“You might want to head home, then. Cooper and I will close the place up.”
I offered him a grateful smile. “Awesome. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
Holding hands, we departed.
And less than twenty-four hours later, I stood with Lachlan. He was grumbling about the white rabbit as he waited to escort our mother down the aisle.
“Just think, you might’ve wound up as the Queen of Hearts.”
“I could’ve been the King of Hearts.”
“You’ll always be in my heart.” I smacked his ass as I shoved him toward our waiting parents.
He turned back and pulled me into a fierce hug. “I just want you to be happy. After everything…”
I knew what he meant. After all my parents had put me through. After growing up in Mission City. Heart of Cedar Valley. Well within the bible belt. My queerness hadn’t gone over well, and I’d lost a few of friends.
Maddie, Amber, and Holly standing by me had meant everything.
I owed them so much more than I could ever express.
Which was why, when they’d shown up this morning to help me get ready, I’d let them in. I just wanted to look as good as I could for Stephanie. The rest of the world didn’t matter.
And then, as my father walked me down the aisle and kissed my cheek, I found things settling. Nerves no longer jangled. He sat next to my mother in the front row and they held hands. Hebeamed with pride. My mother even clutched a handkerchief. They’d come so damn far.
Lachlan squeezed my shoulder—almost as if he knew what I was thinking.
Stephanie’s parents sat directly across the aisle. They’d been welcoming of my staid and stiff family—always finding ways to include them, so today would just be another occasion to get together. I fiercely appreciated the Gander family more today than I ever had before.
The harpist began to strum Stephanie’s favorite Lorenna McKennitt tune—something Celtic I’d come to love as well—and the audience turned.
Stephanie, resplendent in a gown we’d chosen together, glided down the aisle on Cooper’s arm. We’d forgone veils, but she wore a crown of wildflowers on her flowing blonde hair.
She looked like an ethereal goddess.
Cooper, in his smart suit, grinned from ear to ear.
I’d loved him from the first—the protective older brother who’d do anything for his baby sister.
Their three sisters sat in the second row with their husbands. As much as I loved my soon-to-be nieces and nephews, I was grateful we’d chosen today to be adults-only. Plus, that meant we didn’t have to pick who would be ring bearer and flower girl. Plenty to pick from.
Coop kissed Stephanie’s cheek, then placed her hands in mine.
I blinked.
Happy tears, I told myself.
“I love you.” I took in a deep breath. “From the moment I saw you, on the side of the road, I thoughtthere’s something special about her. My heart was gone, even though you hadn’t spoken a word. And I know that makes it sound like I was only attracted to you because of your looks. I mean, you’re gorgeous and that’s obvious, but I saw more. Because, for the first time in my life, Ifelt seen. Like you would understand me. I asked you out. You didn’t laugh. You smiled and saidof course. We’ve been together ever since, and my love for you has only grown. Your family…” I swallowed.
“We love you too.” Cooper stage-whispered loudly over Stephanie’s shoulder.
Our guests laughed.
“You give me hope in a world where sometimes there isn’t any. I love you for that.”
Stephanie blinked. “You’re going to make me cry.” Then she smiled. “I think we’re supposed to like, pledge ourselves first…or something…”
We both glanced at Geneva.
