I stood in the middle of my closet, trying my best to pick out the right outfits for my trip. When I was there the last time, I had only packed for three days and had to wear the same clothes over and over. This time, knowing in advance how long I was going to be there and who I would be trying to impress, I wanted everything to be just right.

Sebastian: Hey, baby, are you almost packed?

Just about, although I can’t get my dress to fit in my carry-on. I need to learn how to get by with less.

Sebastian: Last time you were here you made do with only a few things. Neither one of us seemed to mind it before. Besides, this time it’s even warmer. Just pack your dress and a bikini.

Yeah, right. I’m going to spend the entire week in a bikini?

Sebastian: You wouldn’t hear me complaining.

That’s because you wouldn’t care if I wore nothing at all.

No reply. After a few moments, I checked to see if he still had a pulse.

Sebastian, hello, are you there?

Sebastian: Yeah, sorry, my mind got away from me for a moment.

Oh, you are so lucky I’m not there right now, or I would slug you .

Sebastian: Do your worst, baby.

He was waiting for me outside the airport, just like he said he would be. It was hard to believe that another month had passed since he’d surprised me at my apartment. I slipped into the passenger seat and barely managed to pull the door shut before his lips were on me, devouring me in one full swoop. No matter how hard I could have tried, there was no resisting him, and I didn’t want to. We broke apart, and he rested his forehead on mine.

“Hey, you, sorry about that, but I’ve missed those lips.” He smiled, licking the remains of my strawberry lip balm from his upper lip. “Yum.”

“You’re crazy.” I giggled, as he put the car into gear and merged into traffic.

“So, I see you decided to pack more than the bikini,” he stated, surveying the luggage piled into the backseat. “Pity.”

“Ha ha, you’re not only crazy, but hilarious too. You know I need more than a bikini to wear. What would your mom think?” I scolded him playfully.

“I don’t recall saying anything about sharing you during this visit. We have one obligation, well, technically two if you count the rehearsal dinner, and then you are mine for the rest of the week, pretty lady.” He smirked, placing a hand just above my knee.

“Oh, is that so? And just what do you think your mother will have to say about that when she knows I’m here? You know I can’t avoid her. I want to see her, Sebastian. You can have me for the majority of the trip, but you better get used to it, babe. You’re going to have to share me.”

“Family only though.” He bared his pearly white teeth at me, causing me to laugh out loud.

“You know your family includes the guys, don’t you? I mean, Chris is already planning a dance for brothers and sisters at the reception.” I covered his wandering hand with my own.

“Argh, why did I have to fall in love with someone so irresistible to everyone else?” He pulled my hand to his lips and kissed the back of it.

“Well, silly, you fell in love with me because I’m irresistible, remember?” I tilted my head slightly, batting my heavily mascaraed eyelashes.

“Oh, yeah,” he played along, “now I remember. I guess I can make a few exceptions, but let’s not get carried away. You and I both know how fast a week will fly by.”

* * *

“Brooke!” I heard Tracy’s voice calling over the multitude of people in the room. I looked off in the near distance and saw her waving frantically in our direction. “Oh, honey, it is so great to see you again. You look so beautiful, but I think you’ve lost weight since you were here. Are you eating enough?” She guided me to the waiting party seated around the table, continuing to mother me along the short distance.

“I promise I’m eating. I’ve just been busy at work. I’ll be sure to let you fatten me up a little this week.” I kissed her before sitting down next to Sebastian.

“Welcome home,” he whispered in my ear.

We all sat around, eating and drinking, catching up. The rehearsal was set for Friday, and I spent most of the evening getting to know the other members of the wedding party, particularly the woman named Hilary, who was paired up with Sebastian, not entirely out of jealousy, but mostly because of the way she flicked her hair over her shoulder or licked her lips when he spoke to her. It appeared she had somewhat of a crush on my man. Not that it surprised me, but I must admit I was somewhat offended she would blatantly go after him with me sitting right next to him, knowing we were a couple. I sat there stewing silently, hoping like hell that the smoke I felt coming out of my ears wasn’t visible to anyone else in the room, well, anyone else but Miss Flirty Pants. She continued her conversation with him, doing her best to hold his attention but hardly succeeding. He was obviously just being polite. At one point, she leaned in close to him and brushed her breast against his forearm, pretending to be reaching for the pepper. My eyes narrowed at the intentional contact. What I did next, I am not particularly proud of, but it had to be done, if not for anyone’s sake but my own sanity.

