“Yeah, I think you’re right.”
My dad laughs as he lifts his glass to his lips. “Can’t hear that enough as a parent.”
“Trust me. I’m beginning to understand that feeling all too well. Ellis already thinks she knows everything.”
“I’d love to tell you that it gets better, but that would be a lie.”
“Yeah, I think I’d like to stay in the dark about that for just a little while longer.”
Little did I know just how dark things could get.
***
“Fletcher,” my sister starts to say her vows as she dabs under her eyes with a tissue. “I have loved you since I was fifteen, and I can’t believe that I get to love you for the rest of our lives.”
You can hear sniffles from the guests, and I can’t deny that I’m getting a little choked up standing across the aisle behind Fletcher, watching my little sister battle through her vows with some emotional composure.
“You say that I’m your angel, but you are mine. You’ve watched over me and loved me for so long that there’s no possible way we don’t belong together in this life and the next. I can’t wait to grow old with you, have babies with you, and show you what true love really is—because that’s what you’ve shown me. I love you, Fletcher Jared Adams, and I can’t believe that I finally get to be your wife.”
My eyes find Vienna in the audience, who is wiping away tears under her eyes as well.
Fuck,Iwant those things withhertoo.
Goddamn it, I’m so in love with her.
“Laney,” Fletcher starts, clearing his throat and pulling me back to the moment as my entire body ignites with awareness. I have to fight the urge to rush over to Vienna and tell her everything that’s on my mind, because if I did that during my sister’s wedding, she’d never forgive me—personal epiphany or not.
“Shit, I’m sorry. You’re making me cry, angel, and I told you not to,” Fletcher explains. Everyone lets out a laugh, but Laney sticks her tongue out at her future husband. Once the laughter has died down, he finds his footing again. “You know better than anyone how you saved me when I didn’t think life would ever be kind. Your strength, your kindness, your love—it’s everything I need. As long as I have you by my side, I know that we’re golden. You have me—mind, body, andsoul. I am yours, always have been, and always will be. I can’t wait to watch you sign your name as Laney Adams. It’s been a long time coming, and today is the start of our forever.”
There is not a dry eye in the vicinity, including my own.
Something about watching my baby sister and one of my best friends promise to love each other is making every piece of the puzzle that’s been taunting me for months slide right into place.
They’re standing here today, making vows to each other with no clue how the rest of their lives will go. Something could happen to either one of them at the drop of a hat, and yet, they’re declaring their faith in each other in front of their family and closest friends, telling us out loud that they’re willing to take the risk.
So why can’t I do that too?
I can’t believe I ever doubted what I feel for Vienna, or how hard I’ve fought it. Funny how when you see someone else find their happiness, it can inspire you to find your own.
I know that tomorrow is never guaranteed. Life has taught me that plenty of times already. But I’m tired of living in fear or letting days and years slip away when the woman I met a little over two months ago is opening my eyes to so many possibilities for the future.
I loved Sarah, and I always will. But she’s not here anymore.
Vienna is here though, and her soul is the one I want a chance at a future with now.
As soon as the officiant pronounces Laney and Fletcher husband and wife, cheering erupts, echoing throughout the courtyard of the winery. Guests settle in for a cocktail hour while the wedding party and family take photos, and then the outdoor reception starts. My sister wanted the reception to be outside, which was a risky decision, given you can never be too sure what kind of weather Blossom Peak can have during the first week of June.
But my mom must have pulled some strings upstairs because the skies are clear, stars twinkle in the distance, and there’s not even a breeze to disturb the beautiful night.
When it’s time for speeches, Dilynne proves she is and always will be, a tough act to follow. I’m sitting next to Fletcher at the head table, waiting for my turn. But my eyes keep moving over to check on Vienna and Ellis. My daughter is sitting on Vienna’s lap eating her fourth cupcake with rainbow sprinkles, but tonight? I’m just going to let it happen. Cavities be damned.
Fuck. Being in love is making me soft about my morals.
“Fletcher Adams, I am happy to tell you that your nickname of Lucifer has officially been retired. Now, I’m going to call you Mr. Laney Hart.” People raise their glasses in the air while laughing. “I always had faith that you and my best friend would find your way back to each other, but I didn’t realize that when you did, it would mean having to trust you to take care of her.” Dilynne clears her throat as she gets choked up. “Just know, that you may be her husband now, but this girl is my person and always will be. I’m willing to share her, though, and the only reason why I’m okay with this marriage is because I know you’ll protect her as fiercely as I would. You two make people like me believe in love—because if she can go from calling you Lucifer to her husband, then there’s hope for the rest of us.”
“I knew I shouldn’t have let her make a speech,” my sister mutters on the other side of Fletcher, laughing through her tears.
Dilynne lets a tear slip free, which shocks those of us close to her. The woman is a professional at keeping her emotions in check, but I know that her love for my sister is what’s making this night even more special.
