Chapter 38 - Britt
thirty-one
brITT
Maid of Honor Speech
Once Adam gives his speech and takes a seat beside Jackson again, I stand and take the mic back from the DJ.
“And now I understand the phrase ‘save the best for last’. That was great, Adam, but yea, it’s my turn. Pay attention to how it’s really done.” I give him a smug grin, knowing I’m getting under his skin, and take my position next to Chess.
“Hello all! For those who don’t know me I am Britt Gallagher, Jackson’s sister and Francesca’s best friend.” I lean down by her side and nudge her. “That worked out pretty well, huh? You’re welcome.”
She grins and shakes her head at my antics, whispering at me to behave. “Oh, Chessy it’s fine,” I wave her off then stand and look out to the crowd. “She’s afraid I’ll say something outlandish. I mean, do I do that?” There are some murmurs from the crowd. “Jackson, I’m well behaved!”
He barks a laugh. “You’re never behaved!”
I wave him off now, too. “Anyway, let me just say that Chess is the sister I always wanted. Brothers are great and all, but we each needed each other, and needed that girl time only we could give. We spent every day together as kids and when she moved away it killed me. I lost my designated driver. I mean, both her and my brother were gone! My husband can only take so much you guys!”
“Francesca has always been the chocolate to my marshmallow. The coke to my fireball. The calm to my crazy. She’s been my best friend since we came across each other on that football field all those years ago, watching our stupid brothers chase a pigskin around.”
“Easy sis!” my brother calls out.
“Gage, she’s still my bestie and always will be my bestie, so don’t get any ideas. Chessy, me love you long time.” I wink at her. I’m doing my best to get her to relax and just enjoy the rest of the night. If I have to act like a fool to make it happen, I will.
I pick up my glass, ready to make my final words.
“I’ll leave you with some words of wisdom.
They say nothing lasts forever; dreams change, trends come and go, but friendships never go out of style.
And friends are the family you choose. I’m so thankful you chose me.
Beauty, you are the sweetest soul I’ve known.
And I am honored to call you my sister, for real now.
I love you.” She stands and we hug, tears leaking.
“I couldn’t be happier, Chessy, you got your happily ever after.” I whisper in her ear, and she squeezes me tighter.
“Raise your glass to my girl and my brother!”