a cloud in sight, the sun overhead reflecting in the sparkling blue water a few feet away. The altar has been decorated with masses of white and soft pink roses, the same shade as the bridesmaid dresses. The tables located off to the side for the after-session are each ornamented with white tablecloths, vases of flowers atop each round table. The scenery is beautiful, helping to ease my nerves slightly.
I walk with Jess over to my family, as they're waiting in the parking lot to greet me before going to find their seats. My sisters and mother look beautiful in their dresses, my brothers and father dapper in their suits. I hug each of them, trying to play off my nerves as best as possible, forcing a wide smile. My family seems to fall for my rouse, as they depart from me after a moment, wishing me luck with the ceremony.
Jess lingers by my side, gazing at me with knowing eyes as she says, "Seriously, Blake, don't worry, okay? You've got this." She pulls me into a warm embrace, smiling as she pulls away to head off and find her seat.
I soon find myself with the rest of the wedding party, my gaze instantly zeroing in on Noah. I can't deny that he looks especially attractive in his tux, flashbacks of last night coming to me faster than I can comprehend them at the sight of him. He must sense my eyes on him, as he suddenly turns around and breaks from his conversation with Wells, gaze meeting mine. I look away quickly, blushing as I rush my way to make my way to the bride's section—a small tent that has been set up a few yards away.
Entering the tent, I'm meet with an abundance of commotion. The bridesmaids are all swarmed around Mia, who stands in front of a mirror and holds hands with her mother as she tears up.
I approach the circle, attention focused on Mia. She looks stunning, as radiant and beautiful as ever. Her dark hair tumbles down her shoulders in soft waves, specially done for her big day. She is breathtaking in her dress, the backless material fading into a flowy yet curve-hugging skirt that trails behind her in a long train.
"Mia!" I cry. "You look amazing!"
"Thank you!" Mia gushes as she wraps her arms around me for a greeting hug. "You do, too!"
"You're getting married!" I squeal in excitement, beaming at my friend. It's hard to believe that the day we've all been anticipating is finally here, and that two of my closest friends are going to soon become husband and wife. At the same time, it's only fitting, consider Mia McHenry and Thorne Baxter were made for each other.
Soon afterward, the bridesmaids leave the tent to give Mia and her mother a few minutes alone before the ceremony begins. I know that it won't be long now before the ritual takes place, as Thorne has already disappeared to take his place at the altar.
