“Thanks,” I said, running my hands around the collar and adjusting it just so. “I actually bought it for tonight. You would be horrified to know how many suits I tried on trying to pick out the right one.”

“Oh, I can imagine,” she teased. “Trying to impress someone?”

“Yeah, I am,” I said with a nod. My suit was the darkest shade of forest green, and it had reminded me immediately of Franny’s eyes. I’d paired it with a white shirt and no tie. I’d thought way too much about it.

“I assumed so, but it’s nice hearing you admit it,” she said, and then raised her glass. “A toast to you, Hayes Montgomery. I hope you get the girl.”

Just as our glasses connected, I saw Eleanor’s eyes perk up at something over my shoulder.

“And now’s your chance,” she said, with a discreet tip of her chin. “Back and to your right.”

I turned around slowly, and there she was, only twenty feet away. She was standing next to Cleo, laughing at something someone was saying. I could only see her profile, but even from the side she was beautiful, a black silk dress hugging her in all the right places.

I turned back to Eleanor, who just tilted her head toward Franny with a firm “Go!” It was an order. But before I could even take a step toward her, a clinking of glasses sounded around the room.

Everyone turned to face the front of the bar, where Lola and Perrine stood, arms wrapped around each other in the most assured way, so confident of their love and their life together to come. I knew this meant it was time for my toast, and so I hustled toward them as the crowd erupted in cheers—the brides-to-be were kissing—and made it next to them right as the bartender leaned over to hand me a microphone.

The crowd quieted, and I took a deep breath and then exhaled it slowly, just like the meditation app on my phone instructed me to do. Then I raised my glass.

“I’m so honored to be a part of tonight’s celebration, and to offer a toast to the future brides,” I said into the microphone. I took another slow, deep breath, then a sip of scotch. I felt a little better.

“I’m Perrine’s cousin Hayes, though she’s always felt more like a sister to me. Growing up together meant that I got used to having her around, and honestly, I took Perrine and all her amazing qualities for granted. You know, like her sarcastic sense of humor, how she always offers to drive you to the airport, and how she somehow manages to burn every single bag of popcorn she puts in the microwave.”