CHAPTER EIGHTY–EIGHT–Who Will Be Left Standing?
His eyes met Laura’s for a moment, and he gave her a warm smile. Laura raised her glass in acknowledgment, ignoring the familiar ache in her chest.
As the dinner wound down, Laura found herself at the edge of the terrace, taking in the twinkling city lights. Tim approached, leaning on the railing beside her.
“Quite a view, huh?” he said.
Laura
nodded. “It’s beautiful.”
Tim studied her for a moment. “You okay? You’ve seemed a bit… distracted tonight.”
Laura forced a smile. “Just tired, I guess. Lots of last–minute wedding stuff to take care of.”
Tim nodded, though he didn’t look entirely convinced. “Well, make sure you get some rest tonight. Big day tomorrow.”
As Laura watched him walk away, she took a deep breath, reminding herself once again of her role. Friend. Groomsman. Nothing more.
The next morning dawned bright and clear. Laura arrived at the hotel early, her garment bag slung over her shoulder. She made her way to the suite where the groomsmen were getting ready, knocking lightly on the door.
Tim opened it, his bow tie hanging undone around his neck. “Laura! Thank god you’re here. We’re all hopeless with these bow ties.”
Laura laughed as she entered the room. “Glad to see my skills are needed.”
The suite was a hive of activity. Groomsmen milled about in various states of dress, some struggling with cufflinks, others debating the proper way to attach a boutonniere.
Ryan emerged from the bathroom, his hair still damp from the shower. “Morning, Laura. How’s everything looking out there?”
Laura set down her bag “So far, so good. The florist just arrived, and the wedding planner says everything’s on schedule.”
Ryan nodded, looking relieved. “Great. And Julia? Have you heard anything?”
“Last I heard, she was getting her hair done. Apparently, she’s cool as a cucumber.”
Ryan chuckled “That’s my girl”
Laura busied herself helping the groomsmen get ready, tying bow ties and adjusting pocket squares. As she worked, she kept an eye o Ryan, noticing how he kept fiddling with his cufflinks.
“Need help with those?” she asked, approaching him.
Ryan looked up, a sheepish smile on his face. “Is it that obvious I’m nervous?”
Laura gently took his wrist, adjusting the c
cufflink.
“Chly t
to someone who knows you
o knows you well. But it’s okay to be nervous. It’s a big day.”
Ryan nodded, his eyes meeting hers. “Thanks, Laura. For everything. I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through all this without you.” Laura felt her heart skip a beat, but she pushed the feeling aside. “That’s what friends are for, right?”
Just then, Laura’s phone buzzed. She checked it, seeing a message from one of Julia’s bridesmaids.
“Update from the bride’s side,” she announced to the room. “Julia’s dress is on, hair and makeup are done, and apparently, she looks, and I quote, “absolutely stunning.”
A chorus of cheers went up from the groomsmen. Ryan’s face lit up with a mix of excitement and nerves.
As the ceremony time approached, Laura kicked into high gear. She double–checked that all the groomsmen had their boutonnieres properly attached, making last–minute adjustments where needed.
“Tim,” she called out. “You’ve got the rings, right?”
Tim patted his pocket. “Safe and sound. Though I’m tempted to tell Ryan I’ve lost them, just to see his reaction.”
Laura shot him a warning look. “Don’t you dare. We want him to make it to the altar in one piece.”
She then hurried down to the ceremony space, wanting to ensure everything was set up correctly. The wedding planner, a harried- looking woman named Vanessa, was directing staff as they made final adjustments to the floral arrangements.
“Vanessa,” Laura called out. “How are we doing on time?”
Vanessa consulted her tablet. “We’re good. Guests are being seated now. We’ll be ready to start in about fifteen minutes.”
CHAPTER EIGHTY–EIGHT–Who Will Be Left Standing
Laura nodded, taking a moment to admire the beautifully decorated space. Rows of white chairs faced an elegant floral arch, beyond which the city skyline provided a stunning backdrop.
