Colin threw him a look under narrowed brows. “You lookin’ for trouble?” He breathed out a heavy sigh. “What’s going on right this minute?”
“Nate and the kids are lining the aisle and arch with flowers, then moving the archway to the dock next to your iPad stand.”
“Are Trent and Jeff still asleep?”
“Dunno. Breakfast is in twenty minutes, so they’re probably getting dressed. Trent has to go get Sophie at nine, and then he and Jeff—and probably Sophie—are heading to the airport to pick up Jeff’s folks.”
Colin threw his slacks a dirty look, then husked out a disgusted sigh and reached for his jeans, wincing out a short groan as he did so.
“Pain?”
“Ah, it’s the rib. If I stretch too far, it reminds me that it’s cracked.”
A knock sounded on the cabin door, and Joshua opened it on a grinning Trent. “How’s Pastor Campbell this morning?”
“Pissed!” Colin told him, sliding his jeans over his legs. “My dress pants won’t fit over the goddamn cast.”
“What the hell do we care?” Trent asked. “We’ll be just as married no matter what you’re wearing.”
“Jeans with my suit jacket?” Colin asked.
Trent shrugged his indifference. “I’m heading out to get Sophie. I should be back in a half hour or so. Is there anything you need?”
“Yeah,” Colin grumbled, then tapped his cast. “A chainsaw.”
Trent barked out a laugh, then patted Colin’s arm and moved out the door, shaking his head and snapping out a final order to his patient. “Leave your castalone!”
As Colin and Joshua walked toward the dining hall, they noticed that the path leading to the lake was now lined with small baskets of flowers and that the arch under which the two grooms would stand had been set up on the dock and was also adorned with flowers.
In the dining hall, Jeff stood near the head table, talking to his nature hike and terrarium-building class. At the center of the table rested a beautiful terrarium jar, which, unknown to him, had been created by his class in honor of his and Trent’s wedding day.
The terrarium jar itself was a large round glass vessel, its clear surface catching the soft glow of the dining hall lights. Inside, layers of rich dark soil and fine white sand created a striking foundation, leading up to a carefully arranged miniature landscape.
At the center, a small jade plant, pruned and shaped with care, stood like a tiny tree, its thick, twisting branches giving the illusion of a bonsai. Surrounding it were clusters of vibrant green moss, delicate ferns, and small succulents, creating a lush,woodland feel. A few carefully placed river stones and a piece of driftwood added to the natural, serene aesthetic.
Nestled among the greenery, almost hidden, was a tiny wooden heart carved with Trent and Jeff’s initials—a special touch from one of his campers. This terrarium wasn’t just a decoration; it was a living, breathing tribute to love, growth, and the deep-rooted connections the campers and counselors had formed during Camp Pride.
As Colin and Joshua moved toward the group, they saw Jeff wipe tears from his cheeks before reaching to embrace his students. When they reached Jeff’s side, Colin leaned over the magnificent centerpiece, giving out a long, low whistle of admiration as he examined it from every angle. “Mygod, Jeff! That’s beautiful!”
Jeff drew in a shaky breath, both arms still wrapped around the shoulders of his students. “I had no idea,” he choked out. “None at all.” He turned to face them, still wiping tears from his eyes. “Trent and I will cherish this always. It will have a place of honor in our home forever.” He clasped his hands over his heart and bowed, “Thank you.”
“And no worries, Teach,” Oliver told him with a wide smile. “We didn’t pickanyof the flowers.” He leaned toward Jeff and whispered: “We bought most of it, but wedidsnag some stones from the river.”
Joshua, after admiring the terrarium, patted Jeff’s shoulder. “I hate to break this up, but you’re due at the airport in an hour or so.”
Jeff embraced his students one last time, then waved as he headed toward the door. “I'll be back later!”
“You’d better be!” yelled Colin.
Everyone had finishedbreakfast and were helping the decorating crew transform the dining hall into a lovely reception hall for Trent and Jeff, when the campers erupted in a round of applause and a chorus of cheers. Turning, they saw Trent enter with Sophie at his side, adorned in her beautiful flower girl dress. She spotted Colin and ran to greet him, with her father in hot pursuit. “Easy, Sophie! Uncle Colin’s hurt! Don’t hug him too hard.”
Colin laughed and returned her embrace, then took her hand in his and turned her in a circle. “My god, you get more beautiful every time I see you! Look at you!”
Sophie blushed and smiled up at him. “Thanks, Uncle Colin.” Then turned to embrace Joshua.
“He’s right, you know,” Joshua added, smiling down at Trent’s daughter. “You’re growing up way too fast.”
“Where’s Pops?” she asked.
