“I did. And she said they are just waiting for the car to come pick them up.” I hear Liam chuckle next to me and I press my lips together to keep the grin that’s trying to break free.
“Well that’s good news.” A look of relief crosses Sean’s face and I see the panic being replaced with a sense of calm in real time.
I pat him on the back and turn to look over at Liam pointedly. He shrugs at me with a grin so big that I swear his face might split.
This version of Liam is my favorite, but I wish he could be more serious when his brother is having a breakdown.
The wedding prelude music starts to play as people begin to arrive and head to grab a seat.
“Well, that’s a good sign.” Sean stands up and straightens his jacket. He shines me a smile so bright that I have to shake myself. That man’s mood can change at the drop of a hat, leaving you with whiplash. “Let’s head upstairs,” he says.
Liam chuckles behind me, puts his hand on my shoulder and whispers as he walks past me. “He’s so funny when he’s nervous.”
I stare at both of their backs with my mouth agape. I then shake my head, chuckle at them and follow.
When we get to the waiting area, Pastor Jake stops us.
“I know we practiced this already at the rehearsal, but some grooms get a bit nervous on the day of the wedding so I’m gonna review.” We all look at Sean. He raises his hands and lifts his eyebrows, a look of pure innocence on his face. Liam and I laugh heartily.
“You’re gonna wait here until you hear a pause. That pause will happen right before the wedding march you and Jessica chose starts playing. At that point you’ll want to walk over to me and wait for your bride.”
He smiles at all of us and looks pointedly at Sean. Sean smiles back and nods.
“Good.” Pastor Jake turns and walks over to continue greeting the guests as they take their seats.
I watch Sean wipe his hands on his pants and straighten his jacket again. I turn my face to hide the smirk that I can’t keep from my lips.
I hear a murmur of conversation and I look down to see the doors to the vestibule closing. My mom is standing at the back of the church waiting for me to come and escort her to her seat.
“Looks like they’re here.” I grab and shake Sean’s shoulder as I head down to my mom. I nod my head and smile at the familiar people in the crowd as I close the distance between me and her.
“Jamie.” She smiles at me and slips her hand through my extended arm. “How handsome you look.”
“Hi, Mom.” I bend and kiss her on the cheek as I place my hand over hers. We start to walk at a slower pace to her seat up front. “You look beautiful. Is everyone ready?”
“Yes. Jess looks stunning.” She squeezes my arm and I notice her eyes are glassy. “And I’m pretty sure your father will be sobbing the entire time he’s walking her down the aisle.”
“I’m sure he’s not going to be the only one,” I tease and I feel her squeeze my arm.
We walk the remainder of the distance in silence as both of us smile and nod at all the familiar faces in the pew. I see Sean’s bingo crew waving at and giving us thumbs up.
We both chuckle. My mom whispers. “Is that Ava Norris and her new husband?”
“Where?” I ask, looking around.
“She’s wearing an apple red gown in the pew about five feet ahead.” I roll my eyes at her and laugh.
“Apple red?” I mock her. She knows I have no idea what color that is except red. “I don’t see her, but probably. She is the reason Sean and Jessica are together after all.”
“Very true.” My mom kisses me on the cheek as she lets go of my arm and takes her seat. I smile at her one last time and then head back over to my spot next to Sean.
The music stops and the back doors open, just as the pianist begins to play Pachelbel’s Canon.
Sean takes a big breath and turns toward the church vestibule.
The first person we see is Penny, wearing an evergreen dress that matches our bow ties (it’s the only reason I know the color). Her strawberry blonde hair is in loose curls flowing down around her face.
Her eyes are locked with Liam’s as she walks down the aisle. She beams his way and gives him a wide smile as she’s midway down the aisle.