Brooklyn sat on the wooden seat, the wind blowing through her hair as her fingers effortlessly held onto the champagne flute. Alex kept his head straight, pretending to be caught up in conversation as Jack mumbled away about something funny that had happened to him earlier that day, but from the corner of his eyes, he could see her perfectly. When she blinked, her long eyelashes made his heart flutter. When she laughed, the way she parted her lips made him want to kiss her. But it was the way she was so easily accepted by his group of friends that made him nervous. She was, after all, here with one of his best friends. The least he could do was respect that for one night... However, it wasn't his fault that her dress was so low-cut, her lips were freshly glossed and her earrings sparkled in the light. She was flawless.


Had it not been for Zack wrapping his arm around her frame, he would have stared at her all night. The way she leaned into his chest proved that there were feelings there, but she kept her free hand on the table, so as to make it less romantic. He noted the scene in his head and took a long swig from his wine glass. At least there was one thing about Brooklyn he could count as a flaw- She chose champagne over wine.


They had been called together for nothing more than a dinner, but the dinner was a at high class restaurant. All of the men were dressed in suites, while both Cassadee and Brooklyn looked stunning under the glow of the light. Thankfully they had been seated outside, otherwise Alex feared the air would become too hot. He could feel his eye twitch as Zack kissed Brooklyn's cheek, making her giggle. Fuck, he wanted her so bad.


"I would like to propose a toast," Rian cleared his throat as he stood, making the few people at other tables turn their attention to him as well. "I actually called everyone here to celebrate the beautiful girl in front of me. Her career has taken a turn for the better and she's such a busy woman that none of us get to see her often enough, and it's because of that distance that I've realized just how much I love her and how lucky I am to have her. So, Cass, in front of all of our friends.. and a few strangers.. I'd like to ask you the most important question I've ever asked anyone.."


Alex sat back in his seat, a small smile on his lips as he watched Rian get down on one knee and pull a ring out of his pocket. Cassadee let out a gasp and put her hand over her lips, tears pooling in her eyes. It was a beautiful scene, but he found himself staring at Brooklyn as everyone else stared at the couple. Her eyes were locked on the two, small tears forming in her own eyes. The smile on her face priceless. Pure joy, to say the least.


"Cassadee, will you make me the happiest man in the world and be my wife?"


"Yes, Rian, yes!"


Brooklyn was the first to stand up and clap for the two, but eventually the entire group, even those they didn't know the two, were on their feet cheering for the happy couple. Alex let a small 'woo' come out of his lips as he clapped, an overwhelming sense of wasted time washing over him. Age was catching up with them all.. Their time to have kids, a wife, a real life.. And Rian was the only one to chase that dream.


As the joy died down, he took his seat, his hand gripping the wine glass instantly. He probably would have just shook hands with Rian and gave Cassadee a hug, called it a night, had it not been for a pair of beautifully painted eyes staring in his direction. Alex slowly turned his head and flashed her a smile, holding up his glass before he took a sip.


"You look nice tonight."


Alex felt a smirk on his lips as he sat the glass back down on the table. Zack had gone over to hug the newly engaged woman, leaving Brooklyn all the time in the world to converse with him. He tapped his fingers on the table and softly shrugged his shoulders.


"You look nice, too, Brooklyn. Really nice."


Because of her, he knew he had to stay. For the rest of his days, he'd stay wherever she was, whether or not she was there with his best friend.

Notes

I know, this sucks. But love it anyway? <3.