Free Jesse's Brother by Wendy Ely Page A

great. A gloating mother wasn’t on her list of favorites for the day. Wiley walked out, followed by his best men, all familiar faces. They lined up at the front of the church and turned toward the guests.
The music stopped and restarted. This time, beautiful bridesmaids in purple walked out carrying bouquets of flowers. Four little flower girls arrived wearing crystal tiaras. The guests gasped as the star princess came into view. Jackie looked stunning in a designer gown, a diamond tiara and her beautiful black hair piled on the top of her head. A few wisps draped down, framing her face. Leave it to Jackie to go all out with her wedding.
Tears welled in Samantha’s eyes and all of her hatred at the situation disappeared. For the first time since arriving in Alban, she hoped the wedding would be perfect. Her heart swelled for Jackie.
Jackie followed the bridesmaids and flower girls up the aisle toward the groom and his men. Wiley was happy before she arrived but once she entered the room, he glowed with love. Samantha had never seen that look on his face when they had been together. Jackie was the true love of his life.
Wiley took her hand as they faced each other. The couple’s eyes drank each other in. Even when the minister was reading the vows or when one of the flower girls started bawling from her mother’s arms, they didn’t take their eyes off one another. Samantha’s heart swelled as she watched them repeat the vows. They had really gotten married. No more what if’s for her in regards to the couple. When Wiley and Jackie said “I do,” Samantha knew in her heart she’d made the right decision when she’d left for school.
Her feelings for the reception changed also. Samantha looked forward to the party. She needed to make peace with them and offer her congratulations.
The reception started an hour later in the park next to the church. It was the only park the small town had and always seemed filled to the rim with families. This time, however, the whole park had white satin ribbon around the perimeter, with a big sign that read, Congrats, Jackie and Wiley in calligraphy writing.
The clouds had parted to let the sun shine bright. Samantha was thankful for the sunglasses she pulled out of her purse and the tall trees that shaded the park. White chairs and tables lined the dance floor. Flowers were everywhere and a stage was set up for a deejay or band to play. Samantha wasn’t sure which one it would be.
A table toward the far corner of the reception area was the best place for her. She felt better than when she’d first arrived but still didn’t want to be the center of attention which was likely, given the circumstances. It seemed like everyone was watching her, waiting her reaction. She smoothed down her dress before taking her seat. A curl fell down her forehead, which she pushed away.
“Hi. Remember me?”
She turned to see Jesse standing behind her.

     

     

     

     

     
Chapter 13
     

Samantha sucked in her breath as she looked Jesse over. He wore a nice gray suit and a wide smile as he pulled out the chair next to hers. “Is this chair reserved for someone?”
“Not at all,” she said, motioning toward the chair. He sat down and turned toward her.
“No date?”
“He didn’t show up,” she said.
“Weddings scare men off a lot. The whole commitment-crammed-in-your-face-all-at-once type of thing.”
“That’s what I was thinking. Where’s your date?” She looked around, expecting to see a beautiful woman coming over to snatch him away. All she spotted were several smiling couples dancing with each other. Nobody even looked in their direction.
“I don’t have one,” Jesse admitted.
“No way. You look way too handsome today to not have a date.” There she was again, actually flirting with Jesse. She tried to shift her gaze but his dark green eyes drew her own back to his.
“Thanks. Too bad you didn’t give me a call, we could’ve come together.”
“That would have been great,