I could hardly contain the excitement I felt! This was one of the biggest days of Ellie's life! My best friend was married. Now that Ellie was married to Zac, she'd be under the scrutiny of the public eye. But no one suited the job of Zac Hanson's faithful wife better than Ellie, and I knew she could hand it.
If she could handle the public, I could handle Jeremy Kramer. I was ready to say what I wanted to, and having Isaac there helped a lot. But I knew Jeremy would want to talk to me alone. I didn't tell Isaac my suspicions, because he wanted to go with me, but I wanted to do it for myself. I was ready.
Isaac pulled me aside after the ceremony. We were getting ready to go to the reception.
"Did you see him?"
"What, no congratulations?" I joked.
"Sorry. Congratulations. Did you see him?"
"Ike, calm down. Look at her." I followed Isaac's gaze. Gabby was standing with Ellie and Avery, smiling and chatting excitedly. I watched Isaac relax a little. "Now, go over and wish your girlfriend luck. I need to get back to my wife."
After the ceremony, I had become increasingly more worried about Gabby. She was going to talk to Jeremy for the first time in years. Gabby had grown to have a lot more patience and emotional strength. When I saw her smiling, I knew she wasn't dreading this.
"Hey," I whispered, putting my arms around her waist.
"Hey, Isaac. I was just talking to the new bride." Ellie and Gabby laughed.
"Well, don't let me bother you..."
"No, you could never bother me." Gabby turned and looked up at me.
"You didn't let me finish. I just wanted to wish you luck with Jeremy."
Gabby grabbed me and led me away from the group. "I was thinking about this while I walked down the aisle. Honey, I'm okay. It's sweet of you to worry, but I'm different emotionally now. This wil be a peaceful time for everyone involved. I can feel it. Just trust me."
"Come on, guys! Let's party!" Zac yelled.
"Okay?" Gabby prodded me.
I gave her a hug. "I do trust you, and I'll be right there with you, okay?"
Gabby kissed my cheek with a smile. "Come on."
I was so excited as Zac and I walked into the reception. Everyone stood and applauded for us. Zac paused to pull out my chair and we sat at the head of the main table.
As soon as everyone was seated with refreshments, Isaac stood and tapped his glass. "I guess I have to make a speech now." He looked down at us. "I've never been good with speeches, so I'm just going to offer congratulations. I hope you two have a wonderful life together full of health, love and bullet-proof marshmellows." Zac laughed, his arm around Ellie's chair. "Anyway, here's to the new couple!"
"To Ellie and Zac!" the crowd chanted. I stood up.
"Before we really start the party, I want to thank everyone who helped me and Zac with the wedding. You know who you are. Enjoy the reception!"
Music started and many people stood up to dance. Zac and I were swarmed with guests coming up to us and congratulating us. This had to be one of the most exciting events of my life!
Ike, Gabby and I had been dancing for about 20 minutes before the bride and groom got away to join us. "You guys are the life of the party!" Gabby laughed.
"It's not over yet!" Zac said.
"Can I steal Gabby for a second?" a voice asked from behind me. I turned around and saw Jeremy Kramer standing there. I didn't want to draw any attention away from Zac and Ellie, who were talking with Isaac about something. Quietly, I whispered in Gabby's ear, "It's showtime."
She turned and looked behind me. I watched her take a deep breath and whisper, "Tell Isaac not to worry. I'll be right back."
I nodded. She went over to Jeremy and walked with him to the balcony outdoors.
