The idea that Lyric was excited to be my husband had butterflies fluttering in my belly.
Alley took control and got everything moving. “Some of you ladies get the men downstairs and into place, I know the other guests are in their seats and ready.”
Some of my co-workers from the hospital, modeling jobs, and my manager were downstairs. Even Mabel and her husband Leo came, taking time away from the diner. Which was unheard of so I felt truly special. Then buddies of Lyric’s from the force had come too. We kept it smaller and simple the way we wanted it, but we still had a few others we wanted there beyond our close-knit group of family and friends.
“I will go have Gemma help me get all the kids with parents and those in the ceremony ready.”
Everyone shuffled past me and Gramps. He took my arm and led me down to our spot to wait for my time to walk down the aisle. I hated that I couldn't see Patience and the kids go first, but we had a videographer taping the whole thing so we had it and could always watch it.
It seemed like it took forever for my moment and then the music started to play. I looked at Gramps confused, wondering if something was wrong, it wasn’t the wedding march.
He smiled. “Your man had a surprise planned.”
And that was when I realized people were singing. Not just any people either, but Lyric’s parents.
The notes and their magical voices washed through me and goosebumps broke out all over my body at the words coming from their lips.
I finally found someone,by Barbra Streisand and Bryan Adams echoed in my ears. Lyric’s father’s amazing voice sang about finally finding someone who makes you feel complete. Then his mother’s heavenly voice chimed in about two people starting over coffee and as friends. And how simple things such as that can be how the best things begin.
I was transfixed as the rest of the words they sang floated to my ears and couldn’t help but think how perfect it was to describe Lyric and me. Before, I knew what was happening. I was moving down the aisle, led by my Gramps.
While I felt people staring at me, it was only one pair of eyes that I could see. Lyric’s mesmerizing gaze looked at me and saw everything I was feeling inside. Tears glistened in his bottom lids as he watched me walk toward him.
I passed white wooden chairs on both sides of me that had red sashes draped over them and walked on bright yellow rose petals that had been left on the burlap aisle runner by the kids. We decided on red and yellow to decorate. Our relationship had been all about friendship and love so they were the model colors to unite us. And then my soon-to-be husband had found the ultimate song to tie it all in.
When we reached the end of the path, Lyric stepped out from under the wooden arch decorated with white wispy cloth draped over the top and red and yellow roses attached to each end.
It felt like a fairytale.
The song finished and everyone quieted. But then Autumn ran to us and wrapped her arms around our legs causing sweet murmurs and awes. We wouldn’t do it without her.
Lyric held out his hand to me and our sweet girl as a deep voice called out, “Who gives this beautiful lady away to this ugly mutt in front of me?”
My gaze snapped to Kace who was smirking at himself. Gyth who stood next to him backhanded him across the chest while everyone lost it and laughed.
We couldn’t decide who should do the ceremony so we went with both. They were sharing duties and I knew it would be eventful. It started off hilarious right out of the gate. Kace provided comedy and Gyth, loving wisdom.
“I do,” my Gramps answered. He kissed my cheek and went to his seat.
As Lyric led me and Autumn back to the arch, I looked at my brother who mouthed that he loved me and I returned the words, silently. Then I glanced at Patience whose gaze was on Jett’s with a dreamy look in her eyes. She loved their friendship but was that all it was? The moment was broken as her gaze snapped to mine and she smiled.
Lyric turned us to face one another and took my hands in his while Autumn didn’t let go of either of our legs, hugging them tight the whole time.
“You found a song for us,” I whispered.
“I did and every word is true. I love you so much, Red.”
“And I love you, Mr. Knight.”
Hands clapped together, grabbing our attention.
“Okay, let’s get to the vows so you can say all that mushy stuff and get to the kissing,” Kace said, causing more laughter.
“Man,” Gyth said, shaking his head. “I remember you not so long-ago calling Lyric a dumbshit, but I think the only dumbshit here is you.”
A giggle interrupted the moment.
“Uncle Gyth, that's two infractions and you owe me money for both,” Embry called out.
