“I wanted to thank you,” Logan said. “For everything. For all you’ve done for Jenna, all through her life.”
Her cheek almost rested on his chest now. Lauren could feel his voice in her ear, more than hear it.
“She’s had it hard,” the groom went on. “Harder than most.” Logan pulled back a bit, and stared down into her eyes. There was gratitude there. And a special bond, that Lauren knew came from a shared love.
“You’re the one person who’s been there for her, no matter what,” Logan went on. “Always.”
Lauren blushed. She wasn’t used to accepting this much praise. Not from anyone.
“She’s everything to me,” she finally spoke. “Just as she is to you.”
“I know that,” Logan smiled. “And that’s what makes you so special to us.”
The music changed, and the next song brought up a cheer from the crowd. A bunch of people moved onto the dance floor, crowding it.
Lauren looked up, and she could see Jenna making her way over to them. Dancing. Smiling.
“By the way, she’s got something to ask you,” said Logan. “And the answer from you needs to be ‘yes’.”
She blinked back at him in confusion.
“I mean it,” he reiterated. “Don’t even think about saying no.” His eyes moved up to his new bride. “She’s going to be crushed if you do.”
Now Lauren was almost alarmed. “What is it?”
The groom leaned forward, and instead of answering, silently kissed her forehead. Then he took her hand and passed it to Jenna.
“Cutting in?”
“Of course!” Jenna grinned. “It’s not really a wedding until the bride dances with the maid of honor.”
Lauren watched as Logan turned away. He flashed her one last smile then disappeared into a sea of people.
“Having fun?” Jenna asked sweetly. She hooked the same arm around Lauren’s waist that her husband did.
“Sure am.”
“Good,” Her friend said, studying her carefully. “We were a little worried you wouldn’t.”
Lauren made a pouty face. “Do you think for a single second I’d let some jerkwad boyfriend ruin my best friend’s wedding for me?”
“Jerkwad ex boyfriend,” Jenna reminded her.
“Exactly.”
She hugged Lauren closer, and her body felt amazing pressed up against her. For a while they just held each other, dancing slowly. Enjoying the sighs and sounds and the merriment all around them.
“You were supposed to wait for me,” Lauren said. “We were supposed to get married together.”
The thought had come on suddenly. She’d said it without thinking.
“Our pact?”
“Yeah.”
Jenna pulled back to look at her. Lauren was smiling, but there was a sad truth behind her overall expression. She hoped her friend couldn’t see it.
“Sorry, sweetie.”