Disclaimer: Aubrey, Tim and Kelsey are OCs. Everyone else owns themselves. The song that Matt and Kelsey dance to is More Than Anyone by Gavin Degraw.
AN: Hope everyone likes this chapter. I had computer problems, so i couldnt update for awhile so i'm adding 2 chapters today to make up for it. (= Thanks to everyone who reviewed/added this story to favorites. I really appreciate it! The more interest shown in the story, the more I feel like updating. So keep them coming guys. (=
"Next is the maid of honor, Kelsey Martin being escorted by the best man, Matt Hardy."
Matt and I walked down the beautiful, winding staircase into the reception hall arm in arm. The room was dimly lit with ribbons and crystals hanging everywhere, and a personalized monogram floating across the dance floor. Matt and I smiled as we made our way into the room, greeted by all of the wedding guests. We looked absolutely perfect together, like we were meant to be, although I knew it wasn't true. I had Ryan in my life, and he would do anything for me. I needed to get Matt off of my mind and focus on my relationship.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, for the first time ever, Mr. and Mrs. Tim Cordon!"
The couple beamed as they walked down the winding staircase and into the reception hall, greeted by claps and cheers. They shared their first dance on the floor while we all stood around them watching. When their song ended, the bridal party was asked to share a dance with the bride and groom before taking their seats and getting ready for dinner.
You need a friend, I'll be around.
Don't let this end, before I see you again.
What can I say to convince you to change your mind of me?
I'm gonna love you more than anyone.
I'm gonna hold you closer than before.
And when I kiss your soul, your body be free
I'll be free for you anytime.
I'm gonna love you more than anyone.
Matt took me in his arms and twirled me effortlessly around the dance floor, pulling me close and looking into my sky blue eyes the whole time.
Look in my eyes, what do you see?
Not just the color, look inside of me.
Tell me all you need and I will try, I will try.
"I have to ask you something." He whispered, as he held me closer.
"Okay…"
"Do you love him?"
My mouth dropped at his question; I didn't know if I loved Ryan, we hadn't been together long enough to know yet. We were still in the honeymoon stage of our relationship and things were still smooth for us, until Matt came along that is.
"Matt…"
I'm gonna love you more than anyone.
I'm gonna hold you closer than before.
And when I kiss your soul, your body be free.
I'll be free for you anytime.
I'm gonna love you more than anyone.
"Just answer the question, Kels. Do you love him?"
"I don't know yet, Matt."
Matt sighed as I put my head on his shoulder; I didn't know where else the conversation could possibly go. Matt put his lips close to my ear and sang along with the music; he was horribly out of key, but I didn't mind at all. I loved when he sang to me.
Free for you, whenever you need.
We'll be free together baby,
Free together baby.
I'm gonna love you more than anyone.
I'm gonna hold you closer than before.
And when I kiss your soul, your body be free.
I'll be free for you anytime.
"I'm really glad I'm here with you, Kels. It's been too long." Matt said, changing the subject.
"Me too, Matt. Maybe we can finally try to be friends again."
"Yeah, friends."
I'm gonna love you more than anyone.
I'm gonna love you more than anyone.
The song came to an end and the couples began to separate and make their way over to their designated tables. As I started to pull myself away from Matt, he leaned in and kissed me on the cheek.
"I hope you're happy, Kelsey. You deserve to be completely happy." He whispered into my ear. I smiled at his words; it comforted me to know that Matt wanted me to be happy, even if it wasn't him that was causing that feeling.
"I am, Matt. I really am."
Matt gave me a weak smile and led me off the dance floor, dropping my hand as soon as we were off. I walked straight to my table, which was empty with the exception of Ryan, one of the other bridesmaids, and her date.
"Hey babe." I said, taking a seat next to Ryan and pecking him on the lips. I admired his dark hair, which was drastically short compared to Matt's, and then ran my hand through it.
"There's my girl." He responded with a grin, just as Matt and Jeff joined our table.
"I guess we're at the same table as you." Jeff pointed out, taking a seat at the table, but being sure to leave the one next to me open for Matt.
"I guess so. No dates tonight, guys?" I asked, realizing that neither Matt nor Jeff had brought anyone with them.
Matt shook his head at my question before turning to Jeff.
"I'm gonna go up to the bar and get a drink, you want anything?"
"Yeah, just grab me a beer." Jeff answered.
"I'll run with him; you want anything, babe?" Ryan asked me.
"Vodka and cranberry with a splash of pineapple." Matt answered for me, instinctively. I nodded at his words as Ryan stood up.
"Okay, I'll be right back." He said, leaning down to kiss me on the cheek before disappearing with Matt.
"I'm sure Matt just loves that." Jeff mumbled, referring to Ryan following Matt to the bar.
"He's gonna have to get past it. I put up with him and Amy being together constantly; hell I even took her to my doctor that time they had the pregnancy scare. How does he think I felt about the man I was crazy about possibly fathering another woman's baby?"
