I Can’t Wait To Cry At My Best Friend’s Wedding

“I saw her in the club and thought, well I HAVE to talk to her.”

We were walking back from Gunwharf Quays, in Portsmouth, and that was part of the first conversation we had about you two.

I didn’t think much of it. Guys talk to girls in clubs all the time and Danny wasn’t short on confidence. Instead of being happy for him I thought “man, I wish I could do that.”

I think I knew you were “serious” (what does that even mean? You guys laughed more than any couple I knew.) when we were on TOUR and he wasn’t interested in any girls.

Let me be clear: these girls were mostly athletes, mostly drunk, and mostly up for “it.” And he didn’t give a shit.

When I saw you together for the first time I couldn’t take my eyes off you. I was so happy for you both. I longed for what you had.

The way he looked at you. It makes me smile just thinking about it. You’re everything to him. I would say sorry for letting that secret out but I doubt you two have secrets.

When I’m ready for a woman in my life, in 17 years time, I want a love that has as much fire on day 1,000 as it did on day 1.

I want a love like yours.

A love where you care for each other, laugh with (and at) each other, and SUPPORT each other.

I put support in capitals because you two helped me realise how important it is to me.

Whether it was Danny with his CIM, or Cherida with her business… you just always seemed there for each other.

I don’t know what goes on behind closed doors. No, I don’t mean that. But I mean in private. And I never will. And that’s another reason I want a love like yours.

I’m getting really emotional writing this. I’ve got a few tears in my eyes. I wish I wasn’t in this damn coffee shop.

But that’s not important. What’s important is what I’ve learned from you.

If you’ve taught me anything it’s that the phrase “long distance relationships don’t work” is a bullshit excuse for people who aren’t in love.

You know me. I love it SO much when people defy the status quo. And you did. I couldn’t help but love you both even more.

You were 5 hours away from each other for 3 years. And now you’re getting married.

I was so happy when Danny told me he was going to propose (yes, boys discuss it too). And I had the biggest smile on my face when you, Cherida, put it on Facebook.

It was a strange happiness because it had absolutely nothing to do with me and everything to do with you.

I hope that shows you how much you mean to me.

I can’t wait to cry at your wedding.

I love you both.