Page 57 of All the Promises We Break

Dylan shakes her head. “You two never stop, do you?”

“They never have and never will, Viper. So how are we doing this?”

Wes rests a hand on my shoulder. “Leave it to the dream team.” Wes offers his hand to Hayley. “Shall we?”

Hayley bypasses his hand and loops her arm through his. “This isn’t a dream, it’s real,” she mutters. I think she doesn’t realize I can hear her. But I do.

Wes

I’m so grateful for the wedding planner. She had an epiphany at the last minute and instead of Hayley and me at a table together, she decided to seat us on either side of the bride and groom. Everything is awkward between us. I hate it. I hate it more than I thought I would. I wanted so much to tell Eli that Merlin is Hayley and to see if he could help, but again… pussy.

Hayles and I were able to work together via text and email all week. Everything was very businesslike. I would try to engage her like I did today, and it was ignored. I’m such a selfish asshole. Today is about two of my best friends being together. My shit will still be shit later.

Dinner seems to go by in a blink. Just before dessert is when Hayley and I have chosen to say a few words to everyone. She leans in and looks for my approval. That’s the first time her eyes have been kind in a week. I give her the nod to go ahead. She clinks her spoon on her wine glass a couple of times to get everyone’s attention before taking the microphone.

“I hope everyone can hear me okay. I never thought I’d have the chance to roast Eli publicly. I’ve taken more crap from him over the years, so I’d love to say I’m going to give it right back,but I’m not going to. I’ll get back to him in a minute but first I’d like to talk to Dylan.”

Hayley takes Dylan’s hand in hers. I spy Eli watching them. Hayley is the most important thing in his life next to Dylan. He’s cleaned up her scrapes, he’s dried her tears, he’s held her in moments when she needed it. I know for him this is part of his dream. He wants a sister for Hayley as much as he wants a partner for his life. Hayley’s silent moment with Dylan is sweet. What’s more unexpected is how it makes me feel.

“This may not be Eli’s first marriage, but I wish it had been. I’ve never seen him smile more, laugh more, or be more at ease with himself. The first day you and I met for real, I told you thank you for giving me my brother back. I can add I love you to the list. You’re the best sister I could have asked for. You listen when I need it. You give me a push when I need it. I’m so happy to have you in this family.

“Now, I want to thank my brother.” I watch Hayley pause. It’s another show of raw emotion for public view. Every time, it’s a little startling. All my instincts are screaming to stand beside her with a hand against her skin to comfort her. I wish I could.

With a deep inhale and exhale, she turns her attention to Eli. “Thank you for not leaving me, for always having my back, giving me the sister I always wanted but never had. But most of all, I want to thank you for being the best brother in the whole world. I wouldn’t be who I am without you. You’re my hero. I love you.”

There were several times today when holding back a tear or two was difficult. I thought I was done being choked up for the day. I was wrong. Hayley rounds the back of Dylan’s chair as Eli stands. She dives into his arms like I’ve seen her do so many times. She holds tight around his neck, and I can hear him whisper in her ear, “I love you too.”

I slide the microphone out of Hayley’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze, then insert my voice over the warm applause breakingthe moment. “Well damn. I should have gone first maybe. I don’t think I'm the man to follow that, but I’ll sure as hell try. I could stand here and tell story after story about Eli. But I’ll spare his new bride from the thought that he’s not the man she thinks he is.”

I grip my hand over Eli’s shoulder as he sits back down in his seat with a spattering of laughter erupting throughout the room. Dylan reaches for Eli’s thigh under the cover of the linens and gives it a firm squeeze. “I know exactly who he is, Mav.” She winks.

I wink back before moving on. “Some family you’re given. Some family you choose. Eli, I’ve tested your patience at times, given you a ton of unwanted advice and often led you in the wrong direction. This is the one time I’m glad I was right. She’s your perfect wing. Be happy, brother. Cheers!”

Chapter Twenty-Four

Elijah

It’s amazing how quickly you can miss someone. I’d never tell anyone that there wasn’t love in my first marriage, but this is truly something like nothing I’ve ever felt. I can close my eyes and instantly see every second of today up until now.

If I could have her wear only white for the rest of our lives, I would. She first appeared to me in white, she glows in white every time she dances, and she gave herself to me forever in white today.

As I continue conversation with many of our guests, I keep checking the new watch, a present from my wife. Where did she slip off to with Hayley? I mull the question in my mind as I feel a gentle hand glide over my elbow. Instinctively my hand covers the delicate touch. I don’t need to look to see who it is. The soft aged skin I’ve memorized for my entire life is at my side. Gran.

“You’ve made me very proud today, Eli.”

I take her hand, pulling it to my lips for a little kiss. “Just today?” I tease her.

“Stop with your playing. I’ve never seen you this settled. You’ve excelled in confidence, intelligence, and you love hard. You truly came into your own today by finding your perfect match.”

“She loves you too, Gran.”

I feel her rise to the tips of her toes as she cups my cheek and pulls me toward her. “I love you to infinity.”

“And beyond.” I finish as her lips rest on my cheek. Her kiss has always given me instant comfort. It’s like a warm blanket. Instant shelter. Coming home. Whether I knew I needed it or not, it’s there. I could rest my head against her forever.

“Eli. My new granddaughter has returned.”

Gran guides me to look at the staircase. Dylan is standing at the top waiting for me to see her. As if I could miss her. She said she had a surprise for me. I would have been wrong every time if I’d guessed.

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