Free Bodychecking by Jami Davenport Page A

people.

Chapter 5—I Do or I Don’t
    Cedric winked at Bella and tossed her his best playful grin, trying to loosen her up. She smiled stiffly in response and gripped his arm tighter as they stood outside the ballroom doors of Ethan Parker’s waterfront mansion, waiting for their turn. The rest of the wedding party had already taken their places, leaving them and the bride.
    “I’ve got you,” he whispered, patting her hand on his arm. She dug her fingernails into his tux jacket—any deeper and she’d be drawing blood. He felt horribly inadequate and clueless as to what to do to help her.
    “I know.”
    “You’re beautiful.” He spoke with absolute sincerity.
    “Thank you.”
    Cedric sighed, feeling as if he were making small talk with a stranger. Bella leaned into him as they walked down the makeshift aisle between the tables. The entire place looked like a winter wonderland. Bella wobbled on her heels, and Cedric gripped her waist. Most of the guests probably assumed Bella was either drunk or had imbibed in a joint with her father, Rock Maxwell, before the ceremony. Cedric knew she’d done neither.
    For reasons he didn’t understand, the crowd of people triggered something about the attack, and he suspected she was fighting off a panic attack. He paused as they reached the location where they were to part and stand on opposite sides.
    “Are you going to be okay?”
    “I have to be.” She gazed up at him, steely resolve in her green eyes. He almost smiled, happy to see the old Bella still existed.
    “That’s my girl.” Reluctantly, he released her and took his spot next to Cooper, who was white as a ghost and tugging on his collar as if being strangled.
    Bella managed a tight smile and carefully made her way to where Avery and Emma stood.
    The music changed to the traditional wedding march. Izzy walked down the grand staircase on her father’s arm and into the large ballroom with her head held high and her movements graceful. The guests seated among fake winter frost and snow scenes stood and turned to watch her as she walked up the aisle.
    Izzy was so incredibly stunning, and her smile so radiant that an odd longing nested in the dead center of Cedric’s chest. He pictured Bella walking toward him in a long white gown with a sexy smile and her green eyes sparkling with joy and devilment. He blinked a few times, trying to regain a semblance of sanity. He’d never imagined any portion of his wedding, let alone every vivid detail. He fucking didn’t do shit like that.
    Cedric’s gaze slid to Bella as she put on a brave front for her family, but he read the truth in her wrinkled brow and the smile that didn’t reach her eyes. If he could take on her pain, he would. If he could slay her dragons, he would. If he could heal her, he’d be the happiest man on the planet. But Cedric wasn’t a miracle worker. He was just a man, and all he had to offer Bella was himself, as imperfect and flawed as he was.
    If only that would be enough.
    Cooper cleared his throat next to Cedric, jarring Cedric into the present. Despite his worries about Bella, he too had duties to perform tonight as the best man. He glanced at Coop, who wasn’t looking too good, and elbowed him.
    “She’ll be pissed as hell if you toss your cookies right in front of her and the guests.”
    Cooper nodded and swallowed, but sweat had beaded on his forehead. Despite his nervousness, his gaze locked on Izzy. The look on his face said it all. This was a man in love. A man who’d found his final missing piece. A man who had a bright future with the other half of his soul. Coop had everything Cedric suddenly wanted.
    Izzy looked fucking beautiful, like some fairy-tale princess. Cedric couldn’t be happier for his friend.
    “You’re a lucky bastard,” Cedric whispered, and he meant it.
    His comment brought a grin to Cooper’s face as Izzy walked the final few steps and took his arm.
    The ceremony was thankfully brief. After which, Cooper