Third Person POV.

Three Years Later.

The corner of Brianna's lips tugged upwards when she looked at herself in the mirror. The satin gown that touched the floor, perfectly hugged all of her curves. Brianna had never been so happy and content with her life before. Something about visiting her hometown affected her.

"Does this tie look okay?" Blake questioned, standing in front of the second mirror that was placed right next to the one Brianna was watching her reflection in.

She couldn't help but roll her eyes at his nervousness, but still held herself back from saying something sassy. "It looks okay, Blake. You know what? It looks more than okay. Good job."

Brianna continued to look at her best friend's boyfriend as he walked towards one of the chairs and wore his cream colored blazer on top of the plain white shirt. The blazer matched the pants and the color chosen for the outfit suited Blake's skin tone.

"Can you do me a favor and check up on Valerie?" He asked, straightening his tie and removing creases from the blazer.

Brianna nodded and exited the air conditioned room. As she walked, she grabbed one of the champagne glasses that were being served and took a large sip of it. The hallway was filled with bridesmaids chatting and giggling. They were all excited for the wedding. Not because it was a happy occasion for two people coming together and announcing their love for each other, but because of the meaningless wedding sex and hot gossip.

The brunette came to a halt when she saw the sign that said Bride's Room and turned the doorknob. Upon entering the chaotic room, Brianna immediately missed the freedom she had a second ago. There were only three people inside, four counting Brianna, but the havoc that they had created was astronomical. The chairs were filled with unattended purses and clutches and the sofa with accessories and make-up boxes. Even the little drawer attached to the mirror was spoiled with dripping nail polish.

"Somebody help me with the veil," the bride grunted in frustration, adjusting her wedding gown aggressively. Brianna emptied the champagne glass, put it in a corner and rushed to tend to the beautiful bride and grabbed the veil, holding it up to the messy bun and attaching it with pins.

She later folded the veil from beneath to make sure nobody tripped and fell on it. Once she was done, she gave a little nudge to Kelly, gesturing to look in the sparkling glass.

It was true. The uptight and cold detective was getting married today. Upon returning back to the city, as promised, Kelly took Gigi on a date. It was safe to say that the entire time they were together, things were awkward. But, somehow, Kelly had managed to make the blonde fall for her and give her a chance.

After that, the struggle of maintaining the relationship began. They even broke up once. But, the feelings they had for each other brought them together again. Since the day they were reunited again, both of them put in their best efforts and lived happily.

"I am sorry for my outburst," Kelly apologised. "Today is a really important day for me and I just don't want to ruin it, you know? This is the perfect opportunity for all of the people I upset, put behind the bars or wronged in some way to get their revenge and I really don't want this wedding to end in a bloodbath.

"I understand your concern, Kells," A familiar voice spoke. Brianna gave a knowing smile as she turned around to see her best friend. "But, as you said, it is an important day for you and instead of spending it in worry, be happy. We have tight security and all of your collegues have arrived with their weapon, ready for danger. Plus, do I have to remind you that Blake is your Best Man?"

Kelly loved Blake immensely and hence, instead of having a Maid of Honour, she made Blake her best man. Brianna and Valerie were the bridesmaids along with one other colleuge she had. The rest of the bridesmaids that Brianna had the chance to see all were from Gigi's side.

"I guess, you're right," the stunning bride sighed, sitting on a small empty place on the couch. "Does anybody know the situation on the guests?"

"I'll go and check," Valerie volunteered and left right after giving a wink to Brianna.

Valerie closed her eyes and let the fresh air hit her face. She had been in that room for two hours, doing her own make-up and calming Kelly down. She was in desperate need of a breather. As asked to, Valerie made her way to the seating area.

The venue they had chosen for a wedding a quiet elegant. Instead of marrying in a church, the bride's had decided to get married on the beach. The luck was on their side as the breeze was not to windy and the atmosphere was very pleasant.

Most of the guests had been seated and were mingling with each other. A few kids ran around the aisle and made loud noises. Valerie wished if she knew which guests were yet to arrive.

"Kelly's uncle Rhodney and his wife Tania should be here soon and Gigi's parents are stuck in traffic. Apart from that, Kelly's boss and his family won't be attending the wedding as he had spme family emergency," A raspy voice informed Valerie.

Jordan Hayes had moved to the city three years ago and it took him a very long time to adjust to his new surroundings, but when he did, he found the best job and had an amazing time during work. He was rejected more times than he could count because of lack of credentials and education. But that did not stop Jordan. He took up small jobs until Blake offered him a job in the IT Department of his precinct. Blake knew that Jordan was fit for this job because he had noticed that the ex-member of the gang was a quick learner.

