Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 70607 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70607 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 353(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
We got dressed and got here right on time, but he started with the shots the second we walked in. At one point, I had to ask to cut him off. The last thing I wanted was for him to tumble down the aisle. Walking down the aisle, I thought he was going to fall, and I stood beside him to make sure if he did, I would be able to pick him up.
I look over at Shelby as she looks at Clarabella for her paper. I watch her hands shake as she unfolds it, and I have to smile. She's usually so strong and kick-ass, so seeing this makes me want to hug her and tell her it will be okay. "Unlike Joseph, I didn't have to look my vows up online," she says. All I can do is look down and try to hide my laughter. "I had them written two weeks ago, but I did tweak them a little last night. My dearest love." I stare at her since she's never in her life called him this. "I don't know where to start, so I will start at the beginning. From the first day I met you, my heart skipped a beat." What the fuck is she talking about? I was there when they first met, and she called him a douche. "From the first touch of shaking your hand, it felt like an electric shock went through my body, and I was alive for the first time ever." I almost burst out laughing, thinking it's a joke, but then I look at her and see that she is one hundred percent not joking. I stand straighter, trying to tell myself it's not funny. "No matter what I did, nothing could have stopped me from feeling the way that I feel when I'm with you. We both fought it for as long as we could, but the minute I kissed you, I knew you were meant for me and only me. I never wanted to fall in love with you." She laughs, and I don't know why, but something in my chest gets tight. "But I did. I love you with everything that I have. I love you with my whole soul." It's the next sentence that has me on alert. It's as if I hear the words, but I don’t understand them. "I'm getting married tomorrow, and everything in me wishes it was you." I look at Shelby and then side-eye Joseph, my hands going into fists knowing he cheated on her. "Everything is telling me that it should be you, Sheila." I hear the words and then hear the gasp, and I have to shake my head, not sure I actually heard what I heard, but it is exactly what I heard. I listen to the words and feel as if the room is spinning around me. "Run away with me. I love you, Sheila, and I'm yours forever."
"What the actual fuck?” The words roar out of me, and I hear someone clear their throat and look over at the priest who just stands there glaring at me. "Sorry, Father," I say to him.
"Oh.” Shelby laughs. "I think fuck is about right." She turns to face her guests. "In case anyone isn't following"—she looks back at Joseph, who just stands there not saying anything—"the wedding is officially off." She looks at her sister, who just nods at her as she picks up her dress a touch and walks down the aisle toward the brown doors. Her sisters follow her, and I see Travis putting his arm around his mother, who just glares at Joseph.
I hear my heart beating in echo, and I wonder if I'm going to fall on my ass when the room starts spinning. My head is trying to piece together what just happened. I look at Sheila, who stands there by herself crying. She looks at Joseph, who looks at her and then quickly turns and yells, "Shelby!" He walks down toward her.
"Schmuck," Shelby's mom says as Joseph takes a couple of steps forward, and Harlow just glares at him. Her father holds her around the waist to make sure she doesn't spring out and do something she shouldn't. My eyes go to the rest of the guests, who are all waiting to see what more is to come. A couple have their phones out and are filming what started as a beautiful day but has slowly crumbled into a clusterfuck. Joseph stops and looks down and then up to Shelby's family before turning and rushing out of the room.
I shake my head and walk down the steps. My feet move as I try to think clearly and make sense of what just happened. My best friend was fucking my girlfriend I was going to ask to marry me. I don't think anything in that sentence makes sense to anyone, least of all me. My eyes roam the room as I take in the guests whispering to each other, a couple of them looking at me with pity in their eyes. The shame turns to anger, and my blood starts to boil.