Out of nowhere, Noah’s female friend since childhood lifted her glass to make a toast at my wedding’s lunch rehearsal.
"First toast to Noah Blackwood, the groom. Since you're getting married, don’t try to grab my underwear before watching an action movie from now on!"
Everyone burst out laughing. In fact, Noah’s female friend laughed so hard she nearly fell into his arms.
When Yvette saw the unhappy look on my face, she raised her glass again with a teasing grin.
"And the second toast to the bride. Look at this young woman. She must’ve been good in bed. Noah will definitely like it!"
Noah quickly grabbed Yvette, covering her mouth as he softly laughed.
"Gosh, Yvette! Why are you always thinking like that?"
She leaned away from Noah and said, "Anyway, Evelyn, you know that Noah and I grew up together. You’re not mad, right?"
——
I just let out a smile.
"Why would I be upset? We’re all like childhood friends here."
Everyone stared at me, seemingly surprised. Meanwhile, Noah put his arm around my shoulders and tapped my nose in response.
"Evelyn, you’re being so calm today! I thought you’d be the type to get jealous and throw a fit."
The female friend jumped in right away.
"Exactly! The girls Noah dated before were all so fake. They couldn’t deal with us, his close friends. We always ended up breaking up with them!"
"You know that old saying? Friends are bound like limbs until the end, even when you fight, but you can always discard women like clothes when you fight!" Yvette exclaimed before reached for Noah again.
"So, Noah, do you want to go around without clothes or without limbs? Anyway, I still have your baby pictures with no clothes on!"
My soon-to-be husband just laughed as he pushed her hand away.
"Yvette, please stop messing around! Evelyn is right here!"
Yvette rolled her eyes.
"Why didn’t you say that when you were playing with my bra straps and practicing how to unhook them? I had a boyfriend back then!"
She grabbed my arm and pouted.
"Evelyn, you have to make him pay me back! He ruined so many of my bras!"
I held her arm and asked, "Are you planning to give the same toast at tomorrow’s wedding?"
Yvette froze, clearly shocked that I had asked that. Indeed, today was only a practice run. In our hometown tradition, both the bride and groom would have someone stand up and make a toast for them at weddings.
Everything had been going smoothly until Yvette raised her empty glass and started talking.
"So, you’re saying I shouldn’t say that?" Yvette asked, curled her lips and slammed her glass on the table.
The loud thud made everyone fall silent.
"Noah, your wife is being way too much. What did I even say? I was just being honest!"
Noah’s eyes moved between Yvette and me. Finally, he held my hand and shook it lightly. After that, he smiled at her.
"Yvette, you’re like my siblin. You just accepted my wife as part of the group. Don’t fight with her, okay?"
Yvette stomped her foot angrily at what he just said.
"Noah, I’ve liked you all these years for nothing! You’re not even married yet and you’re already siding with her!"
After that, Noah turned toward me.
"Evelyn, go apologize to Yvette. I’ll get her to change her toast and then it’ll all be fine."
He gently pushed me toward her. The rest of his friends joined in.
"Evelyn, say sorry to Yvette and make her happy. Only then can you marry Noah."
"Yeah! Everyone knows Noah listens to Yvette the most. If you want to fit into our group, you need to win her over first!"
