Page 68 of Playing the Backbeat

“We’re not done talking about this,” Chris calls from the raised platform in front of the mirror while the rest of us join in the chase.

“Sorry,” I say, snagging Luca and hauling him into my arms. He laughs hysterically as I bounce him up and down before racing down an aisle away from Dom. “We can’t hear you.”

I knew Luca would pull through.

Chapter thirty

Dee

“Bec…you look stunning.” I gasp. My eyes water.

No, that can’t be right. I don’t cry. Ever.

But maybe I need to start because Bec looks gorgeous. Her hair trails down her back in loose waves, a long veil drifting softly to the floor behind her. The dress fits her perfectly, but still allows her to move comfortably, the fabric swaying gently as she moves around the bridal suite where we’re getting ready. The champagne underlay gives the ivory lace a more vintage feel, and the long sleeves billow around her forearms, cinching at her wrists.

“How are you doing? Any cold feet?” I ask.

She smiles warmly. “None. I’m ready. I’d love to see how Aiden’s holding up, though,” she says with a laugh.

Bec carries herself with ease, confident and at peace with the huge, life-changing ceremony moments away. I find myself rubbing my chest, a stroke of jealousy striking hard, leaving me breathless and frustrated with myself.

Bec is one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met, inside and out. And she deserves this. A man who worships her, loves her, puts her first, committing to her forever in a gorgeous venue with all of their loved ones near.

This day isn’t about me at all, but my mind keeps drifting, wondering if I’ll ever find myself in her place.

“He’s losing his mind about Hopper’s bow tie. He keeps saying it’s crooked,” Ellie says, walking into the room hand in hand with an adorable Luca in a three-piece, navy-blue suit.

“Who the fuck gave him permission to be so cute?” I ask.

Carissa bumps me with her hip. “We’ll all know who to call when he starts dropping f-bombs.”

Ellie waves her off. “Oh, that ship has sailed. Dom stubbed his toe last month, and he’s a giant baby. Luca wouldn’t stop screaming the f-word at the top of his lungs for three days. That was fun.”

“Okay, one last makeup check,” Bec says, turning to Abby, who gives her the all clear. She wraps herself in a thick, blue shawl. “See you guys in a few.” The wedding planner helps her gather her veil in her arms, and she walks out the back doors that will lead her to the small garden at the back of the venue, where she and Aiden will have a private moment before the ceremony.

Naturally, we let them have their privacy. Such an intimate moment and all.

Okay…no, we don’t, but we let them think we do.

The girls and I line up along the windows, noses pressed to the glass, watching as Bec approaches Aiden in the garden. Thanks to the heavy snowfall during the week, the landscape is a true winter wonderland. There’s a light snowfall now, and Bec looks like an ethereal winter goddess.

Bec taps Aiden on the shoulder and he turns to take her in, stepping back as if he can’t keep himself standing. Bumps rise over my arms and my chest is on fire with happiness for them.They embrace, they kiss, andholy hell, it’s hot. They laugh, and I swear I see Bec wipe tears from Aiden’s cheeks. He holds her face in his hands as she wraps her arms around his waist. The kind of love they share is one to last a lifetime. It’s clear for anyone to see.

I’m barely holding it together when Bec’s parents and siblings join them a few minutes later, along with Aiden’s mom and sister, walking out linked arm in arm.

Fuck. If I cry right now, I’m taking back their wedding gift as payment for my pain and suffering. I’ll keep the damn plant on my counter for them to see every time they come over to rub it in too. No clue why Bec would register for a huge, fancy fake plant, but I’ll be sure to let her see it so she can understand the cost of making me feel like this.

Bec and Aiden take a few quick group photos in the snow before their families go back inside and we’re ushered out for wedding party pictures.

I keep my eyes on my feet, knowing falling in the snow and ruining my dress before these professional photos need to be taken sounds exactly like something I’d do. I’m about to lose my footing on a slippery patch when strong arms from behind grip my hips. I look over my shoulder and find Dylan looking sharp as hell in a suit. His stubble is neatly trimmed and his hair is tied back in a slick bun.Why does he have to look so damn good?

“Hey, Double D,” I whisper.

“Hey,” he answers softly, his lips tilting up on one side. “Think you can save the wipeouts for the dance floor? I don’t have my camera ready, and I’d hate to miss the blackmail fodder.”

I step out of his hold and go to push his chest, butfuck, I’m slipping again, and instead of pushing him away, I end up fisting his suit coat and leaning against his solid chest.

“Trying to take me down with you now?” he asks, amused. His solid arms wrap around my waist and I can’t breathe.