[ WP ] at wedding of the woman you love , and you 're the best man .

The toasts are what got me. Never mind that I had spent all weekend calming my best friend ’ s nerves, fixing and refixing ties. The ceremony had been beautiful, too. Everything she planned had been beautiful. 
 
 But besides chasing flower girls, find rings and their bearers, the worst part were the speeches. The Maid of Honor, a stunner in blue, cried as she spoke about college and how she knew the bride would be ecstatic. The blushing bride dabbed small tears off her cheeks. She would never let loose on the water works. No, she was too poised, too graceful for that. 
 
 Finally it was my turn. I had to tell my best friend and the love of my life, now a married couple, how I wished them well. I had my two index cards: one, a heart-wrenching confession of desire and hope, the other, a traditional congratulations for a happy couple. “ Today marks a special occasion, ” I read off of the first card. 
 
 This is when I caught a glimpse of my bride looking at me. Her eyes shimmered, the pure joy she radiated hurt to look at. She grabbed my friend ’ s arm and just smiled. Although I had known her for almost ten years, I had never seen her smile be more genuine. “ Woah, wait! This card is all wrong! Let me fix that, ” I said. I over acted the act of getting out the right card for the audience who let out a polite laugh. 
 
 I read my traditional speech, tears were shed, and everyone looked so pleased. As I reached the end of my card, I added a bit, “ I love both of you more than you will ever know, and above all else, I hope you two have a lifetime of happiness. ” With that, my bride kissed her groom, and I dismissed myself due to “ stomach issues. ” 

