Free Jesse's Brother by Wendy Ely Page B

even though I didn’t know I was dateless until I was leaving for the wedding. Who are you here for? Bride or the groom?”
“I know the bride.” He nodded toward a group of Jackie’s family that had crowded around a nearby table. “What about you?”
“The bride, also,” she answered. Had she known Jesse? She knew almost every member of Jackie’s family but she was sure she had never even met Jesse. There was no way she would have forgotten him.
“Why so serious?”
“I’m trying to figure out if I’ve met you before at Jackie’s. How do you know her?”
“I was her father’s lawyer. I handled the will when he passed away not too long ago.”
“Ah, yes, I was surprised to hear he was gone,” she said softly.
“Did you attend the funeral?”
“No. I was away at school. I recently learned of his death. He was a great man.” He had been like a second father to her. She was even closer to Jackie’s mother than her own and was sure that Jackie’s mom hadn’t seen her yet or she would have been engulfed in a great big hug.
“Yes, he was. Would you like to dance?” He stood and held his hand out toward her. She put her hand into his and followed his lead to the dance floor.
He was lean, and as strong as Noah. Jesse obviously did not spend much time outdoors. They were so similar in some ways but so different in others. Stop comparing them, she thought. She sighed as she turned to face him and he slid his arm around her waist. The day wasn’t so bad after all. She rested her head on his shoulder and he held her close. It was as if she had known him her whole life.
Through three songs, they slow danced. Even when the beat was fast, they continued to hold each other in their arms. She knew people were watching them. All negative thoughts were pushed
away as she floated along with Jesse as if they were alone in their own heaven.
Wiley and Jackie were standing together, watching her snuggled in Jesse’s arms. When the song ended, he directed her to the newlyweds. Why hadn’t they announced the couple like at most weddings? Maybe they had, but she’d been in her own world with Jesse.
“Samantha,” Wiley’s deep voice broke the ice. “I heard you were here. We wanted to see you before they announced us.”
“Congratulations. The wedding was beautiful.”
“We’re so glad you came, Samantha!” they both exclaimed.
Samantha looked from one to the other. Happy to see her? “It’s great to be here,” she said softly. An apology was in order, but not at this moment. Not while Jesse was by her side, watching the conversation take place.
What she’d done was unintentional and something she’d never do again. Besides, by missing her they’d been able to find each other. If she’d stayed, it would have been her wedding day. But she wasn’t meant to marry Wiley.
They’d forgiven her, but more importantly, she’d forgiven herself.
“We weren’t sure if you would actually come,” said Jackie, motioning for Samantha to come close for a hug.
It was so comforting to be able to step into Jackie’s arms. Like she’d found a long lost sister.
“Of course, I would be here. I’ve missed the two of you terribly.”
“Oh,” they both said and looked concerned at each other.
“We thought you might be upset by us getting married.”
She shot Jesse a smile before leaning forward to Wiley. Any feelings she’d once held for the man were gone. “You should have been together from the start.”
The music stopped and a voice came from the speakers.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to announce the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. Wiley Day!” The guests turned to look at the newlyweds and shocked whispers about Samantha’s appearance carried over to them. They walked forward and joined together on the dance floor. The two of them looked so graceful dancing together in each other’s arms. She looked up at Jesse.
“I’ll explain later,” she whispered.
He slid his hand over her cheek, then gently brought his