Chapter 74 – Panic

Ace Rhodes.

Sitting on the comfy couch, the sound of video game gunfire echoing around us, I found myself lost in Isabelle's Instagram feed. Noah and Alex were locked in a heated Call of Duty battle, and I was shamelessly scrolling through old photos of her, going back years.

I specifically made an account for her, and only had one follower; which was Isabelle, of course. But this thing was addicting.

I should probably uninstall it…

I thought to myself before realizing that I was stalking my own girlfriend.

Alex let out a victorious whistle as he won a game, and Noah’s groan followed. "Take the L, man! Your gaming skills are as weak as hell!"

Noah just rolled his eyes, his focus back on the game. "Yeah, yeah. There’s a reason it’s my wedding today and you’re still single."

I snorted as Alex threw the controller at Noah and he caught it with ease.

My attention wavered as I saw a picture of Isabelle from a tropical vacation a few years ago. She was wearing a sun hat, her laughter captured in the candid shot. It was a good thing these fuckers were busy; I can’t imagine what they’d have to say about me stalking my own girl.

Noah paused the game, turning to me. "Hey, Ace, you got that best man speech ready, right?"

I raised my head to look at him and blinked, confused. "Best man speech? I was supposed to write one?"

He facepalmed, while Alex doubled over, laughing. "Dude, seriously? What else are you supposed to do as the best man?"

I scratched the back of my head. "I thought I was there for moral support or something..."

Noah sighed, exasperated. "Of course, you're there for that, but you're also supposed to give a speech. You know, toast, anecdotes, that sort of stuff."

I leaned back, sighing. "Well, that's news to me. But don't worry, I'll figure something out."

As Noah and Alex were having a conversation I had no interest in whatsoever, the front door swung open, and Zach walked in, holding a suit and a massive bag. He didn't even spare us a glance as he headed straight for the stairs.

Noah shot him a playful glare. "Hey, why do you get to hang out with the girls while we’re not even allowed upstairs?"

Zach turned and grinned at us, shrugging he said, "Straight men are overrated, that's why."

The wedding was in four hours and the girls were getting ready upstairs while Noah was still in sweats, Alex was wearing a Marvel T shirt and I, well I was wearing a suit since I had an online meeting this morning. But I still needed to change.

I should probably get up.

Sighing, I got up and made my way upstairs to get Isabelle’s help on this speech thing, and ask what color was her dress since she bought two for some reason, so I could match the tie of my suit.

I was about to knock the door to Emily’s room as Taylor Swift blasted from inside when Zach came from the kitchen and said, “Whoa whoa, what do you think you’re doing?”

“Uh, getting my girl?” I said in a matter of fact tone and he sighed.

“Shoo away, you can’t see her yet,” he physically shooed me and I raised both my eyebrows in question.

“I’m not the groom. Neither is Isabelle the bride, I don’t see the issue man?” I brushed him off but this man's persistence was getting on my nerves.

“You’re not seeing anyone, go away now!” He said and disappeared behind the door as I heard the lock click into place and I sighed.

I hated not being able to see her. This wedding thing sucked.

*****

Isabelle Reinhart.

In Emily's cozy bedroom, the atmosphere was a mix of excitement and nervousness as the time drew closer. With soft music playing in the background, I found myself surrounded by dresses, shoes, and accessories, all in various stages of readiness.

Emily, Zach, and I were in the midst of the wedding prep chaos, and the makeup artist was carefully putting the make up on Emily's tear stained face.

She’d had two mental breakdowns since last night and let’s just say wasn’t really too adamant on getting married.

I tried on two pairs of earrings, holding each up to my ear and studying myself in the mirror. "Zach, which one do you think looks better?" I asked, tilting my head to show him.

He glanced up from his phone, his eyes scrutinizing the options. "Definitely the first one. It compliments your pastel look."

“Yeah, I think so too—“

As if on cue, Emily let out a panicked squeal, her hands wringing in her lap. "What if something goes wrong? What if the flowers don't arrive on time, or the cake collapses, or..."

I shared a quick look with Zach before we both moved to either side of her, sitting down and offering her a reassuring smile. "Emily, calm down," I said, placing a hand on her arm.

Zach nodded in agreement. "Yeah, everything is going to be okay. We've got this under control, and the wedding is going to be perfect."

She looked between us, her eyes teary but hopeful. "No, you don’t know Noah. He freaks out and then—"

I squeezed her arm gently. "Love, it's natural to feel nervous. He’ll be fine and so will you."

Zach chimed in with a playful grin. "And if anything does go wrong, well, it'll make for a good story to tell later to your kids."

Emily chuckled through her nerves, wiping away a tear. "Yeah okay. Are the twins still asleep?"

Zach nodded, “Yeah, just checked on them.”

I gave her a reassuring pat on the back. "You've got this."

Zach leaned in, his grin widening. "Besides, look at that damn dress. I say ditch Noah and we book a flight to Paris and have a fantastic photoshoot done."

Emily chuckled and I rolled my eyes and nudged him in the shoulder.

This was going to be a long day.