Homecoming Love

As Mom and Dad walk to the back of the church to meet Father Joseph, Lauren and I head toward Chad, Ryan, and Poppy, who are gathered in a corner, talking enthusiastically.

“Hey, guys. What’s up?” Lauren greets them as soon as we approach them.

“Everything all right?” I ask, taking in their faces.

“Yep,” Chad replies with a grin. “Just giving Ryan the last chance to run away from this. I can distract Mom and Dad, and you can distract Alice.”

I throw my hands up, smiling at them. “Don’t count on me for that, bro. Alice can be really scary when she wants to be.”

“You’re not wrong about that,” Ryan muses in a low voice. He seems a bit nervous, fidgeting with his fingers.

I look around, making sure no one is close enough to hear us, and stare back at him. “You’re sure about this? It would be okay if you aren’t,” I say softly.

Chad and Lauren nod eagerly. Poppy remains quiet, and I know that even though she’s known my family since forever, she doesn’t feel like this is a conversation she should be part of.

Ryan kindly smiles at me, and warmth spreads through my heart as I realize this is it. My oldest brother is getting married and starting his own family. This gives me a bitter feeling, knowing life will be somewhat different now. I always struggle with changes. Ryan doesn’t live at the house anymore, so it’s not like it will be a drastic change, but still… The realization that he will have his own family now weighs on me.

“I’m sure of it. Alice is the love of my life, and I can’t wait to marry her,” he replies. “Thank you for being so supportive, though. All of you,” he adds, glancing at our siblings. “It means a lot to know I’ll have you all by my side no matter what.”

“Of course, man. That’s what we’re here for,” Chad remarks cheerfully, patting Ryan on the shoulder. “Just don’t show up at my place when Alice sends you to sleep on the couch. I might have someone over.”

“Ew, Chad. You should man up and stop being such a playboy,” Lauren complains, rolling her eyes like she’s repulsed. She lowers her voice. “No one will ever want to marry you when you have your dick inside a different woman every night.”

Chad seems offended for a moment, but then widens his grin, turning to Poppy. “Poppy would marry me, wouldn’t you?”

She chuckles, unbothered by his flirtation. “Of course. In your dreams I would.”

I cover my mouth with my hand, preventing a loud laugh from coming out. Chad’s expression is priceless, and we all have to do our best not to make a scene inside the church.

Our bonding moment is soon interrupted when Mom and Dad rush us to the entrance so the ceremony can start. I notice immediately that Spencer isn’t around. I’m starting to wonder if he decided not to come. It can’t be a comfortable thing for him to do either.

As I walk down the aisle to get to my maid of honor position by the altar, I spot Spencer’s sister, Aubrie, with her husband and daughter, and I briefly nod at them. They have always been nice to me, and there’s no reason for me to be anything but kind to them. They didn’t break my heart and throw the pieces to the wind like Spencer did.

By the time Alice shows up, looking divine in her white perfect princess wedding dress, my brain gives me a break and forgets about Spencer. For a moment, all I can pay attention to is this beautiful bride walking toward her husband-to-be, looking as happy as I’ve ever seen her, the future ahead of them so uncertain, but at the same time, so secure.

If the expression on my brother’s face is any indication of how much he loves her, I believe they will be fine.

But then, something shifts my focus. In my peripheral vision, I can see someone sneaking in through the side door, walking toward one of the last pews as careful and silent as a person could ever be.

And I make the mistake of turning my head to see who it is.

My heart immediately begins to race as I spot those piercing blue eyes I used to love so much. It’s been seven years since I last saw him, but he’s only gotten better. More handsome, more muscular, more… perfect.

Shit.

Of course, Spencer would get better with time. At seventeen, he was already considered a freaking supermodel. His athletically built body is even bigger now, more muscular and toned. I can tell even with all the layers of his suit covering it. His chiseled jawline is as sharp as ever. He now has a bit of stubble covering it, making him look more mature and grown up than I remember him ever being.

I don’t remember ever seeing Spencer in a suit before, or maybe I did. At his parents’ funeral, perhaps? But in that situation, I was definitely not in the mood to notice how handsome he was in one. His dark hair is a bit longer too, a bit messy but still presentable, as if he’s trying to be both professional and casual at the same time.

And there it is, his dimpled smile.

God, how can one man be this perfect?

I hate that he’s gotten more handsome with time.

Spencer sits on the pew, being cautious not to make any noise or disrupt anyone else watching, and that’s when I notice it—the woman coming in behind him and sitting by his side, her dazzling smile blinding me.

Spencer brought someone. A woman. To my brother’s wedding.