Nova, Linc’s sister, is next.
“Oh shit, that’s my girl too,” he adds when Casey appears, looking like a knockout. “Christ. Should bridesmaids be that hot?”
“That’s my daughter you’re talking about,” Coach James scoffs from the row behind us, making the guys chuckle.
The second Casey joins Sutton, standing opposite Rett, her eyes find Kodie’s. And holy hell, the look they share threatens to engulf the entire room in flames.
I just about resist the urge to fan my face when the music changes again.
While everyone around me turns to watch the bride’s arrival, I keep my sights set on Linc and his best man.
Their expressions when Parker takes the aisle are something I never want to forget.
There is so much love, awe, and pride in both of their eyes. And when Linc’s hand lifts to wipe his eye, my tears begin. And they don’t slow when Parker gets to the front and Linc finally gets his hands on her. Laughter erupts when he pulls her into his body and kisses her long before officially making her his wife, and it only gets louder when Everett gently slaps him around the head and mutters about that being his sister. I sob throughout the entire ceremony. Tissues are constantly thrust at me from every direction, ensuring my laughter never dies. By the time Linc and Parker are announced as husband and wife, I’m surrounded by crumpled tissues, and I have no doubt my makeup is nonexistent.
“And there I was, thinking Rett was taking the tissue thing a little far,” Calvin says, looking at the mess.
“Never doubt the abilities of a pregnant woman, Calvin,” Hailee deadpans.
“That was so beautiful. And look how happy they are,” I choke out, watching Linc and Parker practically float down the aisle together.
Sutton follows them out, waving wildly as she passes, followed by Everett and Casey. But as they pass us, and Everett gets a closer look at the state of me, I can see the indecision on his face. He wants to stop and come to me, but he’s under strict orders by the wedding planner to walk Casey out.
‘I’m okay,’ I mouth, wiping more tears away.
“Come on, Momma,” Hailee says once we’ve filed out of our row. “Let’s find the bathrooms and get you cleaned up before any more photos are taken.”
Freya joins us, and only a couple of minutes later, we find ourselves standing in front of a huge, gilded mirror, touching up our makeup. Some of us need more work than others. Hailee just refreshes her gloss.
“It was such a beautiful service,” Freya breathes. “I felt every ounce of their love as they said their vows. I can’t imagine having so many people watching, though.”
“Yeah, it’s daunting for sure,” Hailee says. To Freya, I’m sure it’s just an innocent observation, but to me, there is so much more to it. I can only imagine the size of the wedding Hailee had to endure when she married into the Jeffersons. Her eyes jump to mine in a panic, but I keep my mouth shut. Her past is her story to tell, not mine. “I guess the guys are used to it, though. This is a tiny crowd compared to what they’re used to.”
“You’re not going to have something this big?” I ask Freya.
“Not a chance.”
“You should elope. Disappear just the two of you and come back married. Sounds like the perfect way to do it, if you ask me. Removes all the pressure and stress.”
“Yeah,” Freya muses, deep in thought. “We have considered it. But we do want some people there.”
“Then take them with you. Do it on a private white sandy beach at dusk, somewhere exotic?”
Freya stares at Hailee as if she’s just learning something new about the Vipers PR Director.
“Hailee, are you secretly a bit of a romantic?” she asks.
The look of horror that passes Hailee’s face has me choking back laughter.
“What? No. Of course not. The photos would look nice, is all.”
Freya raises a brow. “Sure. The photos. Nothing to do with the man of your dreams staring into your eyes as the sun sets on the horizon?”
“There isn’t a man who would ever fulfil my dreams. They’re all…ugh. No. Just…no.”
“That’s what they all say,” Freya mocks as we finish up.
“What time is the food being served?” I ask as we leave the restroom. “I’m starving.”
