Page 27 of Beyond Perfect

“That we do, friend.” Jackson checked the clock. “Time to go out.”

They went through the door that led to the trellis that had been set up outside the smaller banquet room of The Westwood Hotel. The scents of Mid-May flowers that peppered the grounds and bordered the walkways were soothing. Though Jackson was happy for his friend, he dreaded seeing Maisy in thestunningdress they talked about last night. At least they had a truce. If he could only stay away from her.

They walked over to the trellis. Annie had wanted a minister, so they greeted Reverend Price. Five rows of guests had been invited. About fifty people.

A small three-piece band began to play and the procession started. Annie’s two sisters looked pretty in the lilac-colored dresses. They grinned as they walked to the front.

And there she was. Jackson almost swallowed his tongue. The strapless dress consisted of various shades of purple to lilac and the colors shimmered into each other as she walked. Her pretty hair had been braided and pulled into a bun at her neck. Close up, he could see she wore makeup. She smiled at him, albeit a sad one. Still, Jackson calmed. This was going to be okay.

Maisy felt better after a first glimpse of Jackson. The raven tux and purple tie and cravat would give James Bond competition. He was so handsome it hurt. Would she ever get over that feeling? The thought of never truly forgetting Jackson, like Annie had never forgotten Diego, scared the wits out of her. But she forced the thought down and her attention to the bride.

Befitting Annie, her dress was also strapless, the silky material fitting her nicely. She walked up to the front with grace and beauty. Maisy glanced at Diego. He was grinning from ear to ear.

When Annie reached the center, Diego stepped close to her. She handed her purple and white bouquet to Maisy and took Diego’s hand.

The Reverend Price smiled broadly. “We’re here for the union of Diego and Annie. Though from what I can see, they already have a special bond. So, let’s say we’re having a celebration.” He gestured to the couple. “You may start your vows.”

Annie’s eyes shone bright with joy. “Diego, I’ve loved you all of my adult life. I’ll always love you. I’ll marry you today, work by your side, have your back in everything and give you babies. You’ve made me happier than I ever thought I could be. I love you so much.”

Diego’s face was wet, so she brushed his cheeks with her fingers. He cleared his throat. “I don’t remember a time withoutyou in my life.” His voice was shaky. “It seems like we were always connected, even before we started to date in high school and even after we split. I’m so glad we got to this point in our relationship. I’ll honor your decisions, even if I don’t agree with them.”

Chuckles from the audience.

“I’ll love you forever.”

“Rings, please?” Reverend Price said.

Jackson stepped forward and handed him the wedding bands.

After they slipped them on each other’s hands, Reverend Price said, “I now pronounce you married. You may kiss each other for the first time as wife and husband.”

Diego took her into his arms and they kissed. Thoroughly. A little longer than was comfortable. That was sothem.Finally, they parted, turned and went down the rows.

Maisy was teary-eyed, too, when she met Jackson in the middle. They linked arms and followed the bride and groom out.

She leaned into him, thinking,This could be us.

He leaned into her thinking,I wish this could be us.

When the guests followed the wedding party into the banquet room, they took their places at the sweetheart table set up with two chairs and white and purple flowers.

Maisy and Jackson sat next to each other. She noticed Joe Romano had the place next to Jackson. When it came time for his toast, Jackson went to stand beside Annie and Diego’s table.

“Diego and Annie, everyone here is delighted to celebrate with you. You’ve touched a lot of people’s lives, mine included. I’ve come to see what real love is like and that it isn’t easy. But with love like yours, it’s worth it. Congratulations to the two of you.”

Maisy had already stood when he returned to the table. She squeezed his arm as she passed him and took his place next tothe couple. “Annie, Diego, I have to say I wasn’t sure this was going to happen between you two. But it did, unfolding in a way that is soyou. Looking forward, I know you’ll have a full life and I hope most of it is free of heartbreak. May love abound for you both.”

The meal was jovial. When everyone finished eating, the couple went to the dance floor for the first dance. The trio playedAt Last; the bride and groom moved in and their gazes locked. At one point, Annie signaled the wedding party to join them on the floor. Maisy and Jackson held hands until they got to the floor. They came together easily. The weight of his hand against her back thrilled her. She could smell his familiar aftershave. Cheek to cheek, they moved on the floor.

Next was champagne and cupcakes. Annie fed Diego first and he held up one for her. Jackson and Maisy stood off to the side.

When they finished, Maisy was surprised to hear, “Open your mouth.”

Smiling at the cupcake, she bit into the sweet caramel frosting. And grinned. He bit into it next.

At ten, when the reception ended and the guests exited, Maisy wasn’t surprised when Jackson pulled her aside again. They’d stopped fighting but she feared they’d gotten too close.

He stared down at her with a profound expression on his face. “I want to be with you.”

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