Cooper.Cooper: I don’t know how I’m going to do it, Reese. I don’t know how I’m going to be able to sit there and watch you marry him. It’s going to take more effort than I think that I have to not stand up and object. I do, Reese. I object. You’re mine. You were always meant to be mine. I was just too damn stubborn to see it. Please, baby. Please don’t do this.I bite down hard on my lip, fighting back the sob that wants to break free from my chest. I read over his earlier message and then this one, twice more. My heart physically hurts to read his words.
“Reese?” I look up to find Tessa sitting in the recliner watching me. “You okay?”
“No,” I say, even though I nod. My phone pings with another message.Cooper: You will always be my best friend, Reese. No matter what you choose to do today, nothing will change that. You should also know that I’ll never stop loving you. I can say that with complete certainty. My heart belongs to you. I love you now and I’ll love you always.“Oh, God,” I say, sobbing. Tessa stands and takes my phone from me.
“Wow. Who knew Cooper had this in him?” She smiles, trying to lighten the mood. “Are you going to reply to him?”
“I don’t know what to say,” I admit.
“Is he coming?”
“I don’t know. I told him that I wanted him there.”
“Ask him.” She hands me back my phone.
“No. I can’t ask him that. I already told him that I wanted him there. I can’t get married without him. He’s my best friend. Well, he was my best friend. I don’t know if he is still or if he ever will be again. I don’t know if we can come back from this.”
“I wish I could tell you that everything is going to be fine. That Cooper just needs some time to adjust, but I don’t know if that’s the case. He was really torn up last night. If it helps, I think he’s telling you the truth. He loves you, Reese.”
“I know he does. Just not the way he thinks he does.”
“We need to get going.” She stands and offers me her hand, helping me from the couch.
I head back to my room to wash my face and brush my teeth. Today is supposed to be one of the happiest days of my life. I need to put this mess with Cooper out of my mind and try to enjoy the day.“Reese, it’s time,” my mom says with tears in her eyes. “Honey, you look so beautiful.” She leans in and kisses my cheek. “I always imagined your wedding being a big affair. Are you sure this is what you want?” she asks.
“Thanks, Mom. Yes, this is what I want. I’ll see you out there,” I tell her. She nods, uncertainty still etched on her face, kisses her fingertips, and presses them to my cheek before turning and leaving the room.
“Just me and you,” Tessa says, grabbing our bouquets.
“Let’s do this.” I nod, and together, we make our way from the bridal suite and down the hallway. We stop at the double doors that lead us into where the ceremony is taking place.
“Reese,” she whispers. I look over to find her holding up a set of keys. “I have these if you need them. No questions asked. You just say the word, and they’re yours.”
“What are you talking about?”
“It’s not too late to change your mind, Reese.” I open my mouth to speak, but she raises her hands, stopping me. “Listen,” she whispers. “If you love Hunter and this is what you want, I am your biggest cheerleader. If you’re not ready, or if he’s not who you want, no one would fault you for walking away.” She places her hand over her heart. “Follow your heart, Reese. Every past has a future. You have to be the one to decide what that future looks like.”
I take a deep breath to keep the tears at bay. She dangles the keys again and winks. “I love you, Tessa. Thank you for always being there for me.”
“I love you too, and don’t worry, you’re going to pay me back with my wedding this summer.”