The Secrets Within [ON HOLD]

Chapter 8

"I love you so much more, Princess," I say and she smiles.

Alaina kisses my cheek and hugs me tightly. I hand her back to Henry and say goodbye. I Mal my way out and go to my black Porsche.

"Damn, it's hot," I say to myself as so put my sunglasses on.

Once I get to the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens I park my car, take my glasses off, and make my way to the seating. "Didn't think I would see you here," I hear someone say and so turn to see Megan Rapinoe.

"It's been some time, Pinoe," I say as I walk to her with a smile.

"It sure has," she says pulling me in for a tight hug.

"How are the brides?" I ask as we pull away.

"They are great, that's actually why I was waiting out here," she says making me confused, "Come on."

I follow Megan and we arrive at a small private area. "What am I doing here?" I ask.

"Some people wanted to see you," Megan says.

Ali then walks out and I smile seeing one of my best friends. "Hey Erin," she says as she walks towards me with a bright smile.

"You look beautiful Ali," I say with a smile.

"Thank you," she says hugging me.

"What about me?" I hear and I let go of Ali to see Ashlyn.

"Not to bad," I say making Ashlyn playfully glare at me.

"Seriously," Ash says as she hugs me.

"I'm joking, you both look beautiful," I tell the two brides.

"Thank you," the both respond.

"Also, thank you again for coming and for singing," Ali says as she hold Ashlyn's hand.

"I could not miss the royal wedding," I say making them laugh, "But seriously, I would not not miss your guys wedding."

"I have arrived," Sydney Leroux says walking up behind the couple.

"Hi, Syd," I say as she pulls me in for a hug.

"Hi Rin," I say and I hear music start to be played.

"I guess that is my cue to go sit. I'll see you guys soon," I say as I hug everyone.

I make my way to the seating area and I feel a bunch of eyes on me. "Nice seeing you here," Alex Morgan says as I sit next to her.

"Haven't seen everyone in a while," I say with a smile.

"I missed you Rin," Alex says hugging me.

"I miss you too, Al," I say as I hug her.

"Hey Erin," Servando says from next to Alex.

"Hey Serv. Congratulations by the way," I say with a smile.

"Thank you," they both say as Alex places her hand on her stomach.

"Erin, it's time," a staff member says and I nod as I walk to the front to sing.

I then look to my left and my eyes connect with two people. My heart swells as I look at them. They send me a smile and I look away. They both look beautiful.

Then music starts playing and everyone stands as I start to sing. Ali and Ashlyn make their way up the stairs and walk to the front.

I try not to laugh when Sydney does not tell us to sit, but I brush it off.

This really is a royal wedding.
———

Well, Ali and Ashlyn are now married and everyone is at the reception. Ali and Ashlyn are about to arrive so I am on the stage getting ready to sing.

"Now, everyone cheer for Ali and Ashlyn!" Someone shouts and everyone cheers.

After a few minutes Ashlyn and Ali get on the dance floor. "Hello everyone. If you don't know me, I am Erin Barker," I say into the microphone as I hold my guitar, "It is truly and honor to be at two of my best friends wedding and to be able to sing for them. Ashlyn and Ali, I wish you all the best for your future."

Ali and Ashlyn smile wide at my words. I start playing my guitar and Ali and Ashlyn start to dance.

When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we'll see
No I won't be afraid
Oh, I won't be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

I look around the room and smile as I see all the familiar faces I haven't seen in years.

So darling, darling
Stand by me, oh stand by me
Oh stand, stand by me
Stand by me

Soon I see Tobin and Christen. I hold my sight on them as they watch Ali and Ashlyn.

If the sky that we look upon
Should tumble and fall
Or the mountain should crumble to the sea
I won't cry, I won't cry
No, I won't shed a tear
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

I quickly look away and look back at the couple on the dance floor.

And darling, darling
Stand by me, oh stand by me
Oh stand now, stand by me
Stand by me

Darling, darling
Stand by me, oh stand by me
Oh stand now, stand by me, stand by me
Whenever you're in trouble won't you stand by me
Oh stand by me, oh won't you stand now, stand
Stand by me...

The songs come to an end and everyone claps. I set the guitar down and then the backs starts playing music. I greet people as I walk to the bar. "What can I get you?" The bartender asks.

"Just a water," I say with a smile.

They nod and grab me a cup. "Hi," I hear and I look to my left and my eyes connect with Tobin's and my heart starts racing.

"Hey," I reply as I look back down at my drink.

"Great job up there," Tobin says and I just nod.

"Can Christen and I talk to you?" Tobin asks and I look back at her.

I look behind her and I see Christen.

"Sure."
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Song: Stand by Me by Ben E. King covered by Skylar Grey

Hi, everyone! I hope you all enjoyed the chapter and sorry for any mistakes because this was not edited. What do you think will happen when Erin, Tobin, and Christen talk? Don't forget to comment, vote, and stay safe!