“Sweetie, do we have any plans after dinner?” I leaned in, drawing my hand slowly down his chest and stopping in his lap. “I was kind of hoping we could go home after this; I’m a little tired.” He choked out a low cough and slipped his hand behind my head, pulling me in for a kiss, obviously understanding my fit of jealous rage.

“What are you doing?” he whispered in my ear. “Are you trying to drive me crazy? You know I’d love nothing more than to take you home and do just what you’re implying.” He cleared his throat and spoke louder so that Hilary could hear. “My whole night is dedicated to your happiness, baby, hell, not just tonight, my whole life is in your hands.”

I shrank back against my chair, instantly regretting my foolishness. I had played with his emotions in order to stake my claim, something I was not cool with. Since when had I become such a territorial brat?

It wasn’t until we were alone again, walking to the car, that I was able to acknowledge what had taken place.

“I’m sorry for the way I acted in there; it wasn’t fair to you. I’m ashamed of myself for reacting that way.”

“Why did you get so territorial? You have to know how I feel about you. Besides, she’s totally not my type,” he guffawed.

“I don’t know. I’ve just never seen another woman trying to sink her claws into you, and I don’t have to remind you that you two will be spending an awful lot of time together this weekend between the rehearsal and the wedding photos, not to mention the dance you two will share,” I whined. “All of it just makes my skin crawl.”

“If you’re so worried about other women getting to me, then move in with me, relocate to California and spend every day with me.” He stopped walking and turned to face me, holding both of my hands firmly at my sides. “Brooke? Breathe, baby.”

I sucked in a big gulp of air and felt the ground beneath me start to give way. I shook my head and tried to process what he had just suggested. It had thrown me for a loop. It sounded completely absurd, yet at the same time it sounded incredibly sane.

“Brooke, are you okay?” he urged gently.

“Wow, you just kind of threw me there for a moment. Are you really suggesting I leave everything I know and move here to be with you? How would that even work? Are you actually being serious?” I peppered him with questions.

“Are you finished?” he asked calmly. Calm? How could he be so calm?

“Yes.”

“Bear with me now, because I’m about to get really sappy on you, okay?” I nodded, encouraging him to continue. “From the very moment I met you, I knew, deep down inside I knew that I would have trouble letting you go, and I was right. We’ve tried being together, and we’ve tried being apart.” He moved closer, placing his hands on either side of me as my back pressed against the door of the car. I swallowed hard. “I think”—he kissed me once—“that we’re better”—and again— “together.” He crushed his mouth over mine in an all-consuming kiss, effectively taking away my breath and my resolve. I wove my hands into his hair and moved my tongue in time with his, holding on tight and unwilling to let go. What he was asking me to do, it sounded crazy, yet I found myself seriously considering it.

“I couldn’t agree more, so take me home then,” I breathed against him rapidly, ready to give in right there in the middle of the parking lot, no thought needed.

“Will you at least consider it?” he asked, instinctively knowing I would need more time to process it fully.

“I promise to give it my full consideration.”

“I look forward to hearing your answer.” He winked.

* * *

SEBASTIAN

“I asked Brooke to move in with me,” I told Travis as we stood in the bathroom of the restaurant where the rehearsal dinner was being held. We had spent most of the morning at Mom and Dad’s, surrounded by screeching women all getting ready for tonight’s gathering.

“Wow, that’s a big step, and a big transition for her. What did she say?” Travis and Natalie had been a huge support for the two of us as we navigated through our long-distance relationship. Having a happily married couple to share our joys and frustrations with had played a large role in the survival of our new love. I had always looked to Travis as sort of a hero of mine. I mean, let’s face it, he was older, a great father, loved his wife fiercely, and somehow amidst the craziness of the whole rock and roll scene he had managed to stay sober and remain faithful, not an easy task when you are presented with the kinds of opportunities we are.

