“Totally cool.” My eyes flick up to my sister’s boyfriend and it fills me with hope when I see him smile adoringly at Eli. The way a father would to a son. I can only hope he and my sister continue down the path they’re going. Derek’s become like family in only a few short months and I can’t imagine him not around anymore.
“All right, guys. We better head over. First pitch is in less than an hour.” Jon stands from the table and as we make our way outside I hang back with both him and Derek while the boys pile in the cab of the truck.
“Thank you, both. For being a part of our wedding. For being an important part of our lives. For today. I’ll be proud to have you both at my side when Evie walks down the aisle next week.”
Derek holds out his fist for me to bump. “Anytime, brother. You know I love your family. I’m the lucky one to get to be a part of it.” I meet his fist and nod.
“And I don’t hate you anymore,” Jon says, his lips in a tight line. “So there’s that.”
I burst out in laughter and his lips twitch up with his smile.
“We’ve come a long way.” I pat him on his back before I walk around to the passenger side of the truck. We really have. A year ago I didn’t know either of these men. Now they’re two of the best friends I’ve ever had. Maybe bachelor parties—at least the way we’re doing this one—aren’t so bad. I only hope Evie’s having as much fun with hers.