A small drabble based on Billy Ray Cyrcus' It Could've Been Me. Lassiet with past Shules. Don't read if that's not your thing.
Disclaimer: Not mine!
XXXXXXX
It could've been me
Standing there with you
It could've been me
And all my dreams coming true
-Billy Ray Cyrus, It Could've Been Me
"I do."
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," the preacher announced with a warm smile.
Lassiter stepped forward and lifted Juliet's veil before he took her into his arms and kissed her deeply.
Amidst the cheers of the onlookers, Shawn caught tears running down Juliet's cheeks as she cupped her husband's face in her slender hands.
It was clear, at least to him, that they were tears of joy.
She had never been happier.
He reached into his pocket and his fingers closed around a diamond ring that had lost all of its shine. Maybe if he had tried a little harder, shown her how much he loved her…
If he had only…
He blinked back tears and tried not to think that way. He wasn't the kind of guy she was ever supposed to end up with. Lassiter was that guy. He was the guy women settled down with, had babies with, built lives with. Shawn was their one big mistake before settling down. He was never going to be more than that, although he had hoped he could be for Juliet.
She was the only one who made him want to be so much more than he was. She just brought out everything good in him, all the potential and beauty no one else saw. He tried to do the same for her, but every half-attempt went wrong. He tried to be that man for her.
But of course, he couldn't do it.
And now Juliet was married to Lassiter, who would be everything and give her everything Shawn couldn't or wouldn't.
He had wanted to marry Juliet; he really had.
He had waited too long.
Now she was getting her happily ever after and all he had was a ring and a heart full of memories that he was sure would tear him apart.
He had waited too long.
He sucked in a hard breath and turned to walk out before anyone could notice him.
"It gives me great pleasure to present to you all: Mr. and Mrs. Carlton Lassiter!"
He flinched at the words and the ensuing cheers and moved faster.
It could have been him, but he had waited too damn long.
And that was his fault.
But those dreams move on
If you wait too long
It took me 'til now to see
It could've been me
The End.