“Let’s just say she’s giving it some serious consideration.” We made eye contact in the mirror as we both adjusted our ties, not because they needed adjusting, but because it was an easy distraction. His stare penetrated me, and I let out a heavy sigh.

“Look, I know it was probably a selfish thing to ask her, even saying it out loud makes me see that, but I can’t help it. I’m so in love with her I don’t think straight. I guess I thought that having her here would not only make me happy, but it would make her happy as well. Out here she would be surrounded by people who love her and encourage her. That’s something she should always have.” Travis turned and placed a hand on my shoulder, and I looked him in the eye. “I want to spend the rest of my life with her.” His grip on my shoulder tightened and his eyes reflected the warmth I’ve always associated with Travis.

“Have you told her that?”

“Not quite, but I’ve hinted at it. That probably doesn’t count, huh?”

“No way, man,”—he laughed softly—“not even close.”

Everyone was running back and forth, making sure everything was decorated from floor to ceiling with purple and ivory fabric. During the commotion, I decided to make my way to the back of the reception hall, looking for a quiet place to bring Brooke after the obligatory wedding party dance tomorrow. As I made my way down a semi-darkened hall, I felt a hand shoot out from one of the doorways, pulling me into the corner, and before I could put up a fight, I felt a hand move over the front of my pants. I gripped her hand firmly, putting an end to the unwanted invasion, and spoke through clenched teeth.

“Hilary, I don’t know what kind of game you’re playing. All I can tell you is that I don’t want any part of it. You know I’m with Brooke. If you can’t respect that, then I’m going to have a talk with Nikki.”

“Oh, come on, Sebastian. Aren’t you even a little bit curious what it would be like between us? You know, I’ve always had a crush on you, even before you were famous. Nikki could verify that if you like,” she purred in my ear, trying her best to land a kiss on my mouth.

“Sebastian?” I heard Brooke’s voice behind me and groaned inwardly, wondering how in the hell I was going to convince her that this wasn’t what it looked like.

“Brooke, I can explain,” I began, but stopped when she silenced me with her hand in front of her.

“Don’t. Save your breath.” She turned to walk away as I pushed Hilary off me, then she abruptly stopped and made her way back to us, halting once she was face-to-face with Hilary, pausing only a moment before her hand struck the side of her face. The sound alone was enough to draw attention, but it was what she said afterward that was sure to stick with the foolish woman long after tonight.

“How dare you. Women like you think you can take whatever you want, even when it belongs to someone else, and it’s that mentality that makes you worth nothing more than yesterday’s trash. Sebastian loves me, and nothing you do can change that. By rights, I should hate you, but I don’t. Instead, I just pity you. I pity you, because one day you’re going to look back on your pathetic life and wonder why it is that you can’t find happiness. Then you’ll remember this day, and only then will you realize that you’ll never find the satisfaction you were searching for, because you were always trying to steal someone else’s. Now, what you’re going to do is walk away, put him out of your mind, and keep your distance, because if you don’t”—she stepped closer to Hilary’s reddened face—“that slap won’t be the only mark I leave on you.” Hilary gasped and slithered her way between us, holding a hand to her face while running down the hall.

“You.” She raised her hand to me, shaking a finger in front of my face, and I grabbed it, pulling it into my mouth. “What are you doing?” she breathed heavily, her heart beating wildly against her chest.

“You’ve got a touch of the green-eyed monster living within you,” I teased. “Remind me never to get on your bad side.”

“Yeah, I guess I do, and make sure you never forget it,” she replied, trying her best to hide the smirk that so desperately wanted to reveal itself.

“I didn’t touch her, Brooke. I swear she totally caught me off guard. You’ve got to believe that I would never look twice at her, and certainly not with you in the same building,” I huffed. She ran her damp finger over my lips, and I kissed the pad, nipping it gently with my teeth. “You believe me, don’t you?”

