Dakota
“I’m not sure of the science behind it, but it’s absolute facts that women love a man in a tuxedo,” Carter explained.
I rolled my eyes.
“You say the same thing about us when we are in our turnouts,” I reminded him.
“I’m not wrong about that, neither. Hey Dane, tell Dak about that time –”
“Don’t tell me about any time,” I interrupted. “I don’t want to hear about any of y’all’s shenanigans over on B- shift.”
Before he could protest, shouting rang out from down the church corridor.
“On your WEDDING DAY no less!” A familiar voice hollered. “Her best friend!”
Carter, Dane, and I exchanged looks.
“Hell, I’ll go see what’s happening,” I announced.
I feel like this falls under the best man duties; putting out any fires that may arise on Jace and Jolene’s wedding day.
Stepping out into the hallway, I glanced around. Near the entrance to the sanctuary, I found the source of the shouting.
Is that Lena’s daddy? What in the world?
As I quickly made my way down the hallway, the situation seemed to escalate.
“I’ll knock the fuck out of you and see if you regain some clarity!” Brett Felder shouted.
Sir, this is a church house.
“Hey y’all, what in the world is goin’ on?” I questioned, trying my best to diffuse the situation.
Lena’s daddy turned towards me, eyes flashing.
“Ask your girlfriend!” He spat out.
Fiancée.
It was only then that I noticed Cassie standing between Mr. Felder and Jace. Her cheeks were streaked with mascara and her neat hair had come undone. As I took in the sight of her, the words I had overheard before coming down the hall flooded my mind.
On your wedding day…her best friend…
Cassie looked at me with tear-filled eyes.
“, I –,” she stammered.
I held up my hand to silence her.
Mrs. Charlotte, Lena’s mama, reached out and touched my arm.
“Scum of the fuckin’ earth!” Mr. Felder accused, pointing a long, callused finger at Jace.
“Brett, we are in a church!” His wife scolded him. He pressed his lips together in a thin line.
I locked eyes with my best friend of over twenty years, his expression confirming what I already knew to be true. Without a thought, I swung, connecting nicely with his perfectly chiseled jaw. He crumpled to the floor in a heap. The gasps from those around me assured me this wasn’t some weird dream.
This is actually fuckin’ happening.
Stepping over the lump of a groom, I hauled ass to my truck, my now ex-fiancé chasing behind me.
“Dak, please!” She pleaded. “Just listen! I can explain!”
“My best friend, Cassie? No, fuck that, YOUR best friend? Where the fuck is Lena?” I demanded.
I can say fuck, right? I’m in the parking lot, not the actual church.
My anger intensified when she didn’t immediately answer me.
“Where the fuck is Lena?” I asked again, the tone in my voice daring her to ignore me.
“I- I don’t know. She caught us and she… she left,” she sobbed.
Without another word, I jumped in my truck and hauled ass out of the parking lot.