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I think I am going to cry, I said to Ryan as she stood in front of the floor length mirror.
No crying. If you cry, I cry, she said, looking back at me through the mirror.
Becca got out her camera and snapped pictures of all of us as well as the photographer who had
shown up while we were getting ready. Even though Becca was not in the wedding, she was a part of
our group. I loved how we had all grown so close over the last few months and Becca was a perfect
third to our two.
We better get going to the garden, Paula said.
With one final look in the mirror, we were all ready. Ryan s wedding was due to start at four
o clock and I could imagine that people were already arriving at Shakespeare Gardens. We all
climbed into a stretch white limo and sipped on champagne as we rode to the garden.
You doing okay? I asked Ryan.
Yep, why wouldn t I be?
I don t know, some brides cry.
I ll be fine. This is Max.
I know, I said squeezing, her hand.
We pulled up to the garden and all of us got out of the limo except Ryan and her mom. Ryan s
dad, Bart, climbed in to join them and I spotted Brandon near the gates. Just like in Seattle, my heart
stopped when I saw him dressed up. He was dressed in a black tux with a white shirt, green tie and a
pink napkin peeking out of the pocket.
Our eyes met and he flashed me his heart-stopping smile that I would never get tired of. When I
gained my composure, I walked over to him, giving him a light kiss on the lips.
How s Max doing?
He s here, so he won t be running.
Stop it, I said, slapping Brandon playfully on the arm.
And I take it that Ryan is in the limo?
Yep, hopefully it doesn t drive off, I said, laughing with Brandon at our cold feet jokes.
We stood around and chatted with the others as people found their seats along the garden path.
Ryan and Max had decided that she would walk down the brick walkway to the center of the garden
where a minister would be. The wedding guests lined each side of the walkway and the bridal party
was to stand on the opposite side of where Ryan would walk in. There were speakers placed near the
front row of chairs near where the minister stood. The white paper lanterns from Ryan s bridal
shower hung in the trees along the walkway and it was breathtaking.
The minister approached us and told us that we were ready to begin. Brandon was a groomsman,
but not the best man so I didn t get to walk down the aisle with him. Max s best man, Joe, walked
Paula down to her seat, and then returned to my side. Max stood in the center of the brick pathway and
we each walked down just like we had practiced. I smiled at Max as I walked passed him and he
gave me a little nod.
Once we had all walked down the aisle, we stood waiting for Ryan to get out of the limo.
Finally, the door opened and Bart stepped out, taking Ryan s hand and the piano started playing Back
at One by Brian McKnight. Everyone turned in their seats to get a glimpse of the beautiful bride.
Once Brian started singing about how Ryan and Max should be together, Ryan started walking
down the brick walkway with Bart. Ryan s eyes were fixed on Max and they both smiled at each
other and stayed like that until Ryan handed me her bouquet as Brian sang how things work
themselves out.
I took the flowers from the teary-eyed bride and fought back my own tears. I couldn t believe
that we stood here at Ryan s wedding when eight months ago, they had broken up and were trying to
figure out which path to take in life. It s funny how things always work out in the end.
The music slowly drifted away in the background and the minister started to speak. Tears flowed
throughout the crowd and amongst the wedding party. As soon as I saw Paula crying, I lost it. Ryan
turned to me to grab the ring for Max and as soon as she saw me crying, she teared up more. I handed
her a tissue and she turned to Max to exchange the rings. They promised to stand by each other s side
through thick and thin.
The minister declared them husband and wife and cheers erupted as Mr. and Mrs. Max Evans
kissed for the first time as a married couple. Tears started to dry up as the married couple made their
way back down the aisle, hand and hand, kissing all the way.
*~*~*
After we took pictures, we all drove back to the Wyndham for the wedding reception. The DJ
announced our arrival as everyone stood around the white linen covered round tables that displayed
tall black vases with magenta, light pink and white flowers. Black Chiavari chairs rounded the tables;
each table setting had magenta napkins to accent the black chairs and black picture frames that were
the favors set in front of the plates. Magenta lights displayed up the walls and gave the ballroom a
club feel. This was definitely a wedding Ryan planned.
We each walked to the head table as our names were called. After Mr. and Mrs. Evans made
their grand entrance, we all wined and dined on the catered meal. Ryan s parents had splurged and
sprang for an open bar, which we were all enjoying tremendously.
Joe gave his speech to the happy couple and then it was my turn. I was extremely nervous. I
never liked speaking in front of people. I tried to envision them naked, but I was too nervous and it
didn t work. Finally I took a deep breathe and tried not to speak too fast.
I met Ryan ten years ago when we were freshmen in college. When I heard Ms. Shea take
attendance and Ryan raised her hand as she called out Ryan Kennedy , I was shocked. What are the
odds that in the same class you have two girls with boy names? When Ms. Shea called my name a few
students later, Ryan s eyes shot to mine and it was love at first sight.
Since that day, we have been pretty much inseparable. We have both kissed our share of frogs
and I am so happy that she found her prince in Max. I couldn t picture Ryan with anyone but Max and
believe me, there had been a few who I wanted to disappear from Ryan s life.
I am truly honored to call Ryan my best friend. If anything, she is more like a sister to me and
now, she has made Max my brother. I wish the happy couple a long happy life together and may we
all grow old together.
I sat down next to Brandon, my nerves finally calming as the clapping descended.
Great speech, Babe.
Thanks, I said, heaving a big sigh.
Ryan s dad gave his speech and there wasn t a dry eye in the room. After his speech, Ryan and
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