She’d been lucky that Moira hadn’t been a bridezilla. The bridesmaids’ dresses were beautiful short, strapless numbers that looked good on all of them. Unlike so many bridesmaids’ dresses, this one could be worn again to a fancy cocktail party—like the ones Kevin went to. Smoothing her hand over the dark blue satin, she said, “Thank you. You look pretty good in a tux.”
He sat beside her and food was served. She didn’t taste a darn thing because Kevin kept giving her heated looks. When servers came to remove their plates, Kevin leaned close and said, “I can’t think about anything but kissing you again.”
“As tempting as that is, you better get your head on straight. Don’t you have to make a toast?”
“Damn it.” He turned and clinked his fork against his water glass and stood. Everyone quieted. He cleared his throat, and Moira stiffened. Kathy reached over and patted her friend’s hand.
“As best man, I’m expected to make this special toast. I know Moira assumes I’ll say something to embarrass her.” He paused. “And I probably could, but I won’t. Moira and I have known each other since first grade. We spent more years in the same homeroom than not, and since teachers prefer alphabetical seating charts, I spent my childhood looking at the back of her head.”
A few people chuckled.
“Moira was the bane of my existence. She was always smarter, definitely prettier, and she wouldn’t give me the time of day. She thinks I tormented her because I hated her, but the truth is, I bugged her because I liked her and I could never beat her. It drove me crazy.” He turned to Jimmy. “And now, she gets to drive you crazy.”
More people laughed.
Kevin tucked a hand into his pocket before continuing. His face was serious. “Most of you know that the O’Malleys had a tough time. Our mom died when we were all young. My dad was a cop and worked crazy hours. At ten years old, Jimmy managed to hold our family together. He took care of us, taught us everything we needed to know, and kept us mostly in line. Part of that he enjoyed because he’s a bossy control freak.”
The O’Malley siblings all laughed, but Kathy didn’t. Kevin threw in the line to be a smart-ass, but she’d never seen him so serious.
“But no ten-year-old should’ve had to carry that weight. And Lord knows, we didn’t make it easy for you. There is no way for us to ever thank you enough or repay you. I’m glad you found Moira. No one deserves happiness more than you.”
He choked a little on those last words, and Kathy’s eyes filled. If she hadn’t already decided to give him another chance, that speech would’ve done it. She’d never heard anyone speak so clearly from the heart.
Jimmy stood and pulled him into a tight hug, thumping him on the back. They exchanged words too quiet for anyone to hear.
When Jimmy stepped back, Kevin brought the microphone back to his mouth. “Moira, baby, welcome to the family.”
The crowd erupted in cheers and Moira stood to hug him. He whispered something to her too, and she looked up at him with a huge smile. With his arm still around her shoulders, into the microphone, he said, “All I had to do to finally get a hug was give a speech. Who knew?”
When he sat, he handed Kathy the microphone. “You better go now before any of the rest of the family grabs it. You’ll never get a chance then.”
She took it and stood. “Whew. I knew I should’ve gone first. Tough act to follow.” She licked her lips. She’d prepared a speech, but it seemed too simple and generic now. So taking Kevin’s lead, she spoke from her heart.
“Moira and I met in college. She was my first friend.” Kathy paused. “Not my first college friend, my first real friend. She’s more of a sister than a pal. She taught me about living and taking chances. And in all honesty, I thought she was crazy for liking Jimmy. He’s bossy, and she doesn’t like to be told what to do. The man barely speaks, and Moira loves to talk.”
“That’s why they’re a match made in heaven,” Kevin announced. The crowd laughed.
“I never held much stock in fairy-tale endings, but seeing Jimmy and Moira together is magical. Moira taught me that true love is possible.” Kathy picked up her glass and held it high. “To a long and happy life together.”
She took a sip and set the microphone down so she could give Moira a hug. While in her arms, Kathy said, “I told you you could trust Kevin.”
“Yeah, yeah. The night’s still young.”
But when she pulled back, Moira was smiling.
After Kathy sat, Moira’s brother Ryan took the microphone. Kathy was just relieved to be done with her speech.
Kevin leaned close and although Kathy tried to pay attention to Ryan’s words, Kevin’s nearness distracted her.
“You don’t believe in happy endings?”
Tilting her chin toward the bride and groom, she said, “They make me believe it exists. For everyone? That I’m not so sure about.”
“I never pegged you as a pessimist. You’re a florist. It’s your job to sell happiness.”
That was exactly why she’d become a florist. Flowers made people happy. “Yeah, I sell it. It doesn’t just happen because you want it to.”
“Hmmm. That’s a sad view on life.”
She angled her head and looked into his eyes. “My view seems to be evolving.”
He reached over to her lap and took her hand. Then they both returned their attention to the speeches.
* * *
Kevin tapped his foot impatiently as the DJ started the first song for Jimmy and Moira to dance. At the halfway point, the rest of the wedding party was supposed to join in. That’s why he was impatient. Other than
