“That’s the plan,” I agree.
His lips thin and he stares at me for a beat and then he turns and we walk up the front steps together.
I’ll give him time. That’s the least I can do. Hopefully, he’ll come around.
I tuck everything else away and focus on where I’m needed for the rest of the day.
McKenna and the bridesmaids are getting ready in her cabin, and the groomsmen in the main house.
The string quartet, band, DJ and wedding coordinator arrive. And then guests start filling chairs in the late afternoon.
Before I know it, I’m on the back porch with the other groomsmen. The bridesmaids all parade in front of us, walking to their spot on the other side of the barn.
Carli looks up at us.
Our eye contact lands. I hold her with my gaze. She smiles a shy smile and keeps walking, following the other bridesmaids.
I meant every word I said to Jace. He matters more than he probably knows.
She matters more.
Blaire approaches the porch and ushers us to the front ofthe lawn where the arch Luke and I made is draped with gauzy material and flowers.
I take my place at the end of the groomsmen.
The string quartet starts to play.
Westley walks up and in front of the arch next to the pastor.
The bridesmaids walk up the aisle one by one. When Carli rounds the barn, my eyes tear up. She’s beautiful. I discreetly rub under my eye with my thumb.
Her eyes meet mine and she smiles. My smile breaks out like a bird that’s been caged.
The music changes and my sister comes around the corner, her arm linked in Dad’s. She’s smiling so widely it’s like she swallowed the sun. She glances at her guests briefly but her eyes keep returning to Westley. I look over at him. He’s wiping tears. And then he lets out a full-blown sob. If any of us had any hesitation as to whether he’s the one for her, he just sealed the deal.
When Dad hands McKenna off to Westley, he wipes tears. We’re all crying or trying not to at this point. I glance at Mom. She’s got a handkerchief out, dabbing her cheeks.
Carli and I didn’t ruin this day. And it’s not about us in the least. McKenna and Westley are the only thing on anyone’s mind right now.
They read their vows to one another. I only understand about half of what they say because they weave private jokes between their promises. Their voices carry across the lawn, steady and sure. Around me, the guests sit silently, as if they’re collectively holding their breath.
The pastor smiles and raises his voice. “I now pronounce you man and wife.” Then he says, “You may kiss the bride.”
Westley dips my sister in a dramatic kiss that’s so them—the social media influencer and the Hollywood director.
The guests burst into applause.
Dustin whoops and shouts, “That’s what I’m talkin’ about!”
And then my sister and her new husband run down the aisle, hand in hand.
The wedding party files out in pairs. My eyes are on Carli until she slips out of sight around the side of the barn.
As soon as we’re past the rows of chairs, I aim for the last spot I saw Carli.
The photographer, Bryce, approaches me. “Family photos, Cody. Could you head back to the arch on the lawn?”
I glance in the direction where Carli disappeared. “Yeah. Sure. Coming.”