“For a brief moment I wasn’t sure what to believe, but as I started walking away I knew you wouldn’t do that to me. I knew there was something about her I didn’t trust. I guess those are things I will always have to worry about.”

“I’ve told you, Brooke, you don’t have anything to worry about, but if you move in with me, you’ll never have to doubt me again.”

“Oh, well played, baby, well played.” She chuckled as she pulled me back down the hall toward the commotion.

* * *

BROOKE

When I knocked on the door to the area being used as a dressing room I could hear loud voices on the other side of the door. I knocked once more before edging the door open, announcing my entry.

“What do you mean by something came up?” I heard Nikki screeching loudly. “You are the most selfish woman I’ve ever met. I can’t believe I ever called you my friend. Yeah, whatever, don’t ever call me again!” Then I saw a phone being flung across the room, landing just a few feet from me, and I let out a startled gasp as all eyes turned to me.

“Oh my gosh, Brooke, I am so sorry. I almost hit you!” Nikki exclaimed, rushing over.

“No worries, you just caught me off guard, that’s all. Is everything okay? I heard yelling,” I asked, somewhat concerned. At that moment, everyone crowded around Nikki to find out what had just happened to cause such an outburst.

“You aren’t going to believe this. That was Hilary. She’s not coming.” A collective gasp emitted from each woman’s throat. “Apparently, something more important came up. Can you believe that?” I winced and tried to swallow down the guilt that was currently trying to make its way up my esophagus. This was obviously related to yesterday’s scene. I felt horrible, knowing I had to come clean.

“Um, I think I might know what happened to make her change her mind.” All eyes turned to me. What was it that made the female species such a curious breed? “I’m so sorry, Nikki, but I am afraid that this is all my fault. Yesterday afternoon, while we were decorating the hall, I went looking for Sebastian, and when I found him,”—I paused, looking directly at Tracy—“he was trapped in a corner with Hilary and her hand was inappropriately fondling a specific part of his body.”

“No! I’ll kill her,” Nikki muttered, cursing softly.

“I don’t think that will be necessary. It seems as if she took the hint I gave her, but I’m truly sorry. I never intended for her to bail on your wedding. I just told her to stay away from Sebastian.”

“What else did you do to her?” Tracy asked, a smirk already forming on her perfectly painted lips.

“I may have slapped her across the face and threatened her,” I said, covering my blushing face.

“That’s my girl!” Natalie proudly exclaimed, coming over to embrace me. “We girls have to defend what’s ours, am I right, ladies?”

“You know that’s right,” everyone collectively replied.

“So, what are you going to do now? I’ve messed up your special day.”

“No, you haven’t. I have an idea. You’re going to take her place,” Nikki declared.

“Me? I can’t do that. My dress isn’t the same, and I haven’t rehearsed,” I stammered.

“Please, your dress is almost the exact shade of purple and all you have to do is walk down the aisle and dance with the man of your dreams. You could do that in your sleep.”

* * *

I was slightly nervous as I stood there waiting for the processional to begin. I had already watched the groomsmen walk out and take their place. Sebastian looked incredibly hot in his tux. He was going to flip out when he saw me come through the doors instead of Hilary. In all the commotion I never got a chance to text him about the change of plans.

After a few minutes, the music started playing and the girls in front of me began making their way down to the front, each one taking their place on the stairs, and when it was finally my turn, I took a deep breath and prayed that I didn’t trip and fall. I kept my eyes forward, locked on Sebastian, and when it finally registered that it was me coming toward him, I thought his eyes were going to pop out of his head. He was floored. The smile that spread over his face told me that not only was it a surprise, but a pleasant one. We had been together enough to be able to read each other’s facial expressions, so the wink that followed told me everything I needed to know. He thought I looked beautiful.

