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Sam released a soft laugh, bowing her head slightly as a twinge of heat spread into her cheeks. “Sorry.”

Jess’ smirk instantly grew into a wider grin. “Don’t be,” she said in a low, coy whisper. “That’s the reaction I was hoping for.”

Sam smiled back at her as a pleasant warmth bloomed in her chest.

Then, one thought blew past it, obliterating it entirely.

London.

The smile on her lips fell, even as she tried to force it to stay.

Guilt replaced every other feeling, sinking into her gut.

She had to tell her. And it had to be as soon as possible. Because no matter how badly she wanted to savor one last night together, she couldn’t do it with Jess not knowing the truth.

She cleared her throat, frowning slightly as she lifted a hand to scratch the back of her neck.

Jess’ head tilted to the side as she watched her, and Sam knew right then that she could see something was wrong.

“Okay everyone,” an older woman called from the end of the room as soft music began to play. “Its time to move into the ceremony hall.”

Jess turned back to her, the previous look entirely gone and replaced with that easy smile once again.“I’ll come find you after,” she said, squeezing her hip lightly.

Sam nodded, forcing a smile. “Give Scar a hug for me.”

Jess leaned forward, pressing one soft kiss to her cheek before retreating toward the opposite side of the room.

Sam watched her walk away, savoring every bit of that interaction as if it was the last they’d ever have. Because maybe it would be. Or at least, maybe it would be the last time Jess looked at her that way.

***

Sam took a sip of her drink as she set her fork down beside the untouched plate of food in front of her.

She leaned her elbows against the table, half-listening to the conversations taking place at their circular table.

Then the music slowly faded out, replaced with the high squeal of a microphone.

“While you all finish eating, we’re going to start the speeches,” the DJ announced from a small table behind the dance floor. “First up,” he continued, making his way to one of the small tables near Scarlett and Terrence, “we’ll hear from the Maid of Honor.”

Sam instantly straightened in her seat, craning her neck to see where Jess stood from the table, thanking him as she took the microphone from his hand.

“Hi everyone,” Jess said softly, lifting the microphone to her lips. “For those of you that I haven’t gotten to meet yet, I’m Jess.”

Murmurs of ‘hi Jess’ floated through the crowd.

She smiled, looking down at the paper in her free hand.

Then she cleared her throat, her voice steady as she began. “Scarlett and I have known each other for as long as I can remember. It feels like every major moment in my life has had her in it.” She glanced down, a fond smile tugging at her lips. “We’ve played on the same team, won championships together—while Scarlett probably earned the record for most yellow cards in a single season.” The crowd chuckled, and Scarlett nodded with a wide, proud grin from her seat beside Terrence, one hand wrapped tightly around his.

The corner of Sam’s lip quirked up as she recalled the endless days she sat in those bleachers watching the games of their last season.

“We’ve fought together, celebrated together. We’ve seen each other at our best—and our worst. And somehow, even at my worst, Scarlett was always there, reminding me of who I was.” Jess’ voice wavered for just a second, and Sam felt the room grow quieter, more focused.

Scarlett smiled up at Jess, her eyes glassy with tears. Sam watched the way Jess’ expression softened as their eyes met, a silent conversation passing between them that no one else would ever understand.

Jess cleared her throat again. “What I admire most about Scarlett—and I’ve always admired this—is her ability to love fearlessly. She never holds back. When she chooses someone, she chooses them with her whole heart. She dives in, no matter how uncertain the waters might be.” Jess smiled, her eyes flickering toward Terrence, whose grin widened as he looked at his wife.

“Terrence,” Jess continued, turning to him with a smile. “You’re one of the lucky ones. You’ve earned her love, her trust, her devotion—and I know you’ll never take that for granted.” Her voice faltered, just barely.