I made my peace with my father before he died, and I was at his bedside with Tucker and Felix as he passed away. Dad made us promise to make more time for each other, and I had a big heart-to-heart with my brothers after the funeral. They were aware of some things and not others. Tears were shed, apologies offered, and promises made. So far, we are making time to get to know one another, and I’m enjoying spending time with my nieces and nephews. The time difference and distance between us doesn’t help, but we’ve visited them in New York, and they’ve come here a couple of times, and we’re making it work.
I didn’t think I needed family in my life, but I’m glad to be proven wrong.
Heather and Jared have grown even closer after the revelations. Jared chose not to tell Heather the truth about how their mum died. She believes she drowned on vacation and that it was karma at play.
“Give Auntie Sydney her gift,” my brother says, encouraging his son and Heather’s daughter to come toward me.
“This is from Uncle Jared,” Jamie says, handing me a Tiffany’s bag.
“And this is from my mom,” Carrie adds, thrusting a plain white bag in my lap. I know it contains a blue garter because Heather told me she had one.
“Thank you so much.” I kiss both of them on the cheek, rubbing my lip gloss from their soft skin before they leave with my brother to get ready to walk down the aisle.
“Oh, wow,” I say, opening the large Tiffany box to find a stunning diamond and emerald necklace with matching earrings and bracelet. Jared has such good taste. These will look fabulous with my dress. I open the accompanying card and tears instantly stab my eyes.
For my beautiful bride. I cannot wait to call you my wife. I’ve been dreaming about you walking down the aisle to me my whole life. I’m so proud to call you mine and so honored to get to share my life with you. I love you so much, Sydney. Thank you for giving me a second chance.
All my love,
Jared.
“He’s so romantic.” Cay swoons as she reads over my shoulder.
“Songwriters have a special way with words.” Zeta smiles as she reads it. “Jared reminds me of Ryder in a lot of ways. They both love big.”
“That they do,” I say as I pin the earrings to my ears and put the bracelet on. Zeta clasps the necklace around my nape, and I shimmy the garter up my leg, securing it in place. Then my bridesmaids help me into my dress.
“Fuck, babe. You’re already making me cry.” Cay hastily swipes her tears as I twirl in front of the mirror.
“I’m so happy I could burst,” I admit, loving my reflection. At first, I wanted a big princess style dress because it’s what I always dreamed of. But when we settled on a beach wedding at our house in June, I knew I had to adapt my plans or risk sweating the whole day. I found a local dress designer who makes custom dresses, and we designed one to suit my needs. It’s made of white chiffon with a lace overlay. It’s strapless and fitted at the bust, and then it flows out in a full skirt from my waist, ending at my calves. Pretty ribbons tie it in place at the back, and I bought gorgeous silver stilettos and a matching bag to complete the look. The expensive jewelry and little diamonds embedded in my hair add the perfect finishing touch.
Jared had a temporary path, deck, and gazebo erected this morning on the beach for the ceremonial part of our wedding. At least this way, I can wear heels, and our guests can avoid getting sand in their shoes. After we’re married, we’re heading to the house for a champagne reception on the terrace followed by dinner, drinks, and dancing in a large marquee on the grounds.
As it’s hot today, I chose to wear my hair in an elegant chignon with a braid wrapping around the front. After dinner, I’ll take my hair down for the dancing portion of the night.
A loud rap on the door is quickly followed by a booming voice. “Are you ready, Syd? Your man is getting antsy,” Jerry says, and I smirk.
Cay strides to the door to let her husband in.
“You look beautiful, honey,” he says, his eyes lighting up as he lets his gaze roam his gorgeous wife.
“You look so handsome in your suit.” She straightens his tie.
“You look beautiful too, Zeta,” he says before his eyes pop wide when he looks at me. “Oh, wow, Sydney. You are stunning. Jared will be falling to his knees and worshipping at your feet.”
“As he should,” Cay says. “He’s a lucky bastard.”
“He more than knows it.”
The guys have become good friends, and Jerry is almost like the fourth member of Ruminate at this point. If he had any musical talent, I wouldn’t be surprised if they’d rope him into joining them.
Jerry offers me his arm. “Ready to claim your man?”
I considered asking one of my brothers to give me away, but it didn’t feel right. It was a toss-up between Linc and Jerry in the end, but I went for my bestie’s husband because I’ve known him longer. “I was born ready.” I beam at him. “Lead the way.”
Epilogue 2
Jared
