Chapter 50
50
RUBY
Soft strains of string music fill the air as I take my first step down the aisle. My heart is pounding, but not from nerves—from excitement, from joy, from the sheer magnitude of this moment. My big brother is getting married, and I get to be a part of it.
I catch a glimpse of myself in one of the decorative mirrors lining the church walls and can't help but smile. Lucy, bless her, actually followed through on her promise to choose bridesmaid dresses that don't make us look like ‘radioactive cupcakes.’ The dress is a brilliant blue that complements my pale skin and red hair, with a flowing skirt that moves beautifully as I walk. I feel elegant, graceful—words I don't ever associate with myself.
As I make my way down the aisle, my eyes scan the crowd. The church is packed, a sea of familiar and unfamiliar faces. I spot my dad in the front row, looking dapper in his suit and barely containing his emotions. Next to him is an empty seat—Mom's. Even though she's been gone for years, her presence is felt today.
My gaze drifts to the other side of the aisle, where the Aftershocks team members have taken over three full rows. It's a bit surreal seeing these hulking men, whom I usually only see in uniforms and pads, dressed up in suits and ties. Some are with their wives or girlfriends, others are playfully elbowing each other and whispering what I'm sure are inappropriate jokes.
And then I see him. Chuck.
He's seated toward the end of the row, looking devastatingly handsome in a dark suit that fits him perfectly, his hair pulled into his usual tidy bun, his glasses perched on his nose. Our eyes meet, and for a moment, it's like everyone else disappears. His smile is soft, intimate—a smile meant only for me. I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks and have to remind myself to keep walking.
I want nothing more than to break formation, to run to him and throw my arms around him. To tell everyone that this amazing man is mine, and I'm his. But I can't. Not yet. Today is about Tyler and Lucy, and I won't do anything to take away from their moment.
So I keep walking, forcing my eyes forward. But I can feel Chuck's gaze on me, warm and steady, like a physical touch. It takes every ounce of willpower I possess not to look back at him.
As I reach the altar and take my place, I chance one more glance at Chuck. He's still watching me, his eyes filled with a mix of admiration and something deeper, something that makes my heart race. I allow myself a small smile—not too much, nothing that would give us away, but enough that he'll know I'm thinking of him too.
Then the music changes, and everyone stands. Lucy appears at the end of the aisle, a vision in white. She's breathtaking, but what really gets me is the look on my brother's face as he sees her. I've never seen Tyler look so happy, so in love. It's beautiful and heart-wrenching all at once.
As Lucy joins Tyler at the altar and the ceremony begins, I find my thoughts drifting. I imagine another wedding, another bride walking down the aisle. A bride with red hair, perhaps, and a groom with a charming smile and a talent for ice skating...
I shake off the daydream, feeling silly. Chuck and I have only just gotten back together. It's way too soon to be thinking about weddings. And yet... I can't quite banish the image from my mind.
The ceremony passes in a blur of vows and rings and tears, mostly from my dad, who's not even trying to hide it anymore. Before I know it, the priest is pronouncing Tyler and Lucy husband and wife, and the church erupts into cheers and applause.
As the newlyweds make their way back down the aisle, showered in rose petals and well-wishes, I once again find my eyes drawn to Chuck. He's clapping and cheering with the rest, but his eyes are on me. When our gazes lock, he gives me a wink that sends butterflies swirling in my stomach.
Soon, I think. Soon we won't have to hide. Soon I can tell the world that I, Ruby Brooks— bookworm, librarian, and general disaster magnet—have somehow managed to capture the heart of Chuck Newcomb, star hockey player and all-around dreamboat.
But for now, I'll keep our secret. I'll play my part as the dutiful bridesmaid, smile for photos, and make small talk at the reception. And if I happen to sneak away for a private moment with a certain hockey player... well, who could blame me?
As I follow Tyler and Lucy out of the church, I can't help but feel like this is the beginning of something amazing. Not just for them, but for Chuck and me too.