Once upon a time, Willow would have made a stupid joke, secretly jealous of how gorgeous Derek’s wedding was turning out to be. Now all he wanted was for Derek to be okay. He gripped his mate’s shoulder. “Everything’s fine. Just focus on Mara and you’ll get through it.”

“Will I? Or am I gonna fuckin’ pass out in front of everyone?”

Willow was spared having to answer by Byron ducking into the marquee, two glasses of whiskey in hand. He looked like an ad for tuxedos.

Willow held out a hand. “Good idea. Is one of those for me?”

Byron blinked. “Fuck no. They’re both for Derek.”

“Mate, this is why you’re the best man.”

Byron handed Derek the whiskey and he drank like it was water. Colour returned to his face. Not much, but it was better than he’d looked all day.

Willow took the empty glasses. “Feeling better?”

“Hmph.”

“That’s a start.”

Derek looked around the marquee like he’d never seen it before. “Is Eden coming today?”

Willow decided not to be offended, even though he’d mentioned her nine times while they were having the champagne breakfast. “She is. She looks gorgeous too.”

“You better not propose.”

Willow gaped at him. “Why would I do that?”

“You rode my coattails on my retirement. Wouldn’t be surprised if you did it again.”

He grinned. “You loved our little retirement tour. You would have choked in every interview if I wasn’t there to hold your hand.”

“Yeah, that was pretty good.”

“It was fucking fantastic. I did all the talking and you stared point-blank at the camera and nodded occasionally.”

That got a smile out of his mate. “Yeah, all that stuff kills me.”

“Killed you,” Willow corrected. “You’re done now.”

Derek jerked his head at the marquee entrance. “Not quite.”

Byron checked his watch. “We’re outta here in three minutes.”

All the recently acquired colour left Derek’s face. Willow looked around for more liquor but couldn’t see anything. If only Eden was around, he could jam her vape into Derek’s mouth.

“What if I fuck this all up?”

Derek asked so quietly Willow barely caught it, but the terror in his friend’s voice was palpable. He wasn’t sure if Derek meant the wedding or the marriage or both. He crouched in front of his mate and put a hand on each of his shoulders. “You love her. You gave up football for her. You’re not gonna fuck this up.”

Derek managed a weak smile. “You’re getting the two of us confused again. That’s your line.”

Willow gave him a light slap on the cheek. “Be sarcastic all you want every other day. Today you’re gonna have to deal with your feelings.”

“Mmm.”  Derek looked away, a muscle flickering in his jaw. “Are you still leaving Friday?”

“Yeah.”