Page 11 of Remember Always

“Hey, what about me, Uncle Andy,” Mariah asked and crossed her arms.

“You look especially beautiful, Mariah. Like a fairy princess.”

She giggled and buried her face in Morgan’s side, and he automatically slung his arm over her and squeezed her tight. His eyes met mine and the love and happiness he felt was on full display. Stu looked from him to me, and grinned before leaning in and kissing Mariah’s head.

“Yeah, no one better give Link and me any shit about being in love,” I mumbled.

“Well, you are in love,” Mom said and elbowed me.

“Have you seen how they look at each other?” I whispered more than loud enough for them to hear.

“Yes, and I am more than happy for them.” Dad parked close to the house and as we started to climb out, I realized Lance wasn’t there.

“Where’s Lance?” I asked.

“He’s going to be here closer to three. He had something to do,” Dad said, as everyone smoothed and brushed ff their clothes after getting out of the SUV. I slipped on my jacket that I’d held on my lap so it wasn’t wrinkled, and Mom smoothed out some crinkles.

“You look very handsome,” Mom said. Her voice was full of emotion and her eyes were a little brighter than normal. I couldn’t look away from her and the longer I looked the more my own emotions built.

“Thanks, Mom, and thanks for always being there for all of us.” The older I got the more I understood how much my parents had done for us through the years. They were the ones my friends went to if they needed to talk to someone, and they’d been there for Link when his parents decided to move out of town. I’d always thought my mom was too tough on us, but in reality, she gave us boundaries and taught us to be decent humans all while letting us know without a doubt she loved us.

I walked toward the barn where I could see Toni and Curt busy with something. “Hey, guys, need help with anything?” I asked. Toni turned to speak to me and froze.

“Andy? Wow, I mean I knew you’d clean up nice, but you look really good.”

“You look nice too.” She was dressed similar to Mariah, wearing a black dress with cowboy boots. I glanced at Curt and did a double take when I noticed he was wearing a suit.

“Curt, I don’t think I’ve seen you this dressed up since graduation.” I patted him on the back, and he laughed and wiped his smile away with his thumb and forefinger.

“You’re not wrong,” he said, and we all laughed. Just then Stu walked up with Morgan while Mom and Dad walked into the area of the barn where the wedding would take place.

“So, what do you think?” Stu asked.

“It’s amazing. I feel bad for not helping you guys, but it really was incredible to drive up and see it ready to go. Speaking of, where’s Link?” I looked again toward the house but now more people were arriving, and it was starting to get more crowded with both cars and people.

“He was in the house a few minutes ago. I’m sure he’ll be out here any minute,” Toni said before walking over to where they’d set up a bar. Almost on cue, the door opened and there he was. Even from here I could tell how good he looked. I pushed Curt aside and walked between Morgan and Stu, ignoring their laughter as I rushed over to Link.

His eyes locked on me, and he watched as I hurried to him trying not to break into a run. A smile spread on his lips that I was hopeless not to reflect right back at him. I stopped just in front of him. My future husband, and the love of my life. “You made it,” I said, and tried to sound way cooler than I was.

His brow raised while he continued to grin at me. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

It was then I noticed his tux, and how his was slightly different to mine, but it looked just as amazing. “You’re beautiful,” I whispered.

“You’re more beautiful, and I still can’t believe you want to marry me.” He reached for my hand just as even more cars pulled in. For a few moments I didn’t look around, or answer when people who I knew were important to us walked by and offered congratulations. Most laughed and kept walking to the barn, but a few stopped and watched us. None of that mattered. All I could see was Link, and the way he looked at me while we waited to be married.

Twelve

Link

“Sorry we didn’t drive here together,” I said. I hadn’t really planned to arrive separately, but when our friends suggested it, I caved. And right now, I was so happy I had. Because watching Andy walk over to me was a moment I would never forget. The look in his eyes, and the conviction in his walk. All of it made me want him more and I never in a million years thought that was possible.

“It’s so perfect, Link. I can’t believe you guys did this,” Andy said, his voice full of emotion.

“It’s perfect now that you’re here,” I whispered.

“Guys, sorry to interrupt but we’re ready for you,” Blair said as she settled a hand on each of our arms.

“Thanks, Blair,” I said, and we both listened as she told us what to do. Andy still didn’t know everything we had planned, and I could hardly wait to see the look on his face.

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