The wedding march started up, and Nikki began her walk down the long aisle. She looked radiant, and the look of love that adorned Ben’s face brought tears to my eyes. As I brought a hand up to wipe away the moisture, I caught Sebastian staring at me, mouthing the words ‘I love you’ just before Thomas passed Nikki over to Ben’s outstretched hand. The ceremony was in full swing. They had just finished reciting their written vows and the minister had begun the ceremonial vows. I watched Sebastian intently throughout each spoken word, his eyes never leaving mine, and when it came time for Ben to say the words ‘I do’ my stomach flip-flopped as I watched Sebastian mouth the very same words to me. My heart melted on the spot, and I imagined myself standing before everyone we loved doing the same ceremony. I knew he loved me enough to marry me. He didn’t have to say it, his actions had shown me all I needed to know, and for the first time in a long time I knew that I wanted the chance to profess my undying love to the man of my dreams before God and everyone I cared about.

* * *

SEBASTIAN

I was standing here in this uncomfortable tuxedo, surrounded by two hundred people I knew fairly well, and I had to admit that I felt slightly uneasy. Being in front of a crowd should come easily to me, but on stage I was in control; up here, I just felt out of place. I would much rather be out there in the crowd with Brooke. My eyes scanned the rows for her, but I had yet to place her. I fiddled with my tie once more as the processional began, secretly dreading my upcoming dance with Hilary. After last night’s events, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from her, or Brooke for that matter.

Natalie was the matron of honor, and she looked stunning. I gave a quick glance to Travis, serving as best man, and smiled as I watched the look of pride fill his face. The next girl came out and took her place on the stairs, then Hilary was next. I looked over in Natalie’s direction, but decided that I was probably being rude by not looking forward like everyone else. What I saw coming toward me was a vision I wouldn’t soon forget, nor did I want to. It was Brooke, and she looked beautiful. My mind spun with questions as to what she was doing there, but common sense told me that Hilary hadn’t shown up and Brooke took her place, which was only fitting considering we would be matched up for the bridal party dance at the reception. Now I could spend the evening sitting next to her while everyone ate their meal. As she took her place in front of the stage, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. The vows were recited, and when it came time for Ben to say ‘I do’, for the life of me I couldn’t help it. I looked right at Brooke and mouthed the words right along with him, meaning every breath. She saw me, and she knew I meant it. She knew I would spend the rest of my life with her if she would let me, and in that moment, I think she felt the same way.

As the reception dragged on and all of my groomsmen obligations had been fulfilled, I looked around the room to try and locate Brooke. I finally found her at the bar, getting a refill on her drink.

“Hey, you.” I snuck up behind her, placing my hands on her hips. “What are you drinking?”

“Ice water.” She giggled softly into the wine glass currently being used as a water glass. “Would you like one?”

“Absolutely. Hey, what do you say we go out on the dance floor and cut a rug?” I wiggled my eyebrows, causing her to erupt into a fit of giggles.

“Who says that anymore? Cut a rug?” She shook her head, still laughing. I took her hand in mine and bowed low before her.

“Pardon me, my lady, but would you do me the honor of sharing this dance with me?”

“I would be delighted, sir.” She curtsied.

We walked onto the dance floor. A fast song was playing, and I started dazzling her with my moves. She matched me step for step, and before we knew it that song had ended and a slow one started up. I circled my arms around her, drawing her in close, and we moved slowly around the floor as Ed Sheeran serenaded us with his hit Thinking Out Loud, a song that could not have been more fitting for the way I felt about her.

“I love this song,” she murmured into my chest, and I couldn’t resist. I started singing along softly with the music, swaying my hips in time with hers. “Hmmm, I love it when you sing to me.” The song finished, and we danced to a few more before I led her to where my mom and dad were seated.

“Hey, would you guys mind it if we snuck out of here? We’re kind of tired.” Mom gave me a look, but Dad only smiled at me. No matter how old I was, it would always be the same with them.

“Of course, sweetie. Oh, Brooke, thank you so much for stepping in for Nikki today. You fit in so perfectly up there. You’ll have to be sure and come by the house before you head back home.” They hugged and said their good-byes as I stood by and watched. Just seeing her with my family proved that asking her to move in with me had been the right decision; they had accepted her just as easily as I had.