“I thought Meg was going to stab him with a fork!” Archer laughed and slapped his thigh.
“Before we have round two of the Svensson brothers’ retrospective, the Hunter edition,” I said, standing up and taking the microphone, “I did want to say a few words as the best man. When I first moved to Harrogate, I wanted to have a safe place for my brother to grow up. The wholesome community and the picturesque small-town setting were appealing. Obviously, as evidenced by the wedding festival going on down the street, Harrogate is not as it seemed. I had heard that there were other kids from decent families, and I thought Alfie might have some playmates. Instead, we found the Svenssons.”
The crowd laughed.
“While unorthodox, the Svenssons have become more than neighbors: they’re like family now—a terrible, chaotic family. Hunter has been a fantastic friend, not just a good model of how to be a mostly upstanding member of the community. He not only takes excellent care of his brothers but also helped push me out of my comfort zone. The biggest effect he’s had on me, however, is knowing when not to let go of the person you love the most.” I raised my glass. “Here’s to you, Hunter. And I hope to have an event like this very soon, though probably without the festival.”
Amy grinned at me from two tables away.
Hunter laughed and took the mic.
“Thanks, Sebastian. But unfortunately for you, the wedding festival has been such a boon for local businesses that it’s going to be a biannual event. I hope you’re ready for llamas, goats, hot-air balloons, and the whole works.”
I kissed Amy after the speeches were over. “Do you want to have a wedding festival with me?” I asked her.
“I think I might need a bit to recover fromthiswedding festival,” she replied, smiling.
“I forgot you’re neck-deep in weddings.”
I nuzzled her neck, and she fed me a bite of lobster bisque. Her phone rang, and she silenced it. Then it buzzed with an incoming message.
Amy froze midbite of soup as she stared at the screen, mouth hanging open.
“What?” I asked, wondering if something terrible had happened.
“Look!” She shoved the phone at me.
There on the screen was an engagement announcement. Kelsey and my father were pictured in the image. There was a note to Amy.
Kelsey:We just got engaged! *heart emoji* *champagne emoji!*
Kelsey:You all are the best in the biz, obviously. I heard you might have an empty slot for me. *Heart eyes emoji*
I handed the phone back to Amy.
“Are you going to take her as a client?”
Amy snorted.
“After recent events, Ivy instituted a no-drama policy. We’ll have to tell her we’re booked up. Besides, after Meg’s wedding, I’m going to need a vacation!”
* * *
I was goingto need a vacation, too, or at least a nap.
At least Meg and Hunter’s wedding-day weather was perfect. The sun rose early in the cool morning. I even had the privilege of watching the whole sunrise with Amy after being up all night with her, helping with the wedding decorations.
“I don’t know how you all do it,” I said, sitting on a couch in the Broughton estate while Amy and her friends raced around, putting the final touches on the wedding.
“At least Meg didn’t want all the flowers painted a different color,” Amy said. “It can always be worse.”
“Paint the flowers?”
“Old wedding trick,” she said, kissing me.
“Wow, this place looks amazing!” Meg gushed, walking in with a large box filled with food and coffee.
She snickered when she saw me and handed me a cup of coffee. I sipped it gratefully.
