Chapter Twenty-Five Grace
Chapter Twenty-Five
Grace
The day couldn’t be more perfect. The sky is a brilliant blue, not a cloud in sight, and the warm sun bathes the beach in golden light. The ceremony space is set up right on the sand, with a beautiful arch covered in white roses and greenery framing the ocean behind it. The gentle sound of waves lapping at the shore fills the air, adding a peaceful rhythm to the day. I stand at the front, next to Emily, my heart pounding with excitement and emotion as the guests settle into their seats.
I glance at Logan, standing across from me as the best man, looking incredibly handsome in his suit. For a brief second, he catches my eye and smiles. It’s a small moment, but it fills me with warmth, reminding me of how far we’ve come. Still, today isn’t about us—it’s about Emily and Joseph. I squeeze the bouquet of pale pink roses in my hands, ready for the ceremony to begin.
The music changes, and I turn to watch the bridesmaids start down the aisle. Jess, one of Emily’s closest friends, is leading the way, her blush-colored dress flowing gracefully behind her as she beams at the guests. She looks radiant, and I feel a surge of pride for Emily, for pulling all of this together so beautifully.
Then, it’s Emily’s turn.
As she steps into view, a gasp rises from the crowd, and I can’t help the tears that immediately well up in my eyes. She looks breathtaking. Her gown is simple yet stunning, with delicate lace details that catch the sunlight just right. Her veil flows softly behind her, and her smile—bright and full of love—is enough to light up the entire beach. She locks eyes with Joseph, and the world seems to stand still.
Joseph’s face lights up when he sees her, and I swear he looks like he might burst from happiness. He stands tall at the altar, his hands fidgeting slightly as if he can’t wait for her to reach him. There’s an excitement in his eyes that’s contagious, and I can’t help but smile through my tears.
When Emily finally reaches him, their hands find each other naturally, as though they’ve been waiting for this moment their whole lives. The officiant begins the ceremony, his voice steady and warm, but all I can focus on is the love between Emily and Joseph. It’s so clear, so palpable, that I can feel it in the air around us.
Then it’s time for the vows.
Emily goes first, her voice soft but steady as she gazes up at Joseph. “Joseph, from the moment I met you, I knew my life was about to change. You’ve brought so much joy, laughter, and love into my world, and I promise to stand by your side through everything—every high, every low. I promise to love you with everything I have, just as you’ve always loved me.”
I bite my lip, trying to hold back the tears that are threatening to spill over. Her words are beautiful, full of the quiet strength that defines Emily’s love. I sneak a glance at Joseph, who’s beaming like the happiest man alive.
When it’s Joseph’s turn, he takes a deep breath, grinning at Emily. “Emily,” he starts, his voice light, “I thought about making some joke about being stuck with me forever, but the truth is, I’m the one who’s lucky. You’ve made me a better man just by being in my life. I promise to make you laugh every single day, to never go to bed angry—even when you steal the covers—and to love you with everything I have, for the rest of our lives.”
The guests chuckle at his playful words, but the sincerity in his voice is unmistakable. I watch as Emily laughs through her tears, and Joseph reaches up to wipe one away, his touch tender. The love between them is undeniable.
The officiant continues, guiding them through the rest of the ceremony as the ocean gently crashes behind us, casting the moment in a kind of peaceful, magical calm. When he finally announces them husband and wife, Joseph pulls Emily into his arms, their kiss soft and sweet as everyone bursts into applause.
They walk down the aisle together, hand in hand, the perfect image of joy and love. As Emily passes me, she squeezes my hand, her eyes shining with happiness. I feel a lump in my throat, so happy for her I could cry.
As Emily and Joseph walk down the aisle, hand in hand, they are the perfect picture of love and happiness. The sun shines on them, casting a golden glow over the entire scene. Emily catches my eye as she passes, her smile wide and bright, and she reaches out to squeeze my hand. My heart swells with so much pride and happiness for her that it’s almost overwhelming. I can feel a lump forming in my throat, but I blink back the tears, not wanting to ruin the makeup Jess spent so much time perfecting.
Once the ceremony is over, we all follow the couple toward the reception. The event staff directs us inside to the stunning glass sunroom, where the reception is being held. The space is bathed in warm light, with sunlight streaming through the windows, making everything feel cozy and intimate despite the grandeur. The room is decorated with elegant floral arrangements, and long tables are lined with a buffet featuring a wide variety of options—everything from fresh seafood to carved meats and an array of salads.
I spot Emily and Joseph near the entrance, surrounded by family and friends offering congratulations. After waiting for a quiet moment, I make my way over, unable to resist pulling them both into a group hug.
"You did it!" I whisper, my voice thick with emotion as I hold them tight. "You guys are married."
Emily beams up at me, her eyes glistening with joy. "We are! I couldn’t have done it without you, Grace."
Joseph laughs and wraps an arm around us both, squeezing gently. "Yeah, thanks for keeping Emily sane during all this."
Suddenly, I feel a familiar pair of strong arms wrap around me from behind, and I know immediately who it is. Logan’s warmth surrounds me, and I smile as I turn slightly to look at him. He’s grinning, his eyes bright with amusement.
“Don’t think you’re getting away without me joining this group hug,” he says, his voice teasing but filled with affection.
Emily giggles, and the four of us stay in the embrace for a moment longer before we all pull back. The joy of the day is infectious, and it feels like nothing in the world could ruin this moment.
