Nick Of Time (Blue Ridge Romance 2) by Allison B. Hanson Page A

the formal announcement, and Roslyn and Cooper walked in with big smiles amid a cloud of bubbles.
    Being at the head table meant they were served first, which was good because he was starving.
    Nichole was seated next to him, between him and Cooper, and they leaned across her to chat about some of their relatives. He propped his hand on the back of her chair for leverage only. But soon his thumb was stroking the back of her neck, causing a shiver.
    “Are you still cold?” Cooper asked in concern.
    “No. I’m fine,” she answered with a big smile. The fake one.
    When everyone was served, Nichole stood and walked over to the small stage where the DJ was holding out a microphone.
    Her toast.
    Tucker had forgotten the one good thing about being passed over as best man. He wasn’t subjected to the horror of having to give a witty yet heart-wrenching speech in front of two hundred people.
    Nichole swallowed and smoothed her skirt before she smiled and turned on her professional Southern charm.
    “Thank you all for being here with us today to share in this wonderful celebration for Roslyn and Cooper. Many of you weren’t at the service, so I’ll share some of the details.
    “It was chilly out by the lake, as you’d expect for February. But when Roslyn walked down the aisle and stood next to Cooper, the crisp breeze and chill were all forgotten. It was as if a warmth came off them. As they exchanged the words that would bind them together for the rest of their lives, I felt a peace that only comes from watching two people do something so right.
    “Many of you are probably wondering why the best man is a girl.” There were a few chuckles at that. “I have been Cooper’s best friend since we were thirteen years old. I’ve seen him make horrible decisions when it came to women, most of which could have been avoided if he had taken my advice.” More laughs and a nod of agreement from Cooper.
    “The first time I saw him with Roslyn, I realized my job of giving advice and helping him through heartbreak was finally over. He’d found the one who would take over the job of giving advice, and who would protect him from heartbreak for the rest of his life.
    “I can honestly say I have no doubts about giving up that responsibility to Roslyn. In the short time I’ve known her, I have seen her strength put to the test, and I’ve seen her love for Cooper in all the small things that make up a big life.
    “So, in an attempt to make it through this speech without tearing up, I ask that you raise your glasses in a toast to Roslyn and Cooper. May each of us have a person to love us as fiercely as they love each other.”
    The room was filled with the sound of tinkling glass, and then a cheer and applause rang out.
    Tucker stared at the woman walking back to their table in amazement.
    “You nailed it, Nic,” he told her when she sat next to him.
    “I was so nervous.” She picked up her napkin with shaky hands and placed it across her lap.
    While the bride and groom were busy kissing and posing for pictures, he reached across and took her hand in his, giving it a tender squeeze.
    “You were perfect. I know why he picked you.”
    She looked up at him, and they stared at each other for a long moment. He pulled his hand back right before Cooper leaned over to offer his praise on her speech.
    “Thanks, Nic. That was great,” he said, his eyes a little misty. Tucker wanted to hate Nichole for stealing this moment. For making Cooper so happy he nearly cried, but he couldn’t. She was a great person. Better than Tucker ever could be. For that reason, he was glad Cooper had someone like her in his life.
    When dinner was over, the happy couple cut the cake. Tucker was proud of his brother for feeding his new wife gently, despite the calls from the crowd for them to smash it all over each other.
    “That was nice,” Nichole approved beside him.
    “Yeah. I don’t get the whole smearing-it-all-over-each-other thing. I hate to see