Page 137 of Never Not Friends

The preacher says, “If anyone here knows of any reason why these two should not be wed, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.”

That’s when Emma finally looks at me.

Her face is wet with tears.

She’s just as miserable as I am.

My heart pounds as my brows slowly lift, like all I need is for Emma to give me a reason to jump ship.

But it’s stupid.

I don’t need Emma to give me anything.

Because I finally know my answer.

And it isn’t only about me and Emma. It’s about me and Juliet too.

And I know what I have to do.

Movement catches my eye, and my gaze jumps to Juliet. She isn’t looking at the crowd anymore. No, she’s looking over her shoulder at Emma. Then, slowly, she turns her head back to me, a storm of hurt brewing behind her stare.

She deserves a man standing here whose thoughts aren’t occupied by another woman. A man who isn’t looking at another woman.

Someone who’s sure.

And that isn’t me.

My lungs expand with a shaky breath. I open my mouth. “Ju⁠—

“Wait!” she says, her hands slipping out of mine. A murmur ripples through the room as she takes a step back.

Tears crowd her eyes as she looks between Emma and me again.

She knows what I should’ve figured out years ago, but this is not how any of us wanted it to go down.

“Jules.” I reach for her, but she pulls her hand back.

“I need a second,” she says on a breath.

She gives Emma one last look before she runs back down the aisle.

EMMA

For three full seconds, nobody moves.

We all just watch Juliet and the door of the building as it swings shut behind her.

Vinny stares after her.

I stare after her.

Then, slowly and collectively, everyone turns and stares back at us.

Like we have the answers.

Panic kicks in, causing everything to happen at once.

Kayleen reaches after her daughter even though she’s gone.