Jordan was hesitant in the beginning but gladly took Blake upon his offer and went to see his possible new workplace. He was greeted with his future co-worker Cindy who also taught him his job. In a few months, he became one of the best employees and also often helped Kelly's team with solving cases.

"Jordan!" Valerie exclaimed in joy. "Didn't I ask you to sit back and relax?"

"You did. But everyone was doing something or the other and I felt useless. Plus, you couldn't have relaxed either if all of your friends were engaged in some work."

Valerie would have countered his argument, but she knew it was the truth. So, instead of giving Jordan a hard time, she began conversing with him about the reception seating arrangements. But Valerie was interrupted when she heard the wedding coordinator yell something incoherent in her earpiece and rush towards the gate.

Valerie and Jordan both gave each other a confused look before following the coordinator to the gate and inspecting what the fuss was about.

The chatter at the gate became loud and clearer as the duo approached. They could make out a few words from the argument happening but still were in the dark on what the trouble was.

"What's happening here?" Valerie demanded and everyone fell silent.

"This man wants to attend the wedding but he is not on the guest list. Upon asking whose side he belonged too, he didn't even know whose wedding it was," the coordinator briefed Valerie on the situation.

"Let me talk to him," she suggested and finally was able to glance at the man causing all the ruckus.

Her eyes briefly met the man's features which held playfulness in them. His eyes hinted that he would probably cause trouble in the wedding but his thin lips held seriousness in them.

"What do you want?" She asked sternly.

"I just want to meet the Best Man. Is it too much to ask?" He spoke with his silky voice.

"How do you know the best man?"

"He is my cousin. I am here to personally invite him to my birthday party."

After getting a long stare and no answer from Valerie, he finally introduced himself. "My name is Maxon Kingsley and Blake Smith is my cousin."

"Don't let him inside. I'll go get Blake," she ordered and left Jordan in responsibility.

She took quick and long strides to where Blake was supposed to be getting ready. The last thing she wanted was to allow a stranger into the wedding and mess it all up. Kelly was anxious about it anyways.

She knocked on the door first and then opened it. Blake was sitting there idle and was fiddling with his fingers.

When he heard the door open and when his brown eyes fell on her Valerie, his mouth parted a little at his stunning she looked.

Her cream coloured gown was a little more loose than Brianna's but she managed to pull it off perfectly. The accessories she wore were minimum along with the make-up and yet Blake knew Valerie was the prettiest girl he has ever laid his eyes on.

"Rie, you look beautiful," was all he could say but Valerie was content with the compliment.

"Same goes to you, Mr. Smith," she smiled. "I came here to tell you that someone named Maxon Kingsley is at the gate, looking for you."

"What is he doing here?" Blake asked with furrowed brows.

"He wants to invite you to his party. Is he your cousin?" Valerie questioned to cross-check.

"He is and along with that, he is also a troublemaker." He informed and began storming out of the room and to the gates. Valerie was able to keep up with him even though he was walking a lot faster than her usual pace.

Once Blake reached and met his gaze with his cousin, he walked out and warned him about something. Valerie could not decode what they were talking about, but in a minute, Blake asked the coordinator to let Maxon in.

When Maxon stepped in, he made his way over to Valerie and stood dangerously close to her. He then bent a little to make sure they were at eye-level and said, "Do you wanna meet up in one of the empty rooms? Or probably the bathroom when it's all empty?"

Valerie widened her eyes in alarm and then softened them before saying, "I'm sorry, I have a boyfriend."

"And which fool might that be?"

"Blake Smith," she smirked, enjoying the change of Maxon's expressions.

"Cousin, why didn't you ever tell me you had a heart?" Maxon looked at Blake with dramatic eyes.

"Shut up, Max. The wedding is about to start and if you want to attend it, make sure you keep to yourself and don't cause any nuisance."

"I'm not here to attend the wedding, I'm here to crash it. Plus, it's filled with hungry bridesmaids and I might jus-"

Before Maxon could complete his sentence Blake walked away along with Valerie. Jordan gave him a stern look before leaving him all alone. Maxon grinned at the frustration he had caused, enjoying the win.

When the clock struck noon, Valerie rushed to the Bride's Room, getting Valerie. When she opened the door, she was surprised to see the previously chaotic room was calm and Kelly had a smile plastered on her face.

Valerie gestured Brianna to come along and they stood next to their partners as they began walking down the aisle. Blake had already positioned in his place, Valerie stood behind him and Brianna after her. Jordan was seated in the very first row so he wouldn't feel to left out.

Everyone was waiting for the first bride of make her appearance. When Kelly arrived with her father, she gave him a small squeeze and began her walk.

Her cotton, floor-length gown brushed the carpet as she walked to her friends. Upon reaching, she handed her bouquet to Blake and then waited for her fiancée to arrive.

