Liam
Sam hands me a glass of whiskey, but I shake my head.
“Too nervous to drink.”
He and Will exchange a look behind the rims of their glasses, like they’re about to tie me down to make sure I go through with this wedding, but I laugh before they can say anything.
“Not like that,” I clarify. “I’m nervous because I’m excited.”
I move to the door and peek out into the sanctuary. The church is nearly full, sunlight pouring through the stained-glass windows like something holy. It’s almost time.
Almost time to marry the woman I fell in love with twice—once when I was too stupid to know it, and once when I was smart enough to never let her go again. Thank god Phern was there to help Olive with all of the details. I don’t know what we would have done without her. And Will, if I’m being honest.
Ora and my mom sit in the front pew, each cradling one of our daughters. My damn chest cracks wide open at the sight. White dresses. Tiny bows. Matching little shoes that Oliveswears they’ll kick off the second we blink. They look like tiny angels. Just like their momma.
“Ah, hell,” Sam says. “He’s got that look in his eyes again.”
Will raises an eyebrow. “You mean the lovesick one? Happens every time he sees those babies or Olive in sweatpants.”
Sam grins. “Can’t blame him. I get the same look every time I see Sam Jr and my beautiful wife.”
Will deadpans, “You got that look when you saw a cinnamon roll last week.”
“Also true,” Sam says, unbothered.
I turn to Will, who’s lounging like he’s got nowhere to be. “You ever gonna settle down?”
“Me? Nah,” he says, grinning. “The bar is my wife. And she’s a jealous lover.”
I snort. “We really need to get you laid.”
Will grimaces. “I saw Olive’s maid of honor. Pretty sure she taught Jesus in kindergarten.”
“She’s sixty,” I clarify.
“And Ruby’s pushing ninety. You stacked that bridal party against me.”
“Sorry,” I say, grinning. “Olive picked who she wanted.”
And she wanted Connie. Her old boss. The woman who gave her a job when she needed direction. Phern, her best friend. And Ruby, who practically raised this whole damn town. None of them are traditional. But that’s the point.
Nothing about Olive’s love is ordinary. And today? Today, it’s mine.
A knock at the door pulls all of our attention. Phern stands in the doorway, arms crossed.
My heart lurches, panic rising.
“What is it?” I ask, already halfway to her.
She sighs like this is somehow my fault. “Apparently, this is my life now.”
“Phern.” My voice sharpens.
She gives me a long, weighted look. “Olive would like a word.”
That’s all I need.
I push past her before she can add another word, heart thudding like a war drum. I think I hear Sam laugh behind me, but I’m already moving too fast to care.