Jeff shrugged his shoulders at my words. He knew I was right; Matt had no choice but to learn to like Ryan.
Jeff and I talked about work and the upcoming pay per view for a few minutes until we were joined by the boys again.
"Thanks, Ry." I said with a smile as he put my drink down in front of me.
"Anytime, babe."
The sound of spoons clinking against glasses filled the room; everyone was requesting that the bride and groom share a kiss.
I smiled up at Aubrey and Tim, sitting high above us at their sweetheart table.
"They look so happy, don't they?" I gushed, watching my best friend's smile never leaving her face.
"That's gonna be us one day." Ryan said out loud, causing Matt to nearly spit his drink out all over the table. I smiled at his words; sure, I thought it was a little soon in our relationship to be talking like that, but it was still a sweet thing to say. I leaned over and pecked him on the lips, happy that he was comfortable enough to consider a future with me. As I pulled away, I felt a chill rush down my spine. There was suddenly an awkward tension at our table, so I did the only thing I could think of, I changed the subject.
"So Matt, do you have your speech planned yet?" I asked, referring to his Best Man speech.
"No, I figured I'd have a couple of drinks and wing it. No matter what I say, Tim's gonna love it." He said with a chuckle. I admired his ability to go with the flow; I had my speech written down for months already.
"Good luck with that." I said with a chuckle, as Ryan excused himself to go to the bathroom.
"Can I talk to you for a second?" Matt asked, rising from his seat as soon as Ryan was gone and waiting for me to follow.
"I guess so." I said, half rolling my eyes at his request.
Matt led me outside of the hall, where all of the smoker's were hanging out, and looked into my eyes before speaking.
"If you answer me honestly, I'll promise not to bring it up again, but I need to know. Kels, what is it about this guy that makes him more worthy of your time than me?"
I took a deep breath as I thought of my answer; he wanted honesty? I was going to be honest.
"First off, he never told me I was a mistake." I said coldly, making sure he got the point. When he let out a sigh and let his eyes drop to the ground, I felt a twinge of regret; I hadn't meant to be such a bitch, I just wanted to get my point across.
"But there's so much more, Matt. He respects me all the time, and he always opens my car door. He says the right things at the right time. He never forgets to call, and he never shows up late. He gets along great with my family, and he goes out of his way to help out. He takes my grandmother to the doctor when no one else can, and he never complains about it! He treats me like I am the most beautiful woman in the world, and he never glances at another in my presence. He's just an amazing guy who would do anything to make me happy."
As the words left my mouth, I realized something for the first time: Ryan was the perfect man. He was everything a woman could want in a man, there was no denying that, but I couldn't help but feel sickened at that thought. I had the perfect boyfriend, so why was I still so attached to the one man who never wanted to give me a chance?
Matt eyes stared at the cold concrete below us as if he were waiting for his response to appear on the ground before him. I knew I had gone too far. I didn't mean to upset him, to make him feel incompetent, I just got carried away. It was unbelievable how perfect Ryan really was.
"Say no more. I'll see you inside." Matt mumbled as he walked away, leaving me along outside. It was then that I realized things between us were finally over; I was happy with someone else, and it was time for Matt to find another someone as well. I leaned against the building and thought back to the night I realized I was in love with him.
"I can't believe she broke up with me." Matt groaned with his head in his hands, talking about his latest girlfriend, Lisa. He was a mess; he wouldn't eat, wouldn't wrestle with Jeff, and he wouldn't even look at me.
"Matt, it's just a girl; there'll be plenty more." I said, trying to make him feel better, but failing miserably.
"Plenty more? I don't want plenty more! I want her." He yelled, slamming his fist on the table. "Forget it, you wouldn't understand. You've never cared about someone like this." He said, scoffing at the idea of me being in love.
"Yeah, that really shows how much you know. Open your eyes Matt!" I screamed before storming out of his house and straight into the pouring July rain. I couldn't take it anymore; here I was, begging for him to notice me, and all he could think about was a stupid girl. Why are men so blind sometimes? Why couldn't he see how crazy I was about him?
The tears fell freely down my face as I made my way down the Hardy's long driveway and toward the street. I quickened my pace, hearing footsteps behind me; I knew it was Jeff, chasing after me to make sure I was okay, and I really wasn't in the mood for one of his speeches about Matt coming around someday. I felt a hard grip on my arm, and before I knew it I was being flung around. I was shocked when my eyes were met by a pair of brown eyes rather than the green ones I was expecting; I was standing face to face with the boy I had just screamed at, and I had no clue what to say.
"What do you mean 'open my eyes', Kels?" He asked, brushing a strand of soaking wet hair from my forehead. The rain came down harder around us, but I couldn't even feel it; all I could feel was the anger his words created, and the adrenaline I felt from screaming at him.
"I mean open your eyes, Matt. I'm right here! I've been in love with you for forever!" I confessed, the rain splashing down upon my cheeks, and disguising the hot tears that were flowing from my eyes.
Without another word, Matt pulled me forcefully against him, kissing me like I had never been kissed before.
