chapter 69- half alive
**Jeremiah is marrying Sophie Conklin, his long-time ex-girlfriend lacy's college friend, Steven and Belly's cousin, Taylor and Conrad's close friend .**
The day was perfect. Sunlight poured over the beach, sparkling off the waves, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of saltwater and wildflowers. Belly stood by the white wooden arch that had been decorated with roses and eucalyptus leaves, watching as guests began to settle into their seats along the shore. She still couldn't quite believe it—her cousin Sophie was marrying Jeremiah.
It was surreal. Belly smiled, glancing down at her bouquet, a mix of wildflowers and soft greenery that Susannah would have loved. She thought of Susannah in moments like this, and she knew that if anyone would have adored a beach wedding, it would've been her.
Steven strolled over, adjusting his tie for the hundredth time and looking unusually sentimental. "Can you believe it?" he asked, glancing at his sister. "Jere's actually getting married. And to Sophie, of all people."
Belly smirked. "And you're finally wearing a tie that isn't crooked. Wonders never cease."
They both laughed, but there was an unmistakable warmth between them, the shared understanding of how far they'd all come. She'd never seen Jeremiah happier, and Sophie had fit right in with their group from the start. They were perfect together, and Belly couldn't help but feel a twinge of pride and joy for her cousin.
Then she spotted him—Jeremiah, standing at the end of the aisle in a classic light gray suit, his blond hair tousled and a mixture of nervousness and excitement in his eyes. He caught her gaze and gave her a wink, his signature grin that had always managed to lighten the mood.
Conrad appeared beside Belly, his expression relaxed but focused, hands tucked into his pockets. He looked over at Jeremiah, a rare smile softening his usual stoic features. "Looks like Jere actually pulled this off."
Belly nodded, her eyes shining. "Yeah. He really did."
Just then, the music started, and everyone turned to see Sophie begin her walk down the aisle. She looked stunning, her dress flowing like waves with every step, her face radiant with joy. Jeremiah's eyes were locked on her, his whole face lighting up, the way Belly had always known he would when he found his person.
Belly felt tears welling up as Sophie reached the front, where Jeremiah took her hands, looking at her like she was the only person in the world. Belly glanced over at Steven, who was misty-eyed but pretending to be unaffected, and at Conrad, whose gaze lingered on her before looking back to the couple.
The ceremony was beautiful, simple, and full of love. The officiant spoke about the serendipity of meeting someone who felt like home, and how Jeremiah and Sophie had found that in each other. Belly couldn't help but feel the weight of that sentiment as she watched them exchange vows.
After the ceremony, everyone moved to the reception, set up under a white tent near the beach. There were string lights, long tables covered in greenery, and candles that flickered in the evening breeze. The Cousins beach house could be seen in the background, illuminated in soft lights, casting a warm glow over the whole scene.
Steven made the first toast, a surprisingly heartfelt one that included a few well-placed jokes about Jeremiah's less-than-stellar cooking skills and his tendency to make impulsive decisions. He ended it by saying, "Here's to many more summers—and winters, and springs—with Sophie in our lives. We're lucky to have her, Jere, and you're luckiest of all."
Then came Belly's turn. She took a deep breath, raising her glass and glancing at Sophie and Jeremiah, who were holding hands, beaming at her.
"Jere, we've been through so much together—every summer, every laugh, every tough moment. You've always been like a big brother to me," she said, smiling, "even if you tried to drive me crazy half the time. And Sophie, you're the sister I always wanted but never had. I know Susannah would be so happy for you both, and so proud of the love you've found."
Jeremiah gave her a grateful smile, a tear slipping down his cheek. Belly raised her glass higher. "To Jere and Sophie. To many more beautiful memories and a love that lasts as long as all of our summers."
As the night went on, they danced under the stars, laughter and music mingling with the sound of the waves. Belly caught up with everyone, enjoying the joyful, nostalgic atmosphere. Conrad even managed to coax her onto the dance floor, where they shared a comfortable, easy rhythm, their shared history filling the silence between them.
After a while, she spotted Jeremiah and Sophie sneaking off down the beach, hand in hand, just as they'd promised to do. She watched them go, a happy tear slipping down her face as she turned back to the party.
It was a perfect night—one she knew they would all remember forever.
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