Page 36 of Blinding Lights

HENLEY: It’s go time, babe. I’m coming to get you. Let’s sneak in a drink before we have to get ready.

A dry laugh escapes me because there is no way I’m having a drink this early in the morning, but I’m happy to meet Henley for company. Otherwise, I’m likely to sit around and think. And that’s not fun for anyone.

It’s going to be a great day. I refuse to ruin it with my real-world drama.

ME: I’ll be waiting.

My giddiness turns to nerves when it’s my turn to walk down the aisle. No amount of practice could have prepared me for how I’d feel being a part of Hunter and Olivia’s special day, but it’s more than that.

I’d all but ruled out ever getting married myself, and I hate to say it… I’m starting to change my mind.

After having a drink with Henley in the lobby bar, a juice for me and a mimosa for her, we arrived at Olivia’s bridal suite two minutes ahead of schedule, having filled each other in on life's little curveballs. I offered appropriate sympathy when Henley complained over Atlas’s attempt to convince her to leave their connecting doors open after upgrading her room. And Henley tried not to shout “I told you so” when I mentioned what Ava had said about Travis. She tried. And failed. She was only able to keep her mouth shut for approximately thirty seconds before telling me she wished Travis had never come back.

All that aside, Travis isn’t the reason I’m nervous. The reason is sitting in the third row on the edge of the aisle, his eyes on his black pants as he brushes away what I’m sure is some nonexistent thread or dust. When I start walking, I shift my focus to Hunter and the guys at the altar, until I notice, out of the corner of my eye, Beckett’s head lift. Our gazes meet, his lips part, and my steps almost falter as my heart gallops frantically in my chest. A radiant smile lights up his face until he softens his features and glances away.

A new confidence washes over me and I walk taller, winking at Hunt when I finally make it to the end, ignoring Henley as she raises an eyebrow. She asked me about Beckett when we caught up this morning, and I managed to dodge the subject, all thanks to the well-timed arrival of our waiter.

But…after what I’m sure she thinks she witnessed just now, I’m not going to be so lucky again.

Olivia’s cousin follows after me, and I smile her way as my excitement returns. I can’t decide what I’m most looking forward to—seeing Ava as a beautiful flower girl or the moment in every wedding when the groom sees the bride for the first time. It’s always so emotional in the movies.

My gaze drifts to Hunter again as he nervously bounces on the spot, making me swallow a laugh until his face falls. Instead of the elation I expect to see, his eyes grow wide with concern, and when I follow his line of sight, my heart lurches.

Ava.

She’s frozen at the end of the aisle, her hand in the basket full of petals, her eyes shining with the shadow of tears. Henley turns my way and I all but toss my flowers into her hand, lifting my floor-length gown to make a run for it.

But Beckett beats me to it.

He’s out of his seat before I’ve even taken a step, jogging up the aisle toward my beautiful girl. My eyes find Trudy’s as I move to follow after him, and she shakes her head, silently asking me to trust him.

A sharp pang shoots through my chest but I nod back, watching with wild trepidation as Beckett reaches Ava, lowering to one knee as if that will help with the height difference. It doesn’t.

I lose sight of the room as he leans forward, whispering something that makes Ava beam with happiness as he stands tall and offers her his hand.

I’m not sure if the music has stopped or I’ve blocked out all the noise, but either way, I can’t hide the hitch of my breath as her delicate little palm settles in his. I’m also ninety percent sure there’s no hiding the pounding in my chest.

Beckett takes Ava’s basket and holds it out in front of them so she can still do her job, and my body shudders as something shifts inside me.

Someone sniffs and I’m only mildly sure it wasn’t me as I choke back my emotions.

With a smile that could light up the entire room, Ava proudly throws her petals, a lightness in her step as the guests around her cheer her on.

I sneak a glance at Beckett, and the adoration on his face as he watches Ava completely does me in.

There’s no denying my crush anymore.

Fingers thread through mine, snapping me out of my head to find Henley holding my hand, her watery eyes on Beckett and Ava. “That must have been some talk,” she whispers, her voice cracking as she tries to hide her emotions, failing as much as I am.

I let out a soft giggle, a euphoric happiness spreading through my veins. I must be delirious because for some reason, I open my mouth to tell her we kissed, only catching myself at the last second.

Beckett and Ava reach the little stage we’re on, and Hunter bends down to hug her exactly as planned. Beckett tries to sneak away, but Hunter’s faster, grabbing his jacket before he’s had a chance to turn.

“You belong up here, man.” Hunter gestures to his groomsmen and Beckett stiffens, offering him a rigid smile.

“Thanks, but I wouldn’t want to throw off your numbers.” He waves a hand toward the five of us girls.

“You won’t,” Hunter tells him. “They’ve got a sixth on their side too.”