One Night With My Alpha Professor by Eve Above Story

Chapter 274

Audrey

The celebration was in full swing by the time the sun went down, laughter and music filling the air of the small venue. Avis and Gavin’s wedding had been nothing short of magical, a tearful ceremony beneath a canopy of string lights and flowers.

Now, the reception was in full bloom–friends and family crowding around tables, dancing in wild circles, raising glasses, and swapping stories.

I’d barely made it three steps into the reception hall before Avis had rushed forward and swept me into a hug, nearly crushing her wildflower bouquet against my baby blue bridesmaid dress.

“Avis, you looked absolutely breathtaking out there,” I murmured, squeezing her tightly. We swayed back and forth, tears pricking at both of our eyes.

“I still can’t believe it’s real,” she said, pulling back just enough to look at me. Her eyes were glistening, and I could feel my own throat tightening just seeing her. “I thought I’d be terrified of everything going wrong, especially since the wedding was scheduled so quickly. But today has been so perfect. Thanks to you girls.”

I beamed, recalling all of the hard work that Tina, Betty, and myself had put into making today a fairytale for our friend. A few secret battles had been fought this morning, unbeknownst to Avis–last–minute cake troubles, guests bringing unexpected plus–ones, the band getting stuck in traffic.

But everything had turned out perfectly in the end.

“No, you’re perfect,” I said, kissing her on the cheek. “And Gavin.” I glanced across the room where Gavin was laughing with Peter and Edwin, already tipsy off champagne. “You two are so amazing together.”

Avis followed my gaze, her expression softening?“You know, I always thought love was supposed to be this big, overwhelming thing with lots of ups and downs. But with him, it’s different. It’s… peaceful. Solid.”

“That’s how you know it’s real,” I said softly, kissing her other cheek now. She didn’t seem to care that I smudged her makeup a little.

with a sheepish grin. “Mind if I steal Audrey for a second?” he asked,

laughed, practically shoving me into his arms. “Go on, Audrey. My husband looks like he’s got something important

steps away, sticking his hands in his pockets, his gaze flicking back to Avis as if he still couldn’t quite believe she was his. He exhaled, a

say thank you,” he said quietly once we were out of earshot. “For…

my head, a little confused. “For

he said, shaking his head. “Well, yeah, but… No, I mean back in college. When I told you

Avis seemed to perfect together that it was easy to forget that it had ever

it sounds strange,” he continued, “but I’m grateful you rejected me. If you hadn’t, I might’ve spent my life chasing something that wasn’t meant to be. But then… I found Avis.” He looked down, his

his words. I reached up, brushing a stray speck of confetti from his hair. “Avis deserves a great guy like

swallowing thickly.

he walked back to Avis and pulled her into his arms. They swayed together under the dim lights

making my pulse quicken. He was waiting, hand outstretched, and I slipped my fingers into his as he led me to the dance floor.

you wish we’d had a big wedding?”

our mating ceremony, Edwin. It may not have been big or grand, but it was ours. We committed ourselves

forehead against mine. “Well, I’m glad you feel that way,” he murmured, his arms tightening around me. “Because I wouldn’t

wash over us. But as the evening wore on, I noticed Tina off to one side, laughing with

peeking out from beneath the sleeve of her frilly pink dress, and she had a laugh that was warm and genuine, the kind that made you want

they spoke. It was good to see Tina like this,