Page 40 of I Could Be Yours (The Toronto Terror #6)
NATE
E ssie smells fantastic and looks like she stepped right out of a fairy tale. I rush to pull out her chair at the reception and offer my hand as we make our way to the podium for speeches.
Just like at the rehearsal dinner, we’re separated by Tristan and Rix at the head table.
That means I haven’t touched her since photos this afternoon, and it feels like I’m going through withdrawal.
Essie sets a packet of tissues and her glass of water on the podium and smiles out at the crowd of friends and family.
“Look at all you beautiful people.” She claps, and everyone joins in.
Essie waits until the chatter subsides before she turns to the head table where Rix and Tristan are snuggled together, looking wildly, wonderfully happy. “And these two are a picture, aren’t they? Just radiating pure joy.”
Rix blows her a kiss, and Essie catches it and presses it to her cheek.
People awww , and I wish I’d gone first. I’m excellent at presenting facts, but I don’t have a whole lot of experience wowing wedding crowds, and Essie is a natural.
“You meet this amazing person, and they just get you in a way no one else ever has before. They love everything about you, and you love everything about them, even the weird and quirky parts, especially those.” She presses her hand to her heart and smiles fondly at Tristan and Rix.
“And it’s just so special, because you know in your heart that you’re going to spend your lives together.
You’re going to love each other through thick and thin, and price match the old-school way until the end of time…
” She turns her attention to the guests. “And that’s how I feel about Rix.”
The crowd laughs and claps.
“I feel the same way about you, Ess!” Rix calls.
Essie grabs a tissue, her eyes soft. “I met Rix on the first day of junior kindergarten. She had a green backpack, and all the other girls had pink, including me, and I immediately knew I wanted to be her friend. Fate gave us last names close to each other in the alphabet, so we ended up sitting next to each other, and from that day on, we were inseparable—except when they split us up in classes because we talked too much. Actually, it was me. I was always the one who was talking. Rix was very studious.”
More chuckles follow.
“Trixie Rixie, we’ve been through so much together.
We’ve seen each other through all the ups and downs of our teen years and the challenges of adulting.
You have always had my back, every step of the way, and I’ll adore you until the end of time.
You are the most loyal, loving person I know, and seeing you and Tristan grow together has been so beautiful to watch.
The way you protect each other’s hearts and hold each other accountable every day is inspiring.
You’ve both fought so hard to get where you are.
” She dabs away a tear. “And I know that no matter what life throws at you, you’ll keep fighting for each other and the love you share.
It is an honor to be your best friend, to be able to stand with you and celebrate your love and the beautiful life ahead of you.
To Tristan and Rix!” She holds up her water and everyone clinks their glasses, shouting, “Kiss, kiss, kiss! ”
Tristan helps Rix to her feet and places his hand at the side of her neck, brushing his nose against hers before he wraps his arm around her waist and lays one on her.
Everyone hoots and hollers. Rix is red faced and Tristan is smirking by the time they take their seats again.
Essie and I trade places. “I should have gone first,” I say into the mic.
“You ca do it, honey bear!” Flip shouts.
Essie plucks another tissue from the packet on the stand, but she leaves the rest beside the glass of water. She squeezes my arm and whispers, “You’ve got this.”
I pat my pocket with the cue cards. If ever there was a time to speak from the heart, it’s now. I adjust the mic. “It’s an honor to be standing here today, celebrating my brother and his beautiful bride. Rix, you are stunning, and he is one hell of a lucky guy to have found you.”
“Got that right!” Tristan kisses Rix on the temple.
“Growing up in a one-parent house wasn’t easy.
Everyone had to do their part to make things work.
Tristan, you were always there when we needed you, not just because you had to be, but because you authentically wanted us to feel like we mattered and were loved.
You always made time to shoot the puck around with Brody, and you always let me explain my newest ideas and designs, even though you probably didn’t understand half of what I was saying. ”
“I didn’t, but I love your huge, sexy brain, brother.” Tristan’s smile is soft and proud.
Brody nods his agreement. A few of the guys on the team shout and whistle, and Essie claps enthusiastically.
“I’m so grateful that I have you as a brother.
Last year, when I switched gears and ended up back in Toronto, you and Rix opened your home to me while I figured out my living situation.
And I witnessed firsthand the way you two love each other with your whole hearts.
You taught me not to sweat the small stuff, but that it’s the little gestures that have the biggest impact.
The notes you’d leave on the fridge for Rix always made her smile, the treats that would show up when you were on an away series, the way Rix would always make your favorites when you came home, and of course the excessive PDA… ”
Our friends snort, and someone coughs to cover a laugh.
Tristan just smirks, and Rix presses her face to his chest with a giggle.
“Despite some of the things I can’t unsee or unhear, those little things you did for each other spoke volumes.
You always put each other first, you stand up for and to each other, and I’m so thankful that I had the chance to watch you grow together, because it’s given me hope I didn’t know I needed until now.
” I clear my throat, exhaling the anxiety that comes with the honesty I’m about to share.
“Being your best man, Tristan, and being able to be part of this journey with you has really restored my faith in love.”
Tristan’s eyes flare, and Essie lets out a little surprised sound beside me. She probably doesn’t realize I’m talking about her, that she’s the reason I want to believe in love.
I fight to keep my emotions in check and clear my throat before I continue.
“Rix, I’m so happy that you’re finally my sister.
You’ve always been in our lives, and now you’re truly a part of our family.
It’s funny now, when I think back to Thanksgiving when you and Flip came for dinner.
My brother was awfully territorial when it came to you.
It wasn’t long after that I understood why he was so growly when I asked if you were single. ”
Rix’s mouth drops open, and she elbows Tristan.
He shrugs. “He was trying to step on my toes.”
“He was already head-over-heels for you, and seeing the way he loves you now is inspiring. I’m really looking forward to family holidays now that you’ll be part of them.”
“You’re excited for pie!” Flip yells.
“This is true.” I nod solemnly. “But aside from good food, I’m grateful for the light you bring to our family. Thank you for loving my brother. It’s an honor to have you as a sister.” I hold up Essie’s water and toast the bride and groom.
Tristan and Rix meet us at the podium.
“Well done, brother.” Tristan pulls me in for a tight hug.
“I’m glad you’re my family, too,” Rix whispers.
Essie and I return to our seats while Rix and Tristan thank everyone for being here to celebrate them. The two chairs that separate me from Essie feel like an ocean. All I want to do is slide over and hold her hand as she dabs at her eyes.
Once the speeches are over, Tristan and Rix share their first dance, and then we’re called up to join them. I take Essie’s hand and guide her to the dance floor. She lets me pull her into my arms, and I marvel at how perfectly we fit together.
All this time, she’s been right in front of me, and I finally see her. She’s the most devoted best friend. She has the kindest soul, the biggest heart. She’s smart and fun and she brightens my world.
“That was a great speech.” Her fingertips skim the side of my neck.
“So was yours, but I expected as much.” I pull her closer. “I’ve been waiting all day to have you in my arms again.”
“You’re making me melt over here, Nathan,” she whispers.
I think about what Flip said when we went for the run on the beach the other day. I need to own what I did all those years ago. It’s time to fix what I broke. And then this week doesn’t have to end when we leave the island. She could be mine, and I could be hers.
Essie loves love more than anyone else I know. This could be the beginning of something amazing.
So when the song comes to an end, I drop my mouth to her ear. “Can we talk?”