Gigi looked equally breathtaking. Her dress was a lot different than Kelly and had more feminine touch to it. Her smile grew wider as she spotted Kelly. Both of their eyes welled up with happy tears.

"I love weddings," Brianna whispered at the joyous sight.

"Me too," Valerie grinned.

After the warm ceremony, all the guests were dismissed to the small gazebo that was filled with various cuisines.

Kelly and Gigi spent some time together and clicked pictures of them after the wedding. Valerie and Blake on the other hand were busy with checking if everything was alright. Jordan had been chatting with Cindy about how they were happy for Kelly to have found love. Although, he was standing in front of a very captivating woman, he found himself glancing at Brianna every now and then.

Brianna was going to be singing at the reception, so she was rehearsing her songs, away from the crowd. Her brown hair shone under the bright sun as the breeze touched her soft skin. Jordan wondered what it would be like getting to know her personally and having the privilege to hold her in her arms.

All of those thoughts were shaken up when Cindy playfully slapped Jordan's arms to bring him back to the real world.

"Are you alright?" She asked.

"Yeah, I just got distracted," he answered truthfully. When she began talking again, he successfully tuned her out and looked back but a frown settled on his lips when he saw Maxon talking with Brianna.

Brianna was not aware of Maxon's relationship with Blake. For her, he was a handsome stranger who had taken interest in talking to her. Although his intentions were flirtatious, Brianna did not back down.

"Never in my dreams did I think I would get an opportunity to talk with Brianna Sawyer," Maxon chuckled, sitting next to the celebrity.

"Many people think that when they see me. Doesn't really surprise or flatter me anymore," she said.

"Playing hard to get, are we?" He popped his brown, giving her a little nudge.

"Just stating facts," she corrected him. "Besides, why would I play hard to get if I'm not interested in whatever you have to offer?"

Maxon shifted his attention to the roaring sea, admiring her personality in silence. Brianna knew exactly what he was trying to do but she was genuinely not interested. So, she got up and walked over to the gazebo to get some food in her stomach.

Valerie was hungry too, but she was currently on her work phone, talking to one of her clients. She tried her best to be always available and set firm boundaries. but every once in a while she would make exceptions when the clients really needed her.

Right now, she was talking a teenager out of killing herself. She would be lying if she said she had the situation under control, but Valerie could not afford to panic in such a situation.

"Tina, I want you to take a deep breathe and put that knife aside. I know it seems tempting, but think whether you really want this or not," Valerie said in a comforting tone.

"I don't know Dr. Mitchell. What I do know is that I cannot really take more of this. I want it all to end. I ju-" Tina was cut off when a loud shriek took over. Valerie closed her eyes and sighed in relief when her mother had arrived. She took the phone and talked to the worried therapist for some guidance. Valerie did not like it, but suggested to keep Tina under suicide watch.

After shoving her phone back in her pocket, Valerie turned around to see Blake standing in a distance, watching her. She flashed him a small smile and soon joined him.

"Is everything okay?" He asked even when he knew the answer.

"Yes. Everything is under control," she softly spoke against the wind.

"Go get something to eat," he said, patting her back.

"You're not coming?" She asked.

"I need to have a little chat with Maxon first."

Valerie nodded in understanding and left Blake. Blake looked around for his cousin and found him in the same spot that Brianna exited after having a little conversation with him. Maxon and Blake had a very complicated relationship. They both loved each other dearly but at the same time there had been many instances when Maxon had asked Blake to misuse his power and get him out of legal problems.

He sat next to him and brough his knees a little closer to his chest, wrapping his hands around them. Maxon immediately acknowledges his presence but stayed quiet for a while.

"The beach is freeing, isn't it?" asked Maxon, still looking at the horizon.

"How have you been?" Blake questioned. "Haven't heard from you in a long time."

"I am trying to stay out of trouble," Maxon chuckled, knowing exactly what Blake was trying to imply. "I do miss you sometimes. But, life has been very busy. I found a girl, by the way."

"A girl, huh? Tell me more about her."

"Her name is Eliza. She has somehow managed to keep me on my toes and make me work for it. You must be aware that usually girls throw themselves at me. So, this is a nice change."

"I am happy for you Maxon. I truly am. Do not do anything stupid and sabotage your entire relationship if you're serious about her."

"Speak for yourself, brother. The girl you're dating right now is not bad either. She has also managed to make you feel and show emotions."

"Oh, Maxon," Blake sighed. "She is such a pure soul. Never in my life did I think I would be blessed with her. Do you remember how all the cliches and cheesiness used to make me cringer? I become that cheesy person I hates so much when I am around her and I do not regret it a bit."

"You're in love, aren't you?"

"Deeply and forever," Blake said.

"I should get going, but here's an invite to my party. You're the guest of honor, so you better be there and bring your girlfriend if you want." Maxon informed, getting up.

