Run, Girl (If You Can)-Chapter 206: Ooh Whos The Lucky Guy?
Posted on March 12, 2025 · 1 mins read
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The organ music began, and Keeley gripped her bouquet. It was almost her and Aaron's turn.

"You feeling any better?" she whispered to him at the top of the aisle.

"I am, thanks," he whispered back, straightening. It was time.

Cameron and the minister waited at the front. They slowly walked down the aisle to the music's beat, then parted to stand in their places.

Next came the bridal party and their spouses. Aiden and Valentina, the only non-family members in the bridal party, brought up the rear. Cameron's niece skipped down the aisle, scattering flower petals. One of his nephews was the ring bearer; Jennica's nephew was too young.

Finally, the bridal march began. Jennica walked down the aisle alone; her father was estranged, and her brother walked with his wife. She beamed radiantly.

Keeley glanced at Cameron, who had tears in his eyes. He was beaming, too.

She noticed Aaron beside him, his expression blank. He hadn't smiled like this since their wedding day, even though he wasn't usually one to smile. He had been happy then; she remembered, though those memories were now intertwined with nightmares from her rebirth. Aaron had genuinely wanted to marry her.

It didn't change anything. His decisions were entirely selfish. So what if he wanted to marry her? He knew she was a target and never told her.

They could have faced their challenges together, but he insisted on his way. His way cost Keeley her ability to have children, her father, and ultimately, her life. Marrying him was her biggest regret.

Lost in thoughts of the past and future, she barely followed the ceremony. Despite her teary eyes, she managed a smile and applause during the kiss. Cameron and Jennica were wonderful together; if anyone could make it work, they could.

Walking back down the aisle with Aaron was agonizing. She fought back tears. This was far worse than Lydia's wedding; this time, he was actually there. The memories wouldn't stop. When he saw her tears, a stricken look crossed his face. He must have remembered her blaming him for her depression at Lydia's wedding.

Backstage, Aaron turned to her. "Keeley, are you alright?"

"No," she choked out.

"Is thisbecause of me?"

She sniffled, wiping her eyes carefully. "Partially."

He sighed. "And the other part?"

She couldn't answer; the photographer called them. More pictures were needed before the luncheon.

Keeley forced a bright smile. It wasn't hard; she was genuinely happy for her friend. She poured all her happiness into it until her face ached.

Jennica had thoughtfully arranged the seating chart, placing people who knew each other together, and also mixing in strangers to encourage socializing. Keeley sat between Ryan and Valentina; Aaron was at a different table with Aiden.

"Jennica looks so happy, doesn't she?" Valentina remarked, teary-eyed.

Keeley glanced at Jennica and Cameron, who were laughing as he fed her chicken. Love shone in Jennica's eyes.

Keeley had felt that way once. Her gaze sought Aaron's, but she looked away, ashamed. His eyes were colder and emptier than usual. It was too much.

"She does," Keeley said, her voice thick.

"Aww, you guys are so sweet, getting emotional over your friend," Ryan said, laughing.

They glared at him for missing the mood. Keeley was mourning her marriage; Valentina, a romantic, was single. There were complex emotions at play, not just happiness for Jennica.

He told a funny work story, partly succeeding. Valentina perked up, and Keeley was somewhat distracted.

They fell into their usual banter, though Keeley felt she was faking it. Lunch ended, and it was time for the bouquet toss.

Having been through this once, she stood at the front. Hopefully, that would reduce her chances.

No such luck. The bouquet sailed towards her face. She shrieked, covering her head, and somehow caught it. Seriously, what were the odds of catching two bouquets in a year?!

Frozen in shock, she listened to the cheers. Gathering herself, she returned the bouquet to Jennica, red-faced. This tradition was stupid. Lacy Knighton had caught the bouquet at her wedding, and she hadn't gotten married.

Keeley crossed her arms, irritated, as her friends teased her during the first dance.

"Ooooh, who's the lucky guy?"

"You better meet someone tomorrow!"

"I don't believe in this superstition," she said coldly.

"Didn't you catch the bouquet at your other friend's wedding in April?" Valentina asked, twinkling. "That almost proves you'll get married this year!"

"How can that happen if I don't like anyone?!" she cried. "Stop teasing me!"

Ryan and Valentina exchanged glances, then laughed. "Sorry, Keeley, you're too easy. Your face is priceless!" Ryan grinned.

She pouted. Her friends were terrible.

(The final promotional sentence has been removed as it is irrelevant to the text cleanup.)


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