Page 45 (2/2)

“I thought she wanted an inti”

“Are you kidding? This is intiuests I think there are only fifty or sixty here” All of these people stopped what they were doing to fly to an island for the weekend? Either they really love the bride and groom or they have more money than common sense

As we talk, we’re escorted to a secluded section of the beach surrounded by trees There are several round tables set up with long white table cloths and a bouquet of tropical flowers in the center Next to each table is a pair of hanging lanterns positioned across froe dance floor with a DJ at the end

At the end of the path is a square table with sterling silver photo fra with Justin and Miranda and Nathan and Amanda on the dais I’m surprised they didn’t want to sit by themselves

We all stand by our chairs with the exception of Nathan and Amanda, who are introduced They stroll down the wooden path hand in hand, s from ear to ear Chase has his arm around me and pulls me close as the needs make their debut

Once the DJ finishes the introductions, the keys of a piano sound over the speakers, the beginning riff of A Thousand Years leading Nathan and Amanda into their first dance Christina Perri’s voice pours through the space as the guitars kick in and s It already stirs such strong emotions within me, and now I have this beautiful memory to add to the sentiment Nathan takes A for only her to hear Her whole face brightens into a huge smile before she pushes up and kisses him

Once the bride and groo dance, the DJ asks all of us to co Out Loud and Chase dragshis arms around me, he holds me close and we dance, cheek to cheek As ay to the s the lyrics softly in my ear

I’d love nothing more than to love him until we’re seventy I’m just too chicken to say it out loud How can one person dae me so

co in theto coh I hope I can work through ive Chase the love and life he deserves

The song ends and everyone leaves the dance floor to find their seats As the servers come around with our appetizer of cold seafood salad with Meyer le his glass in the air

“Can I have everyone’s attention?” he asks, looking into the crowd “I would like to make a toast, but before I do, I’d like to share a story with everyone” Turning, he looks back at Nathan, who looks surprised

“This should be good,” Chase whispers in my ear

“When I first met Nate, ere in our first year of Harvard I o into law, and we all knoell that worked out Anyway, Chase and I went out for a drink at the local bar near ca to Nathan, “was trying to pick up this really hot chick The only problem was she had friends Really hot friends, and everyone knows you can’t pick up a chick who has friends if you’re by yourself So, being the great guys we are, Chase and I juuy hanging like that” Laughing, Nathan nods his head and smiles

A, Justin shrugs his shoulders and continues “Everything was great, ent out all the tinets Until, he met Amanda” Justin pauses as he turns to her “Yes, she broke up our brolares, heras if she’s about to add in her two cents, when Justin continues “But, he’s happy” Justin turns to Chase “Happier than we’ve ever seen hioofy at the reement Amanda’s features soften as a sed him for the better, and for that, we thank you”

Justin holds his chah “Here’s to the woman who made our bro fall madly in love, to the point that we’re jealous of what you two have Justin, Amanda, here’s to many years of love and happiness Cheers!”