Page 52 of Commit

I hold my breath, waiting for Remi. I know it’s not my wedding, but I can’t help but feel as excited as a groom waiting for his bride. She rounds the corner, and all the breath that I’m holding releases in a slow exhale. Remi’s stunning. She’s wearing the same dress as Maggie and Sarah but somehow looks more elegant in it. Her hair is swept up with tiny white flowers tucked into it. She smiles at me, and I come completely undone. If I were a spool of yarn, I’d be in a loose pile on the floor. That’s what Remi’s done to me since the first day I met her at the batting cages two years ago.

“You’re gorgeous,” I whisper into her ear as I extend my arm out to her.

Her eyes scan up and down my body. “You’re not too bad yourself.”

“I thought you weren’t attracted to me.”

“I’m not.” She bites back a smile, looking straight ahead as we walk down the sandy aisle.

“I must be doing something right, judging by the way you just perused me with your eyes.”

“I did not peruse you,” she whispers back to me.

“You did.” I squeeze her hand once before I have to let it go and stand next to Reece.

Jana appears with her dad. I glance briefly at my friend. His breath trips up, and his eyes glisten. I want this moment for Remi and me. I want to spend the rest of my life with her.

I shift my gaze. I know everyone is looking at Jana, but all I can see is Remi.

CHAPTER 33

REMI

“Jana, you were the first person to talk to me when I started my new job as a waitress. That’s just the type of person you are, always making sure everyone has a friend. I knew from that day that you were someone special. Your friendship over the last ten years has meant more to me than I could ever express. You’ve always been there, and it’s only fitting that you found a guy as special as you.” I fidget with my fingers as I look at Reece. “I’m so happy that my best friend found someone who adores her. Take care of each other. Congratulations!”

Everyone at the table claps as I take a seat. Matt rubs my back before standing to give his speech. I shift in my chair, glancing up at him. I don’t think there will ever come a day when I’m not in awe of his good looks and charming smile.

“Reece and I have known each other since middle school,” Matt starts. “I was there for every crush. And Jana, I can assure you he never felt for anyone else what he feels for you. After your first date, I remember walking through the door and hearing my phone ring. It was Reece, and he was calling to tell me thanks for introducing him to his wife.” Jana leans her head on Reece’s shoulder, squeezing his hand. “Now, most people would’ve thought that Reece was crazy, but not me. If Reece thought he would marry you, then I knew he would. Sometimes that’s just how life happens.” Matt pauses for a minute, then looks directly at me. “When you know, you know.”

I swallow, dropping my eyes to my dinner plate in front of me.

“I hope that one day I can marry and be as happy as the two of you.”

I feel his eyes on me, but I don’t look up. My chest constricts. He didn’t specify me by name, but I know Matt is talking about us. He hopes that one day he can marry me. That feels like a lot. We haven’t even discussed getting back together or addressed any of my concerns. Just because I agreed to have a little faith in him doesn’t mean I’m ready to start planning my wedding. What if I don’t even want to get married?

“I’m so happy for the both of you,” Matt says, raising his glass. “Congratulations!”

A round of applause breaks out again, and Matt sits. I keep my focus on Jana’s dad as he stands to give his speech.

I’m not ready to face Matt or his words yet.

CHAPTER 34

MATT

Reece and Jana say their goodbyes, and we all cheer as they leave the private balcony, hand in hand. I glance at Remi, seated beside me. She’s been quiet all afternoon. I’d give anything to know what she’s thinking.

I lean in, whispering in her ear, “Do you want to dance?”

She looks around. “The wedding is over. No one’s dancing.”

I stand and hold out my hand to her. “The wedding can’t end until we’ve danced.”

“Okay.” She places her hand in mine, letting me pull her up.

I wrap one arm around her waist, and the other holds her hand as we sway to the music.

“Is everything okay? You’ve been quiet.”