Love Between the Lines ✔️ DRAFT 1 COMPLETE

Chapter 21

"Do you, Brena James, take Jared Sullivan to be your lawfully wedded husband?" the priest asked.

Brena stood facing her soon-to-be husband in a gorgeous white lace wedding gown. Her dark hair had been styled with curls to frame her face, hidden only slightly underneath her veil.

The congregation waited in anticipation for her answer. The whole time, Brena kept her gaze focused on Jared.

"I do."

Jared's grin widened, tears shining in his blue eyes.

The priest acknowledged Brena's response then turned to Jared. "And do you, Jared Sullivan, take Brena James to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I most certainly do," he replied, earning light laughter from the guests.

The priest closed his book. "I now pronounce you as husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Jared wrapped his arms around Brena's back and pressed her close to him. He leaned down and captured her lips against his in a passionate kiss that even I was jealous of. But my best friend was marrying her best friend, and I couldn't be happier for their fairytale ending. The room erupted into cheers and claps as the receding wedding march played in the background. I glanced over at Sydney who clapped and whistled loudly. She caught my gaze and winked.

"Yeah, get it girl!" I called out.

Brena and Jared broke away from each other, laughing. My best friend grabbed her now-husband's hand and together they walked toward the doors of the church. The rest of the bridesmaids and groomsmen followed after her.

"They're going to be so happy together," I said to Sydney as we walked next to each other back up the aisle.

"Yeah, they will be." She smiled. "Jared truly is a prince."

The wedding party made its way to the reception celebration hall. Sydney and I helped Brena change from her ornate gown to a simple, slim-fitting white dress that she'd picked out for the reception.

"Such a gorgeous ceremony," Mrs. James, Brena's mom, commented. She dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief.

"Agreed." I smiled and went over to hug my best friend. "Mrs. Brena Sullivan. I like the sound of that."

Brena laughed. "Mrs. James-Sullivan. I'm hyphenating."

"Much to my protests," her mom chimed in from across the room. "Darling, it would be much simpler if you just take Jared's last name."

Brena rolled her eyes. "Thank you for that insight, mother. Anyway, how are you doing, Em?"

"I'm fine," I lied. "But today is all about you, bride."

She gathered me into a hug. "You'll have your happily ever after someday, Em. I promise."

"I know." I squeezed her arm. "Now, go out there on the dance floor and be with your amazingly wonderful husband."

It was a magical night for my best friend and her husband. I stood by her side for photos but otherwise kept my distance so that she could have her night. Sydney caught my gaze from across the celebration hall and strode over to me.

"Enjoying the party?" she asked, leaning against the wall with me.

I sipped my fruity cocktail. "Yes, of course. It's Brena's day, you know? She's so beautiful and happy with Jared. And I'm happy for both of them, but—"

"You're still angry at yourself for Fionn?" Sydney supplied.

I chewed on my straw in response.

"Then call him, Em," she said. She stuck out her hand toward me, gesturing to my purse for my phone. "Or I will."