Seeing Stars: A Blake Gray Story

49- The Wedding

*FLASH FORWARD 1 YEAR*

The garden was decorated so beautifully and the smell of roses filled the warm air. This was a perfect spot for a spring wedding.

You fixed Jaden's bowtie and reassured Mads that even 7 months pregnant she was a gorgeous bridesmaid. They'd made it home from his tour just in time for the wedding and it felt so good to have the group all together to celebrate. As they walked down the aisle together, Jaden smiled up at the very nervous groom waiting at the altar.

You peek out from behind the entrance gate and see Avani in the front row and wave to her. You are so grateful that she moved to LA because you'd really missed her the few months you'd been in different cities. Her and Anthony are so close and you love to see it. They fell in love fast but are still taking things slow. She is the only one still living in the house with Addison and plans to stay until she graduates. Even though there's no house payment anymore, Addison never argues when Avani buys a house full of groceries to feel like she's helping. You watch as Anthony wraps his arm around Avani.

It's almost time for Addison to head down the aisle. She had risen to be one of the biggest social media influencers in the country but still felt nervous to be a bridesmaid for the first time. She'd finally made enough money to buy their house outright, but still let any of the girls stay there whenever they wanted to. Your parents had even stayed a few days last month. She and Dixie had broken up a few months ago, but after a long talk, she finally knew they were on board with whoever she chose in the future. They were still very close friends, but she knew Dixie wasn't as comfortable having people know about them and that always came between them as a couple. As you watch Bryce take her arm to walk down the aisle, you couldn't help but wonder if they still thought they were keeping the secret well. They were always so close, but since the break-up he'd been staying over at her house a suspicious amount of time.

Dixie shows up late like usual and you point out Noah sitting next to Anthony. Even though her and Addison didn't work out, she swears that her and Noah are just friends. You had been watching the way he kept looking towards the gate like he was waiting for her and you knew she would never be just a friend to him. She hurried to her seat and lit up when he stood and hugged her. You'd never seen anyone smile the way she did when he touched her and you hoped they were close to finding their way back to each other.

At the end of the aisle stood Josh looking so handsome in his suit and tie. Music started to play and everyone turned in their seats waiting for his bride to appear. They'd only been together a little over a year, but it was obvious those two were endgame the moment you'd introduced them. You fixed Nessa's veil and sent her towards her future. You were enjoying your job as wedding photographer and being behind the scenes. You snapped photos of their vows and then snuck to slide into your seat.

Blake cuddles up to you and kisses your forehead when you sit next to him. You guys had spent all morning looking for your own place. You knew Addison was sad you were moving out but she was so happy for you guys. It feels like the shooting a little over a year ago was another lifetime. Blake was completely healed and no one talked about it anymore really.

Blake: "Can you believe that's going to be us next month?"

You lean your head against him and smile at your ring. Who knew a weekend vacation a year and a half ago would have led you here with your dream career, an amazing friend group and the absolute love of your life. 

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Room 241: A Josh Richard's Story