Page 117 of Stealing Home

“Is he going to freak out?” Wren asks. “I thought he wanted kids.”

“Scott has always talked about a time when he has kids. He’s going to freak out, but not in a bad way. My husband might have overlooked how badly his son wanted a family of his own, but I haven’t. I can’t wait to see the look on his face when he learns he’s getting everything he’s wanted all on the same day.”

Griffin comes in with his hand over his eyes. “Is everyone decent? I’ve got a delivery for the bride.”

“We’re fine,” Wren assures him, and he reaches outside of the large tent we’re using to get ready that they set up in their backyard.

“Scott said there was only one thing you needed to make today perfect,” he says, and pulls someone into the tent.

“Leena?” We both shriek and cry the moment we lay eyes on each other and hug tightly.

“He was right, now everything is perfect! I missed you so much, peanut!”

“Ugh, Low.” She exhales. “You know what, I’m going to let it go, because it’s your wedding day. I missed you too, big sister. I have to say, this groom is way better than the last one.”

“Aren’t you beautiful,” Becca gushes. “My daughter might end up with a bit of a crush on you in that tux.”

Leena runs her fingers down the lapels of her jacket and ducks her head to hide her blushing. “I thought this was the best outfit to walk my sister down the aisle.”

“It’s perfect,” I whisper to her.

Mentioning Scott’s sister, Scarlett, seems to summon her right to us. “Are we ready?” She’s holding a violin down by her side.

She sees me eyeing the instrument, and shrugs. “I’ve played since I was little. I thought my brother would like it if I played the wedding march for you. Unless you don’t want me to.”

“The wedding march? That’s so—” Leena starts, but gets a bit tongue tied.

“Lame? Yeah, but it’s what people expect,” Scarlett finishes.

Leena fidgets. “Uhm, Low, would you be upset if I didn’t walk you down the aisle?”

I school my face and hold back laughter. “You want to grab your cello, don’t you?”

“You’re a musician?” Scarlett asks her, and I know Becca hit the nail on the head. I have a feeling Scarlett’s feelings won’t be unrequited though. My sister has mostly dated guys, but not exclusively.

“Go, pea-Leena. I’d love it if you played at my wedding.”

Griffin comes over and holds his elbow out to me. “I already see you as my little sister, so if you would honor me, I’d love to walk you down the aisle.”

I have to focus on my breathing to keep tears from falling down my face. The only reason I’m fighting it now is because I don’t want to ruin the makeup job Wren and Bess worked so hard on.

Scott and I chose not to have any attendants since our guest list is so small. So he’s the only one I can see waiting for me at the end of the aisle. When we got here this morning I was rushed straight into the tent and prevented from seeing any of the wedding setup. It’s more beautiful than I could have dreamed.

There’s a white runner creating the aisle between two sets of folding white chairs. The chairs on the end are decorated with large white bows. White and blush roses are everywhere in large planters.

“Dolores couldn’t bring herself to cut the roses, so we planted them. I hope everyone wants to take roses home with them, because we’re running out of space for her flowers,” Griffin jokes.

Speaking of Dolores, I spot her snow white head peeking out from behind Scott. My brow furrows. “Uhm, is Dolores ordained or something?”

Griffin nods his head with an amused smirk on his face. “Liam bet Charlie that Dolores could figure out how to surf the net faster than he could. I think the betting thing has gone a bit too far. Not only did she figure it out faster, but she discovered she could get approved to perform weddings, and before we knew it she declared it one of her bucket list items.”

I giggle as we wait just out of view for our cue to begin. “You know, it kinda makes sense. And I don’t think anyone is going to forget this. I’m glad she can be a part of it.”

My amusement fades, and for the first time today my stomach fills with a riot of butterflies as Leena and Scarlett begin playing a string version of Train’s “Marry Me.” As with all the other unconventional choices, it’s so perfect for us. I love that I’m walking to him accompanied by music performed by both of our sisters.

Griffin walks me down to Scott, and we take each other’s hands. From that moment on, everyone and everything else disappears. “Hi,” he says to me.

“Hey,” I reply. We’re both grinning like lunatics, but again, this is us. Being so giddy just to see each other again after being apart for only a couple of hours.

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