Boss I Love to Hate An Office Romance - Mia Kayla Page 0,55
of him, his fingers linked together around my middle.
When Tim shook Carrie’s father’s hand and took Carrie’s hand in his, tears nearly burned the backs of my eyes, for her happiness and for their forever future together.
And, at that moment, I couldn’t help but wonder about my own future.
One by one, my friends had been trickling off into the holy bonds of matrimony. We were all about the same age—twenty-five, twenty-six. And, for those who weren’t taking the leap into marriage, they were making some sort of serious relationship commitment by either living together, getting a dog, or even having babies.
That should’ve been me. Or at least, I should’ve been on my way.
That familiar pang hit the center of my chest, harder this time. I didn’t need to turn around and see Jeff to know he wasn’t thinking the same thing—the what-could’ve-been between us—because he had moved on. Fast and hard with Miss Blonde Victoria’s Secret model.
When it was my turn to read, I stood on cue, but before I left, Brad leaned in and whispered, “Kick some ass.”
He winked, and I wiped the sleek sweat from my palms on the sides of my dress. With all the false energy I could muster, I straightened my back and put one foot in front of the other, slowly making my way up to the stairs and to the podium.
My eyes scanned the room, first landing on Tim and Carrie but then straying to Jeff and my new replacement.
I cleared my throat, but nothing came out, not a single word. My palms began to sweat like a dripping faucet. I closed my eyes for a quick second and took a deep breath through my nose. When I opened my eyes, they zoned in on Brad, who gave me a little smile, giving me the courage to continue and dimming my nervousness just a tad.
And I started, “Love is patient, love is kind …”
I uttered the words of one of the most famous scripture readings of the Bible, my eyes still on Brad, and for a brief moment, all the noise in the room dimmed, and the people and congregation faded to a blur.
My pulse slowed to an even beat, and my voice was loud and clear. All my attention was focused on the man in front of me.
When I recited the line, “It does not boast, it is not proud,” his smile widened, which made my insides lighten because proud was the epitome of who Brad was and boasting was his pastime.
Before I knew it, I steadily uttered the last line. “Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
And, as I stepped down from the podium, I realized that this was also what Brad represented. When I thought of his devotion to his family and how he loved his nieces, this verse reminded me of him.
I waved to Carrie and Tim when I made my way to my seat, overjoyed that I’d had an opportunity to be a part of their wedding, contribute in this way as a reader.
When I entered the pew, Brad’s hand intertwined with mine, and he kissed the top.
“You did beautifully.” He smiled and fingered an escaping strand of hair, tucking it behind my ear. “I love that passage. We’ll have to have it at our wedding.”
“Har-har-har.” I rolled my eyes.
We both watched as Carrie and Tim began their vows, pledging their love for one another, and a familiar longing pulsed in my chest.
When Brad squeezed my hand, the tender gesture had the first tear falling down my cheek. I swiped at my cheek, and when I did, his hold tightened.
Like an unpredictable gentleman, he plucked tissues from his pocket and handed me one. He said in a low voice, “I Googled what to bring to a wedding.”
“You’re such a dork,” I whispered.
Soon, the officiant pronounced them as man and wife, and the congregation was on their feet. My smile could not be dimmed as the groom kissed the bride, and they practically skipped down the aisle and made their way back to the front to take pictures.
Two sweet little girls with a crown of flowers in their hair passed out little clear containers with bubbles. Blow kisses for the new couple was written on the label along with the newlyweds’ initials.
Brad followed behind me with his hand on the small of my back as we made our way outside to wait for the couple to make their rounds again.