"I'll be there."

For the next few hours, all of the guests rested as they waited for the reception. Valerie and all of her friends were seated together, laughing and making fun of one another. Needless to say, te=hey were the loudest in the entire room and it bothered some of them, while the other rest envied the closeless and the bond they had.

There were many memory lanes they revisited, many souvenirs they brought up. In these three years, they had grown more they ever had. It was probably because they suffered from great loss and were forced to face their worst fear; themselves. But after going through all of that, they came back stronger and now nothing could break them. As, they all had each other.

Reception time soon arrived and all of them danced and rejoiced. The spoon making a clink noise after meeting the glass stopped all of the commotion and grabbed everyone's attention. It was Blake and he was making a toast. Valerie knew he did not want to speak in front of so many people and she reminded him that he did not have to do it. But, Blake wanted to let Kelly know grateful he was for her friendship.

"I apologise in advance for any awkwardness, I am really bad at speeches. But I wanted to do this today, to let Kelly know that she had helped me through a lot. When I first joined her team, I was warned to not speak against her. But, on my very first case, I went against her orders to catch the murderer. I did follow the correct hunch, but my impulsiveness led to another murder and although I caught the killer and everyone told me it was not my fault, but if only I would have listened. I beat myself up for that mistake for many weeks and then, one day, Kelly had enough of my brooding and took me to a bar after work. That was the day the two of us realised we were very similar and became friends. That is not the only thing I am the most thankful to her for. I found Valerie because of her," Blake smiled and looked at the girl he loved so much.

Brianna's lips tugged upwards as she knew what was coming. She clutched Jordan's hands to calm her excitement but the grip she had gave it away. Jordan furrowed his brows as he had no idea what was causing the excitement. I mean, she hated when the two of them got lovey-dovey in front of her.

"She ordered me to accompany her to a small town and help out a friend of hers. I was hesitant in the beginning because favoring a friend was frowned in our line of work. But, when we reached there, we understood that they really needed us. Not to figure out who had murdered a friend of theirs, but to find solace in us. Comfort in the fact that they had powerful people on their side. I stayed at Valerie's place to avoid suspicion and found myself getting closer to my host. She was so kind and loving from the beginning. I caused a fight between her parents and instead of yelling at me for that, she calmed them down. Even after we started dating, she never once forced me to be vocal about my feelings. She was content and satisfied with my gestures."

"Blake, honey, you're diverting from the topic." Valerie whispered.

"No, I am not." He spoke back.

Blake pushed the chair away, turned to the breathtaking girl and got down on his knee. "I had Kelly, Gigi and Brianna's blessing for this." He said.

Valerie had her mouth covered by her hands in shock and tears had started pooling in her eyes. The breeze suddenly became cold and goosebumps arose on the back of her neck. She looked at Brianna who was overjoyed right now.

"Valerie Mitchell," Blake started. "Would you do me the honor of being my wife?"

"Do I have the option to think about this?" Valerie joked and when the smile disappeared from Blake's face and his face started turning pale, she said, "I am joking. Of course I'll be your wife, you doofus."

Blake got back on his two feet and dipped his head down a little to kiss Valerie. The kiss was passionate, filled with love. It held an unspoken promise. A promise to be together through the worst odds. The kiss only deepened when Valerie placed her soft hands on either sides of Blake face and his hold tightened on her waist. They broke the kiss when loud cheer and claps filled the silence room.

"Congratulation, Mr. Bodyguard. You have come a far way," Brianna said. "I am proud of you."

Jordan embraced Valerie and congratulated her. Kelly had tears in her eyes and had turned to Gigi was support. It was truly a very heartwarming scene.

After that, the gang gathered near the open bar and raised another toast for the friendship. A smile was plastered on everyone's faces as they looked around to their loved ones.

Jordan, a man who made many mistakes because of no support from his family and friends finally had a steady job and selfless companions. His life had turned around completely and he made the best of his second chance.

Brianna, who had a protective shield in front of her had discarded it. She had become a lot more considerate now. Her fear of getting hurt by letting someone in had vanished. She prospered in her music career once again. Every doubt, every sadness she felt vanished when she reminded herself why she had taken this career.

As for Valerie, she was finally reunited with her best friend and also received another friend she never asked for but needed all along. In the past, when the guys at her school teased her about never receiving love in her life were proved wrong as she stood next to Blake who had his hands wrapped around her waist. She thrived in her practise and stood proudly realising that all of the decisions she had made in her life pushed her to that moment.

The one person to be credited for brining all of these lost and broken souls together was Rosalind. The girl who was taken for granted and was wrongfully killed. But, now she was met with eternal happiness as she looked down on her friends.

Rosalind was the strongest thread that binded these friendships and they were her Perfect Posse.