I frowned as I came back from my flashback. The day after I had confessed my love for Matt, I went on vacation. I was gone for a month, and when I came back, Matt and Lisa were back together again. He acted as if that night and the kiss we shared had never happened, and I of course, was heartbroken. Standing outside of the reception hall, I promised myself not to mess things up with Ryan. It was about time I found a man who wanted me to be his one and only, rather than his second choice.
I made my way back inside the hall just in time for dinner. I took my seat back at the table and smiled as if the conversation with Matt had never occurred.
"Sorry it took so long, I got a phone call." I lied, not wanting to explain the real reason I was outside for so long.
"Its okay babe; everything okay?"
"Yeah, everything's fine." I said with a smile, before picking up my fork and knife and eyeing the filet in front of me. We all dug into our food, which was delicious, and our table remaining nearly silent throughout the meal. Once the food was taken away, Jeff broke the silence.
"So we have Raw in Raleigh on Monday and then we're here till next Sunday. Can I convince you to join your best friend backstage at the show?" Jeff asked with a smile.
I looked to Ryan, who nodded at my questioning gaze, and smiled.
"You sure it's okay?" I whispered.
"Of course. You have fun, baby." Ryan said with a smile. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me a little closer to him.
"Just don't go falling in love with any wrestlers." He said jokingly, and I nearly spit my drink all over the table.
"So what time are you picking me up?" I asked, choosing to change the subject back to Raw.
Before we knew it, it came time for our speeches. A very drunk Matt stood up first, pulling his speech from the top of his head.
"I'm Matt, Tim's best man, and I've known Tim and Aubrey since forever. You know, Tim and Aubrey have been together for a very long time. They've been through so much together, and to see them standing there together now proves that they are meant to be. But I'll let you in on a little secret that explains why they lasted so long. Early in the relationship, Tim let Aubrey know exactly who the boss is. He looked her straight in the eye and told her: You're the boss."
The crowd let out a laugh as Aubrey nodded along with his words.
"No, but really, you can't find a couple more suited for each other than Aubrey and Tim. To be able give your heart to someone so completely, never to question if and why this person was made for you, is something you don't come across too often anymore. I see that in them everyday. They give themselves to each other entirely, and that is the reason they fit each other so well; they give us all a little hope that love is still something within our reach, and if we look hard enough, maybe we'll find a love like Aubrey and Tim found. Good luck with everything, make lots of babies, and name your first one after me. I love you guys."
The room chuckled as Matt handed me the mic. I smiled as I took it and glanced around the room; I felt my body tense at the thought of speaking in front of so many people. Matt, able to sense my nervousness, put his hand on the small of my back; as I felt his touch, I instantly relaxed. I glanced at him and he nodded, urging me to give my speech.
"They say a successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. Tim and Aubrey already have a head start on that. If you watch them together on any given day and you see a smile spread across both of their faces, I can guarantee you've watched them fall in love all over again. See, it just happened again." I said with a smile, as the bride and groom shared a quick peck and the wedding guests let out a soft chuckle.
"William Shakespeare said 'Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds.' Love stays strong no matter what complications it faces. It never falters and is always true. Tim and Aubrey prove this everyday. They love each other unselfishly, patiently, and truly. They are true soul mates, and they leave me hoping that someday everyone finds a love like theirs. I love you guys so much. Good luck with your marriage; always compromise, never go to sleep angry, and confirm your love for one another each and every day. Congratulations."
The rest of the night went by quickly. I drank a lot, and ended up more than tipsy by the end of the night. Ryan and I danced a lot, and I felt Matt's eyes on my back constantly. Aubrey and Tim seemed to have the time of their lives, but they were ready for it to end so that they could get on with their honeymoon in Hawaii. We had our cake, danced the last dance, and said our goodbyes. I promised Jeff that I would come over and see him the next day, and thanked him for trying to make things at the table less awkward. I said goodbye to Matt, kissed him on the cheek, and left the hall hand in hand with Ryan.
Ryan dropped me off at home, and I stumbled into my room. I managed to get myself out of my dress and into my Hardy Boyz t-shirt and a pair of shorts. I sat down on the edge of my bed and sighed.
I had the perfect boyfriend; he did everything I could ask for and never complained. He never fought with me; he always apologized when I was upset about something, and did everything in his power to make me happy. He was one-hundred-percent husband material.
I crawled up the bed, toward my pillow, and crawled in between the unkempt sheets. My mind raced with thoughts, and I couldn't help but question one thing.
If Ryan was the perfect man, why the hell couldn't I get my mind off of Matt?
I grabbed my cell phone off of my nightstand and opened up a text message, knowing what I had to do. I quickly typed my message, correcting many messed up words due to my drunken state.
"Can you come over? I think we need to talk."
I closed my eyes and hit the send button, hoping to God that I was doing the right thing.
AN: Sorry for such a long chapter, but there was so much stuff to cover. Now, the question is: Did she text Ryan or Matt? Feel free to leave reviews with your thoughts. (=