Chapter 1
Kasey
I’m standing in the courthouse watching my best friend exchange vows with her one true love, and all I can think is that I’m jealous as hell.
I want someone.
Anyone.
I want someone to think I’m worth marrying, worth fighting for, worth loving. Don’t get me wrong: I’m happy as fuck for Bailey and Cooper, but sometimes…
Sometimes I wish it was my turn.
Bailey deserves every happiness in the world. She deserves some joy. I’m happy for her. Really, I am. She and Cooper have been through hell together, what with dealing with her insane mother and crazy ex-boyfriend and all. Not to mention his deployment. That ordeal lasted a full six months, but they made it.
Most people thought they were crazy for trying. A lot of people thought there was no chance in hell the two of them would survive six months apart with such a new relationship, but Bailey and Cooper proved them wrong.
He’s back, and they’re getting married, and their world is perfect.
But mine isn’t.
The bride and groom kiss, then turn to me and James, the groom’s best friend, for hugs. We share this awkward, bumbling group hug. It’s totally weird, but it’s Bailey’s wedding day. We can all be weird for Bailey on her big day. That’s what friends are for, right?
“You look beautiful,” I murmur.
“Thanks, Kasey,” Bailey says. She’s got tears in her eyes as she squeezes me once more. “I just wanted today to be perfect. I wanted to look perfect. I think I pulled it off.”
“Of course you did. You look marvelous,” James says, looking at Bailey with appreciation.
“Hey, back off, buddy,” Cooper punches James playfully. “You might be my best friend, but that’s my honey.”
“I know, I know.” James flashes Bailey a grin. “You know you’re all he talked about on deployment, right? Constantly. He talked about you constantly.”
“It wasn’t all the time,” Cooper protests.
“It was all the time.”
“Really?” Bailey squeaks. Cooper nods and Bailey throws herself into his arms. They start making out like crazy and the courthouse personnel look very uncomfortable all of a sudden.
I respect that she and Cooper didn’t want a big wedding. They didn’t want anything too crazy. The two of them just wanted to celebrate their love in a simple, special way. Bailey and her mom don’t really talk anymore. I don’t even think she invited her to the wedding, so no one felt guilty about having a small celebration.
When it’s my turn to get married, I’ll probably do the same thing.
Only, maybe I’ll get married on the beach.
Or under the stars.
Or in a quaint, countryside church.
It’s not like I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about it or anything. The truth is that I don’t think anyone will be fighting to marry me. I don’t think I’m really the marrying type. Even if I was, I don’t know who in their right mind would want me.
I’m pretty damaged.
But this isn’t the time to think about things like that. This is the time to think about my very best friend and her special day. This is the time to think about how happy Bailey and Cooper are going to be. This is the time to wonder whether they’re going to tear off each others’ clothes right now because they’re still making out.
Finally, the judge starts clearing his throat and his secretary’s blush covers her face so brightly she looks sunburned. Cooper and Bailey pull apart long enough to thank them. Neither one of them looks embarrassed. Then we head out of the room.
“Reception at Spaghetti Sal’s?” I ask once we’re all in the lobby of the courthouse. It’s the best Italian restaurant in town and it’s Bailey’s favorite, but she shakes her head.
“Actually, um, I think Coop and I are going to get out of here,” she blushes.
“Nice,” James slaps Cooper on the back, but he just rolls his eyes.
“Hey, it’s our wedding day,” Cooper gives Bailey a big, sloppy, super-romantic kiss. “Can you blame us for wanting to get to the hotel?”
“Not at all. Have fun, you two.” I kiss Bailey on the cheek.
“You sure you don’t mind?” She whispers, making sure I’m okay. This is why I love Bailey: she’s a doll. Even though she’s been through a lot to get to her happy ending, she really cares about other people.
“Of course! It’s your wedding night. You two deserve to be alone. Go! And make sure you tell me all the details tomorrow.”
Bailey giggles and takes Cooper’s hand. The two of them are laughing as they head out the double doors of the courthouse. I watch them disappear from my sight, then I turn back to James.
“Dinner?” He asks, raising an eyebrow. I don’t even hesitate before I nod. It’s only 4:45, but I’m starving. Besides, I could use a stiff drink.