CHAPTER EIGHTY–SEVEN–A Decision Made in Silence
Jessie reached out, rubbing Laura’s back comfortingly. “It’s okay to have feelings, Laura. You can’t control your heart.” “But what am I supposed to do now?” Laura asked, looking up at her friend. “Should I… should I tell him how I feel?” Jessie’s eyes widened. “Whoa, hold on there. Let’s think about this for a second. Ryan’s engaged. The wedding is in what, a month?”
Laura nodded miserably.
“Look,” Jessie continued gently, “I know it’s hard, but confessing your feelings now… it would just complicate things for everyone. And it might not change anything except making your friendship with both Ryan and Julia really awkward.”
Deep down, Laura knew Jessie was right. But part of her couldn’t help but wonder…..
But what if he feels the same way?” she asked in a small voice.
Jessie sighed. “Laura, honey, even if he did… he’s made his choice. He proposed to Julia. They’re planning a life together. You deserve someone who chooses you, first and foremost.”
Laura felt tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. “You’re right. I know you’re right. I just… I don’t know how to make these feelings go away.”
Jessie pulled her into a hug. “It’ll take time. And it won’t be easy. But you’re strong, Laura. You’ll get through this.”
As Laura leaned into her friend’s embrace, she tried to believe those words. But the memory of Ryan’s eyes meeting hers in the mirror, of that moment of electric connection, haunted her. She knew the coming weeks leading up to the wedding would be a test of her strength and her heart.
Laura stepped out of the taxi, smoothing down her dress as she gazed up at the elegant facade of Le Ciel, one of New York’s most exclusive restaurants. The setting sun cast a golden glow over the city skyline, a fitting backdrop for Ryan and Julia’s rehearsal dinner.
As she entered the restaurant, the maître d‘ greeted her with a polite nod. “Ms. McKenna? The Callis–Florent party is on the rooftop terrace. Please, follow me
Laura followed him to the elevator, her heels clicking softly on the marble floor. As they ascended, she took a deep breath, steeling
herself for the evening ahead.
The elevator doors opened to reveal a breathtaking view of the New York skyline. The terrace was beautifully decorated with fairy lights and floral arrangements, creating an intimate atmosphere despite the grand setting.
“Laura!” Ryan’s voice called out. He approached her with a wide smile, looking dashing in a tailored suit. “So glad you made it. Come on, let me introduce you to some of Julia’s family.”
As Ryan led her through the crowd, Laura couldn’t help but notice how at ease he seemed, his hand resting comfortably on the small of Julia’s back as they moved from group to group. Julia, resplendent in a shimmering cocktail dress, beamed at everyone they passed.
“Laura, this is Julia’s aunt, Margot,” Ryan said, gesturing to an elegant older woman. “Margot, this is Laura, one of my oldest friends and our honorary groomsman.”
Margot raised an eyebrow. “A female groomsman? How delightfully modern.”
Laura chuckled. “Well, Ryan and I go way back. It just felt right.”
As the evening progressed, Laura found herself swept up in the festivities. The champagne flowed freely, and the air was filled with laughter and excited chatter about the upcoming wedding.
During dinner, Tim stood up, tapping his glass for attention. “Alright, everyone, as the best man, I think it’s my duty to kick off the Toasts.”
He cleared his throat dramatically. “Ryan, my man. I’ve known you since college, and I’ve got to say, I never thought I’d see the day when you’d willingly put on a tux and commit to one woman for the rest of your life.”
The crowd laughed, and Ryan playfully rolled his eyes.
Tim continued, his tone growing more sincere. “But then you met Julia, and everything changed. I’ve never seen you happier, more focused, more… you. Julla, you’ve not only captured Ryan’s heart but you’ve made him a better man. To Ryan and Julia!”
Everyone raised their glasses, echoing the toast. Laura sipped her champagne, fighting the twinge in her chest as she watched Ryan plant a kiss on Julia’s cheek.
As the night wore on, more toasts followed. Julla’s father spoke about welcoming Ryan into their family, and Julia’s maid of honor
CHAPTER EIGHTY SEVEN–A Decision Made in Silence
shared embarrassing stories from their college days. Finally, Ryan stood up.
“I just want to thank everyone for being here tonight,” he said, his voice full of emotion. “Julia, you’ve made me the happiest man in
–
the world, and I can’t wait to start our life together tomorrow.” He turned to address the room. “And to all of you our friends and family- thank you for your love and support. It means the world to us.”
