I’ve joked with Mal about the O'Reilly’s being Mage Hollow royalty, but this makes me feel like maybe they actually are on another level of wealthy.
Reaching the first-floor entry, a large wooden door stands open, with windows cut out in four equal rectangles. Large topiaries with white and blush flowers dot each side. The group in front of me shuffles in, and I follow, captivated by a double-sided marble staircase that sits just inside.
"Welcome," another man greets me. "Are you here for the bride or the groom?"
Shit! Did I just accidentally crash a wedding?
"Oh, um…" I quickly pull my cell from my bag, scanning Max’s text for the address. How embarrassing is it that I showed up at a wedding and actually thought for a second that I was in the right place? "I don’t think I’m supposed to be here. Is this Lakeview Manor?" I stammer.
He narrows his eyes at me, and the thick grey handlebar mustache adorning his upper lip curves down in disapproval. "Your name, Ms.?"
"Sadie… Wells."
Mr. Serious pulls a walkie-talkie from his back pocket and presses the button on the side as he speaks. "I have a Sadie Wells here. Is she on the guest list?"
The walkie-talkie crackles, static rolling into the open foyer like a signal to the group of lords and ladies standing near. The women shoot me a disapproving look while the men ignore it altogether.
Mabel’s voice breaks through the static, the first familiar thing I’ve heard since arriving. "Yes, she should be seated in the front row next to Thadeous."
"Follow me." The man shoves his communication device into his pants and starts toward the back of the house. "How does one not know they are invited to a wedding?" he asks judgementally.
"Well, have you met Max?" I stare at my shoes, following each step he takes. "He told me it was a family dinner," I explain.
The man chuckles, shaking his head as he pushes through a door that looks identical to the one at the front entrance. "That sounds about right, actually. Can you find your seat from here?" He steps to the side, waving his arm at the sprawling backyard that overlooks the coast.
White chairs are set up on two equal sides—at least a hundred on each. The view is breathtaking, with waves crashing on the cliff's edge, the blue of the water melting into the horizon line. A large wooden trellis sits at the end of the aisle, and it looks hand-carved with greenery draped along the top and full white flowers intermixed like stars dotting the night sky. To the right side, long white wood tables are set up with more giant blush-colored flower arrangements running the length of them. There are candles scattered everywhere, as if someone just threw them wherever they wanted, but with purpose.
"Ma’am? Did you hear me?" The man huffs, crossing his arms.
"Yes, sorry. Front row, next to Thad—"
The asshole himself turns at the same time I answer, waving to me like a lunatic from the front. Smiling softly, I grip a white handrail that lines the steps and make my way to the front. Slipping into the seat next to Thad, my mind races. I’m not prepared to be at a wedding.
"Sadie, I didn’t know you were coming." Thad elbows me, and my skin crawls. Something about him creeps me out, like a bad finance bro that can’t take a hint.
"Neither did I," I mumble, looking over my shoulder as the chairs begin to fill with guests.
The group that walked in with me takes their seats on the bride's side of the aisle, effectively blocking the view of anyone who sits behind them with their hats.
Taking stock of the situation again, my blood boils with annoyance. Why wouldn't he tell me I was coming to a wedding? My dress is fine—a sundress works for a summer wedding—but compared to the tuxes and high-end gowns surrounding me, I look unprepared.
Music rolls out over the space, a symphonic blend that’s almost soothing, and Sam walks down the aisle, taking his place at the front. My heart thumps, and emotion sticks in my throat. I don’t know Olive well, but I love what I do know about her. She’s funny and kind. I feel honored to be here to witness her day, even if I had no idea what I was walking into.
The wedding party begins its march down the aisle, with a few faces I’ve never seen and a few I have. Howie looks dapper, his hair slicked back and his deep navy tux fitted exactly right. Ariella is on his arm in a stunning pale pink satin dress. Her hair is pulled back from her face, and her makeup looks almost airbrushed on. My heart rate increases, and my palms sweat. I’m not an insecure person, but anyone would feel frumpy in this situation.
The music changes, shifting to something lighter as the parents take their seats. Max hasn't made his appearance yet—he has to be in the wedding, right? Presumably, the best man.
A wave of laughter drifts through the air, starting at the back of the seats. Sam makes direct eye contact with me, a rueful look on his face as it’s clear he’s fighting his own laughter. Turning in my seat, I glance down the aisle to see what the fuss is about.
And there’s Max.
A small baby cradled in one arm, her dress draped over him, with a basket full of flowers on the same wrist. He’s reaching in and grabbing handfuls to toss as he makes his way down. There’s a crown of flowers atop his head, some white and some pink, with a cascading ribbon that whips in the slight breeze—he’s the fucking flower girl, and I can’t hold in my laughter.
Each step he takes brings a wave of petals coasting through the air until he reaches the end of the aisle. He steps to the right, making his way to the end of our row where he hands the baby to a beautiful woman with brown skin and piercing green eyes. She smiles at the baby, cuddling it close to her chest. Max drops the basket at her feet, then steps toward me, removing the flower crown and dropping it onto my head as he crouches down. He presses a kiss to my cheek, then whispers in my ear.
"Surprise, Sade. You look stunning."
twenty-six