“Look at the two of you,” Emily says, eyeing Logan and me with a playful glint in her eyes. “I bet your wedding is going to be even bigger than this.” She winks, clearly enjoying teasing us.
I freeze for a second, my heart skipping a beat as I glance at Logan, unsure how to respond. Emily’s just joking, but when I look up at him, there’s something in his eyes—a look that’s more serious than usual, like he’s been thinking about something much more than just the fun of today.
"Too soon?" Emily asks, catching my hesitation. She laughs, trying to brush it off, but I can see that she notices the shift in the air between Logan and me.
I laugh, trying to play it off. “Way too soon, Em.”
Logan’s expression stays the same, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that makes my heart race. He doesn’t say anything, but there’s something behind that look, something unspoken yet undeniable. It’s like he’s trying to tell me something without words, and suddenly I wonder if Emily’s joke wasn’t too far from the truth.
As we all laugh and continue chatting, my mind is spinning, the possibilities running through my head. Could it be? Could Logan be thinking what I think he’s thinking?
Joseph wraps an arm around Emily, pulling her close as they bask in their newlywed glow. "Hey, Logan," he says with a grin, "you better watch out. Once Grace sees how great married life is, she might be dropping hints left and right."
Logan chuckles, his hand still resting on my lower back, his thumb brushing small circles against my skin in a way that makes my pulse quicken. "You think so?" he asks, giving me a sideways glance, his tone playful but with that same undercurrent of seriousness.
I roll my eyes, but the flutter in my chest doesn’t let up. "Don’t you two start," I say, trying to sound lighthearted, but the tension between Logan and me is impossible to ignore. It’s like we’re in our own little bubble, and the rest of the world is just background noise.
Emily laughs, clearly enjoying herself. "Oh, Grace, we’re only teasing."
I smile, but before I can respond, I spot the buffet table, filled with glasses of wine and champagne. "I’m going to grab a drink," I say, needing a moment to catch my breath and calm my racing thoughts.
As I walk toward the buffet, I feel Logan’s eyes on me, that warm, steady gaze that never fails to make my heart skip a beat. I pour myself a glass of wine, trying to compose myself, but I can’t shake the feeling that something big is brewing between us.
When I turn back around, Logan is right there, standing just a few feet away. The guests are still mingling, the soft hum of conversation and clinking glasses filling the sunroom, but it’s like none of that matters. It’s just the two of us.
I walk up to him, feeling the electricity between us as our gazes lock. He steps closer, his hand reaching for mine, and without a word, he leans down and captures my lips in a kiss. It’s soft at first, just a brush of lips, but it quickly deepens. The warmth of his mouth on mine, the way his hand curls around my waist, pulling me closer, sends a thrill through me.
We’re standing in the middle of a crowded room, but it feels like no one’s watching. His kiss is sweet and intoxicating, a little forbidden, and my body responds instantly. I lean into him, savoring the way his lips move against mine, the gentle pressure of his hand at my back. It’s a kiss that says more than words ever could—a promise, a feeling, something bigger than either of us is ready to admit.
When we finally pull back, breathless, he smiles down at me, his forehead resting gently against mine. "You want to get some air?" he murmurs, his voice low and full of something deeper, something that sends shivers down my spine.
I nod, my heart still pounding. "Yeah. I could use some."
Logan takes my hand, and we quietly slip out through one of the side doors that leads to a secluded patio overlooking the beach. The cool breeze hits my skin, instantly calming me, but the moment we step outside, the tension between us returns in full force. It’s dark out here, the soft glow of string lights casting a romantic light over the space, and suddenly, the air feels charged.
Before I can say anything, Logan pulls me close again, his hands slipping to my waist as his lips find mine once more. This kiss is different—more urgent, more intense. His hands roam up my back, pulling me against him as his lips move over mine with a kind of hunger that takes my breath away.
I melt into him, my fingers tangling in his hair as I kiss him back just as fiercely. It feels so good, so right, like all the months of uncertainty and lies have finally led to this moment of pure honesty and passion. My body responds to every touch, every kiss, and for a second, I forget everything else. It’s just us, here, now.
Logan presses me gently against the wall, his lips trailing down to my neck, and I can’t help the soft gasp that escapes my lips. The way he touches me, the way he kisses me—it’s overwhelming, intoxicating, and I’m lost in it.
Just as his hand slides to the small of my back, pulling me even closer, we hear a loud burst of laughter.
I freeze, pulling back slightly, and Logan steps away just enough for us both to see Jess standing a few feet away, her arms crossed and a knowing smirk on her face.
“Well, well, well,” she says, clearly trying to stifle her laughter. “I knew you two would sneak off eventually. Should’ve taken bets.”
I feel my face flush with embarrassment, but Logan just chuckles, still holding me close. “Timing’s impeccable, as always, Jess.”
She shakes her head, still grinning. “Look, you two go on with your make-out session. I just came out here to get some air, not to interrupt the lovebirds.”
I glance at Logan, trying not to laugh, and he gives me that crooked smile that makes my heart race all over again. “You good?” he whispers, his thumb brushing softly over my lower back.
I nod, unable to help the smile that tugs at my lips. “Yeah, I’m good.”
Jess waves us off, still laughing as she heads back inside, leaving us alone once more. I turn back to Logan, my heart still racing, and he pulls me close again, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.
“We’ll have to pick this up later,” he says, his voice full of promise.
I smile, resting my head against his chest. “I’m looking forward to it.”