“I’m just fuckin’ with ya’. Because from where I see it, you two were destined to be together from the jump.” And Brecken had a ringside seat. “If I ever get tied down, I hope I’m as happy about it as the two of you.” He chuckles.
I can’t help but pat him on the back. “Me too, buddy. Me too.”
All of a sudden, the music begins to play, and my nerves start tap dancing under my skin.Holy shit, this is it.
Ellie enters the space, a sweet redheaded toddler on each hip. All three of them are wearing matching sage-green dresses. As they make their way down the aisle, they move to stand at the front, and Matt swoops in for a kiss and to lift one of his daughters into his arms. While Char can tell them apart, they both look identical to me.
A hush falls over the crowd, and I look up just as Char enters. I freeze. She practically floats down the aisle to me. It’s all I can do to hold it together. Her long blonde hair is down around her shoulders in waves. Her dress is a winter white long sleeve lace gown with a full skirt that makes her look regal. She’s carrying a bouquet of winter-white flowers tied in a champagne-colored ribbon. She’s an absolute vision.
As she reaches my side, I can’t hold back. I take a step toward her, cup her face, and place my mouth over hers. You’d think I hadn’t seen her in months.
“You boysreallydon’t understand how this process works, do ya?” the battalion chief mutters.
Our guests break into laughter, but all I can see is her. Thosedazzling green eyes and the sweet smile I plan to thank God for every day for the rest of my life.
If you asked me to repeat what happened after that, I’d be lost. I don’t recall the vows I spoke or the placement of the rings. Only how thankful I was to be lost in her beauty, knowing she’ll own my heart for eternity.
Once the brief ceremony is over, we close the doors to the tent and settle in for Ellie’s cooking and a night of celebration. Thankfully, Char isn’t a big fan of pomp and circumstance either. There’s no way I can keep my distance from her any longer. Plus, it’s so fucking cold out, we’ve got dogs stuck to fire hydrants all over town. Good lord. Now she and Norma Jean have me talking like them.
Thinking back, it’s utterly ridiculous that there was a time I’d considered spending my life alone, for fear of ending up like my father. Harrison and my mother were right. I’m not my DNA. Well, the XY chromosomes anyway. And I’m so grateful I took a chance, because I cannot imagine how sad my life would’ve been without her.
A little of the déjà vu from the first wedding returns as we dance the night away. I didn’t think it was possible, but I’m even more smitten by this enchanting woman.
Harrison walks over and asks if he can dance with Char.
I know I need to share.But I don’t want to.“That’s fine. Just save the last dance for me.” I wink.
“Always,” she promises, causing my heart to leap in my chest.
Hell, man. She’s already married you. Calm down already.I take the opportunity to dance with my mother. She looks radiant.
“You ready for your honeymoon?”
“Um, what kind of question is that?” I chuckle.
“I just meant, since you haven’t wanted to take two steps without making sure I’m under lock and key since I moved here.”
I wince. Hell, she’s right. Yet I didn’t realize it was that obvious. The last thing I want is for my mother to feel like I’m her jailer. But I know depression isn’t something that just goes away like taking antibiotics for an infection. And I never want to let my guard down.
“David. I didn’t mean to make you feel bad. You just need to let your mom find her own way.”
I hang my head. How do I do that when?—
“I’m doing much better. I have the video sessions with my therapist each week and have a future I’m excited about. Plus, I’d never do anything to hurt you. In my bleakest moments in New Jersey, it was the one thing that sustained me. Knowing you’d been through enough. I’m sorry I wasn’t stronger back then.”
I immediately stop dancing, holding her out at arm’s length to ensure I have her full attention. “Please don’t ever apologize for anything. You fought through it as best you could. And the fact that you’re here with Char and me means more than you’ll ever know.”
She gives me that reassuring maternal smile I’ve come to count on. “I’m thrilled to have a front row seat into the amazing life you two will have together.”
“It’s not too late for you, you know. You could always meet someone. Well,not Earl! But someone.”
She snorts. Actually snorts. “One step at a time. I’m not cut out to live like Betty, but I’m happy with the way my life is right now. And don’t you worry about her. Especially while you are gone. She’d never do anything to put me in a situation I was uncomfortable in. You have nothing to be concerned about.”
“Okay. So long as you two aren’t throwing a rave in my log cabin while I’m gone,” I tease. The mental image of Earl gyrating in his cheetah thong on my coffee table makes my stomach flip.
“You two enjoy St. Augustine. Charlene is so excited to visit all of the places she’s driven by. She lights up whenever she talks about it.”
“Yeah. I was surprised that of all the places we could go, she chose there. But it sounds like it means a lot to her, for some reason.”
