Page 76 of Over and Above

One Year Later

Eric

Strains of classical music filled the large barn on Jonas and Declan’s property, filtering back to the small room where we were waiting. The space had likely been a tack room of some sort decades ago. Jonas and Declan had no plans for horses or livestock and had converted the barn into an event space. The concrete floor was swept clean and twinkling lights hung from the rafters. The decor played into the barn’s origins with rustic rope, weathered wooden frames, saddles, and spurs prominently featured.

“I can’t believe today is really here.” Maren exhaled hard, shaking out her dress yet again. “We made it.”

“We did.” My voice came out thick. My emotions had been running high all day. “You look beautiful.”

“Thanks.” Maren fluffed the train of the long-sleeved, ivory gown. Its old-fashioned styling with pearl buttons down the back and a high neckline fit the western air of the barn and decor. And it was also perfect for Maren. She looked like the profile on an antique cameo brooch, timeless and elegant.

“I continue to say a cape would be an appropriate accessory.” Wren cast a critical eye on the dress, stopping to smooth out a fold Maren had missed. “What’s a Valentine’s wedding without a cape to keep you warm?”

“Thank you.” Maren groaned. “Now I’m worried about freezing.” She whirled toward me. “Are we going to freeze?”

“The barn has multiple heaters for you and the guests.” The heaters had been part of months’ worth of discussions, but I was happy to reassure her yet again.

“Good.” Maren peered out through the cracked doorway. “There sure are a lot of guests.”

“Maybe stop looking.” Wren adjusted the vest of their suit. The vest was a green, quilted brocade, more of that old west styling, along with a bolo tie that Wren couldn’t stop fiddling with.

“Easy for you to say.”

“It’s almost show time.” Rowan glided into the room. Like Wren, he wore a suit, but his vest was purple, and the suit was more smartly tailored. “Where’s my favorite niece?”

“Ro!” Destiny clapped her hands from her spot on John’s lap in the corner.

“That’s right, genius baby.” Rowan lifted her up. What a difference a year had made for our baby. From newborn to toddler, complete with a giggle for Rowan. “Are you ready to do your part?”

“I can’t believe I agreed to this plan.” Wren picked up the wicker basket of flower petals. No one trusted Destiny to wobble her way down the aisle on her own. While she could take unsteady steps, she was still largely in the cruising stage of holding on to hands and objects for balance. Wren had volunteered to accompany the baby down the aisle. “Only for my sister.”

Fresh tears welled up in Maren’s eyes when Wren saidsister.“You’re a beautiful flower person, Wren.”

“Is my tie straight?” John asked as he stood from the chair.

“Actually…” Rowan sounded like he was about to make a joke, so I elbowed him none too gently. He gulped. “Yes. You look great. We all do.”

The music shifted to the piece Maren had chosen for the procession.

“There’s our cue! Places!” Rowan readied himself to walk out first, followed by John.

“I’m so glad I asked you to accompany me.” Maren took my arm. There had been much debate about vows and traditions. Maren didn’t like the idea of being “given away” but did want my moral support, for which I was grateful. “I might fall over otherwise.”

“You’re doing great, honey.” I patted her hand. “Breathe.”

Rowan and John reached the front of the barn, where they took their places opposite Diesel and two of his friends. Jonas stood up front as well. He’d been moved to tears when Maren asked him to officiate. Jonas leaned in, saying something to Diesel that made him smile. Diesel had kept his hair dark after losing the bet over Magnus and me, and he also wore a western-style tux with his vest featuring both green and purple swirls.

“Our turn.” Wren set the baby down, taking a second to adjust the flower basket before reaching for Destiny’s tiny hand. But Destiny was having none of it. Having spotted Diesel, she broke into a run, her first realrun.Wren trailed helplessly behind, petals flying everywhere.

“Dada!” the baby yelled as she reached Diesel, who swung her into his arms. “Dada!”

Next to me, Maren laughed so hard she could barely speak. “Just like we planned it.”

“Exactly.” I beamed at her endless supply of resilience and adaptability as the familiar sounds of the bridal march filled the barn. “Here we go.”

Maren floated down the aisle on my arm. As we walked, I spotted so many of our friends and family. Sean and Denver and what looked like a healthy contingent of Murphys sitting with them, including Declan. Tony and Caleb with Scotty in town as well. A lot of friends we knew through the school, including Tony’s sister, along with Elliot and his many brothers. Tate was there with Tennessee, joined by a huge percentage of our first responder community. Mount Hope had turned out for Maren and Diesel’s big day.

When we reached the front, I released Maren’s arm. She went immediately to Diesel and Destiny, and the moment was so perfect I nearly forgot where I was supposed to sit. I stumbled backward, only to feel a firm hand on my elbow.

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