BEXLEY TURNER

DRESSED IN A LIGHT BLUE bridesmaid dress, I stand at my rightful place by the rest of the bridesmaids. Hayden stands next to the groomsmen. We all stand near the altar, and Jared's father, Dave stands with a smile on his face as he glances at his son. Jared stands in the middle of the groomsmen and bridesmaids, awaiting Chrissy's grand entrance.

I wave at Nash as he walks down the aisle, throwing rose petals on the white carpet that leads to the altar. Liam walks next to him with the rings. When the two of them reach the altar, Dave takes the rings and Speechless by Dan + Shay starts playing through the speakers.

A tear rolls down my cheek as Chrissy walks into view, looking ever so beautiful in her wedding dress. Hayden smiles at me softly. Don't cry, beautiful, he mouths and I sniffle before wiping my tears away.

I love you, I want to mouth back but I don't. I'll tell him in a more private setting. Gosh, I'm so in love with him.

Our dad leads Chrissy to the altar and a sob threatens to rip from my throat. She holds her bouquet tightly, smiling ahead towards Jared who blushes under her gaze. My heart swells as I watch her stare into Jared's eyes, grabbing his hand softly as Dave begins the ceremony.

"I'm going to be doing things a bit differently," Dave starts before taking a deep breath. "We are gathered here today to witness the beautiful love between Jared and Chrissy. As most of you know Jared and Chrissy did not like each other when they first met. They hated one another over a stupid disagreement they had as teenagers. But a lot of us knew better than anyone that they were meant to be. And being here right now is proof. What I'm trying to say is, if anyone can overcome what they have, then everyone is meant to be with that person."

Hayden catches my eye from the side of the small room. He gives me a smile, his eyes holding so much emotion it makes me want to shout I love you at the top of my lungs from every rooftop in Oregon.

I block out Dave's voice and just keep my eyes locked on Hayden. This will be us, beautiful. His promise doesn't scare me, no it makes me smile. I've always wanted to marry Hayden but then life happened and our relationship was put on hold for years. Years that I wish I could take back but I can't and I'll live with my regret until I think I deserve to be forgiven.

Chrissy and Jared say their vows and it's a mess of tears, hardly understandable words, and even more tears. I think Chrissy cried a total of seven times before she finished her vows. Jared had to squeeze her hand to calm her down just so she could speak without breaking down in front of everyone.

"You know what? Fuck it!" She throws her paper with her vows on it on the ground. "I love you so much, Jared," she cries out before pulling him into a kiss. My face starts to hurt from smiling so much.

"Get it, Chris!" I cheer as Jared dips Chrissy backward, grabbing her leg and wrapping it around his waist.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife," Dave finishes with a grin on his face, laughing as they ignore him and continue kissing. Our parents smile at the happy couple, sharing a look that makes them both chuckle from their seats.

❄︎

By eight o'clock, the after-party has moved into the house and is in full swing. Hayden stays next to me the whole night, his arm wrapped around my waist as we talk to guests. Liam and Nash sit at the kids' table, eating cupcakes and fruit kabobs. Like the caring mother I am, I don't let him have too much junk food. Who am I kidding, we both sit on the couch back home and snack away while we watch Paw Patrol on Nickelodeon. Nash and Hayden both play with Nash's toy train, giggling when it crashes into Liam's cupcake. The tires are covered in frosting as it drives away. Hayden and I watch them play for a little while before leaving them be in the kitchen.

Hayden leads me out of the living room by my hand. My heart beats rapidly in my chest. While leading me out of the room, I glance at his eyes. He's nervous. Almost as nervous as me. It's like looking in a reflection. But I can tell we're both nervous for different reasons.

I love you, the words ring in my head again and again. I bite my tongue to keep myself from screaming out the words.

"Hayden, I-"

"Bex, listen. I got a job opportunity a few towns away. I want you and Nash to come with me. I know this is a bad time to tell you. But I love you so much, Bexley. You and Nash." His eyes are bright as he tells me.

"I, what?" The words fall from my mouth and they feel as if I'm not even saying them. He gulps at my response. I love you too. "Where?"

"Portland," he says quietly, watching my face carefully.

I stare at him, blinking. "What about Chrissy and Jared? I'm finally back. I don't want to leave again. I need time to think."

"That's okay. I thought you would," he whispers softly. He places a soft kiss on my forehead. But doesn't look me in the eye as he leaves me standing in the hallway. Stab. Pain slices through my heart and I frown.

A million questions fly through my head all at once. Do I want to go with him? Yes, maybe. Is it that far away? Not really. Does he love me? Of course. Do I love him? Always have and always will. Will Nash be upset? Definitely. Should I think about this more? Yes.

"I love you," I whisper as if Hayden is still standing in front of me. My hand dangles by my side, cold without Hayden's keeping it warm.

Thanks for reading!