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Matt Casey made a mental note to thank Stella Kidd- Severide for her taste in bridesmaids’ dresses as he watched Sylvie on the dance floor with Stella and the rest of the bridesmaids, twirling around in her red dress.
He hadn’t known what to expect of her dress, but he hadn’t expected the low cut V-neck or the exposed back, and he definitely hadn’t expected the slit in the floor-length gown to go so high on her thigh.
Sylvie Brett always looked gorgeous. He found her just as beautiful, maybe even more so, when they were laying on the couch in sweats as when she was all dressed up to the nines.
Matt thought Sylvie looked most beautiful when she was happiest, and surrounded by all her friends on the dance floor, she was practically glowing with happiness, the smile never leaving her face.
As the song switched from the upbeat pop song to a slow song, Matt took it as his cue to make his way to the dance floor; as soon as his hand landed on her back, Sylvie spun around towards him, a wide smile on her face.
“May I have this dance?”
“Absolutely.” Sylvie grinned. “Took you long enough to ask.”
Matt laughed, pulling her close to him. “I didn’t want to monopolize you, because now that I’ve got you in my arms, I’m not letting you go the rest of the night.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him for a kiss that ended too quickly for both of them. “Well, I will not complain about that.”
“Have I mentioned tonight how beautiful you are?”
“Twice, actually.” Sylvie smiled. “I love you.”
“I love you too.”
One dance had quickly turned into five, until Matt felt someone tap his shoulder and forced his eyes away from Sylvie, surprised to see Stella looking at him expectantly.
“I’m gonna steal you for a dance, Captain.” Stella smiled. “And it’s my day, so don’t you dare try to complain.”
“Wasn’t planning on it.”
“And Sylvie, Sev’s waiting for you for a dance.”
A look of surprise flashed across Sylvie’s face before she smiled and nodded. “I’ll go find him then.”
“I thought for sure I’d have to argue with you.” Stella laughed.
“I’d never say no to a bride on her wedding day.” He chuckled. “Especially not to you. You’re one of my best friends, you know.”
“Right back at you.”
“I haven’t really had the chance today to tell you how happy I am for you, both of you.”
“You told me. You told everybody.” Stella exclaimed. “It was a beautiful toast, by the way. I think Kelly almost teared up, not that he’ll ever admit that.”
“No, never.” Matt laughed. “It’s not exactly the same as telling you congratulations, and telling you that you make a beautiful bride.”
Stella’s smile turned teasing, and he knew what was coming next; he’d already heard it from Kelly.
“I’m surprised you noticed. I didn’t think you took your eyes off Sylvie the entire ceremony.”
“Guilty.” He admitted with a laugh.
“You’re welcome, by the way.” She smirked. “She is a knockout in that dress.”
“You do have good taste.”
“Aren’t you glad I’m not one of those brides that puts their friends in hideous dresses to make themselves feel better?” Stella laughed as the song ended. “I better go find my husband . That’s so weird to say.”
Matt hugged Stella and then watched her walk away until Sylvie came into view; Stella stopped her, grabbing her wrist and whispering something to her, earning a laugh and eye roll as Sylvie nodded.
“What was that about?”
“She was warning me, it’s almost time for the bouquet toss. Such a silly tradition.” Sylvie smiled. “I know you’re not a big fan of dancing, so if you want to go sit down, I don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind dancing when I’m dancing with you.” Matt put his hand on her waist, pulling her against him. “And I told you earlier, I want you in my arms the rest of the night.”
“So, I talked to Chloe earlier and since I did so much of the planning and set up, she and Violet are going to stick around and handle everything here tonight, which means we’re free to go as soon as Sev and Stella head out.” Sylvie smirked before stepping closer to whisper in his ear. “Which is great, because as gorgeous as this dress is, I’m quite eager to take it off.”
Matt’s grip on her waist tightened as she pressed a light kiss on his jawline; they’d been together for six months and he still wasn’t used to flirty Sylvie.
He didn’t think he ever would be, and that was okay with him; she shocked him on a daily basis and he loved it.
“I’m quite eager to get you out of it.”
“I’m going to ask everybody except the single ladies to clear the dance floor, it’s time for the bouquet toss!”
Sylvie sighed at the DJ’s announcement. “A silly tradition.”
“I’ll be waiting for you with champagne when it’s over.”
“Wish me luck.” Sylvie laughed. “I almost got an elbow to the face at Chloe and Cruz’s wedding from some overly excited, drunk girl.”
“Be careful.” He kissed her quickly, letting go of her waist. Matt walked off the dance and headed straight for the open bar. “Two champagnes, please.”
Kelly leaned against the bar next to Matt, undoing his bowtie. “Make that four, please.”
“You look ready to get out of here.” Matt laughed.
“I am.” He grinned. “I haven’t even gotten to steal a single minute alone with Stella all night.”
The bartender handed them their champagne glasses, and they both turned around to have a view of the dance floor where all the women had gathered; Sylvie was off to the side, where he imagined she would be safest from elbows flying.
“Why is this a thing? What does catching a bunch of flowers have to do with getting married next?”
“Absolutely no clue, but I’ve seen women get straight up vicious about it.” Kelly laughed. “We all know who’s next.”
Kelly shot him a knowing smirk; Matt took a drink of his champagne and ignored him, keeping his eyes on Sylvie.
“Play nice, ladies!” Stella shouted before tossing the bouquet over her shoulder.
The bouquet flew straight towards Sylvie, who reached up and caught it right before it could hit her; Matt felt Kelly’s hand on his shoulder and knew, without looking, that his best friend was grinning at him.
“Well, look at that.”
Matt said nothing, and Kelly walked towards the dance floor as Sylvie walked off it, making a beeline straight for him.
“No elbows to the face.” Sylvie laughed. “It’s still just a ridiculous tradition, but the flowers are pretty.”
The bouquet toss might just be a ridiculous tradition, but Matt knew they would be next; he had a small black velvet box tucked safely away in his desk to prove it.