Page 30 of The Summer Proposal
Once we’re settled, Sloane says into the microphone, “Hi, for those who don’t know me, I’m Sloane. I’m your emcee for the night. We’re starting things off with a toast for the bride and groom. Vince, would you like to introduce yourself?”
Vince clears his throat and says, “Hello, everyone. I’m Vince Larson. I’ve had the privilege of knowing Ryan since our very first day of class at CRU. I guess you could say Ryan stood out. I mean, not many people are over a head taller than me.”
The room fills with laughter, but he continues, “You see, I didn’t know many people. I lived off campus with my sister andJules, and my family was my priority. But from the moment Ryan and I met, our friendship formed instantly. He may not know how much it meant that he was not only fun to hang out with, but he was kind and loving to my family and was there for us when we needed him most. Ryan quickly became the family we never knew we needed. It didn’t hurt that he enjoyed Friday night game nights, which consisted of Chutes and Ladders with a toddler, rather than attending parties on campus. I’m sure it was because we offered him a home-cooked meal and got him out of his dorm room as often as we could.”
Again, the room fills with laughter. While Vince waits for the crowd to settle, he looks to his wife Sydney. “The point I’m trying to make is after losing our parents, Ryan and, eventually, Lanie, became part of our self-made family. Throughout their last year of school, we’ve remained close to Ryan and fell just as much in love with Lanie as him. She’s become an honorary aunt to Jules, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have them in our lives.” Looking around the room, he says, “Ryan and Lanie, I of all people know just how valuable and precious life is. A love like yours doesn’t come around often, and I couldn’t be happier to be here to celebrate the life you’re building together. Everyone, please raise your glass to the bride and groom. May they grow old and gray together and fall more in love with each other each day.”
Someone from the crowd shouts, “To the bride and groom!” And we all repeat it.
Before he hands off the microphone to Lizzy, the maid of honor, he asks Ryan and Lanie, “Do you mind if Jules says a few words? She saw me writing this speech and wanted to add a few thoughts of her own.”
Ryan and Lanie both nod in agreement, and Jules steps up to the mic confidently. “Hi. I’m Julia Fallon, but everyone calls me Jules. I have a little advice that Momma once told me that I wantto share with you. One, never go to bed mad. No matter how big your problems seem, they’re easier when you work together to solve ‘em. Two, for some reason, we’re supposed to make our beds every day; apparently, that’s what successful people do.” The room roars with laughter when she shrugs and whispers away from the microphone. “I don’t really know about that one.” Bringing the mic back to her mouth, she says to the room, “My daddy Dame always tells me to love big with your whole heart and always try your best. I’ve never seen anyone love me or Momma as much as he does, so it must be good advice. Hopefully, it will work for you.”
I hear Raven sniff, and her eyes are filled with unshed tears. After passing her a napkin, I reach for her hand and give it a squeeze, letting her know I’m here for her. Then I return my attention back to Jules.
“Last but not least, I wanna say thank you for letting me be a part of this. I love you, Ryan and Lanie. Congratulations!”
As the room fills with cheers, I look around. I see many dabbing at their eyes. That Jules just stole the heart of everyone in the room.
When Jules hands the mic over to Lizzy, she rushes over to hug both Ryan and Lanie before returning to her parents.
“Well… after that, I’m not sure what more I can say. I’m so honored to be here today to celebrate with my sister and her new husband Ryan. For those who might be confused, I’m Lizzy, the youngest Lancaster. I could go on and on about why I think Ryan and Lanie are perfect for each other, but if you’ve talked with either of them, you’d clearly see why. Instead of saying what I’d planned, I think you should remember Jules’ speech. Love big, love hard, and I’ll add don’t forget—it’s the two of you versus the problem when there is one; never one of you versus the other. I love you both ‘till the end of time. Congratulations!” Lifting her glass, she adds, “To the bride and groom!”
Everyone finishes their food and after a while, Sloane returns to help cut their cake and announces the first dance. After that, the wedding party dances to their song, and I join Raven out on the floor. With her in my arms, all feels right in this world.
Now, if only I can convince her to stay.
Right now, I feel as if my life is like that octopus ride I used to enjoy as a kid at the fair. Between my sisters getting married this week, I feel like I’m in constant motion. Up, down, spin around with all my might. There’s a flow of synergy throughout my family, and I’ve never felt happier or more uncertain, especially when it comes to Finn.
My stomach flips and rolls with each move Finn makes in anticipation and dread for what’s to come. I know our arranged time together is coming to an end. There’s only a few more weeks until the festival, and then we’ll likely go our separate ways.
But why does that make me feel like my insides are being ripped out with a rusty steak knife? I don’t do serious relationships. I don’t let guys as sexy, charming, and funny as Finn get close. I’ve purposely orchestrated my life so this never happens. It’s why I keep things casual.
My mind replays my time with Finn at Lanie’s wedding. We danced, we laughed, and we even shared the most amazing goodnight kiss imaginable, but when he turned, I let him walk away.
I’m not used to wanting more with a man.
Maybe that’s why I’m up at the ass-crack of dawn, contemplating my life choices. I’ve never felt so frustrated and alone. I know my sisters and Dad are inside the house if I need them, but they’re not who I want.
No, that would be the tall, tatted rockstar who’s stolen my freaking heart.
I should grab my gear and go surfing. Maybe I can clear my head and figure out what I’m going to do about Finn. Running upstairs, I quickly change into my swimsuit and head out to the garage to grab my wet suit, booties, and surfboard. Just as I’m about to leave, Lizzy comes down and says, “Wait up. I’ll go with you.”
While I wait for my sister, I pack a few protein bars and a couple of bottles of our favorite sports drink for when we’re finished. Not knowing how long we’ll be gone, I also toss in a few bananas and some grapes into my sinch bag.
Our walk along the coast is quiet as we take in the morning air. I’m crap for company since I’m entirely in my head, but thankfully, she doesn’t call me out on it. By the time Lizzy and I reach the cove, I’m crawling out of my skin with pent-up energy. I can’t wait to get on the water. There are several others already out on dawn patrol with us, hoping to catch these early morning waves. After I stash my bag of treats in the rocks where the tide won’t reach it, Lizzy and I make quick time of putting on our booties, pulling up our hoods, and running into the water with our boards.
Lizzy catches the first wave, and I watch her ride it until she glides closer to shore. As soon as I spot the right one for myself, I paddle with all my might and drop in perfectly. The moment I pop up on my board, all is right with the world again. It’s nothing but me, my board, and this wave. Wash, rinse, and repeat. This is the perfect way to start my morning.
When my body is worn out, and I’m done with surfing for the day, I return to the rocks where I left our snacks. I’m ravenous and can’t wait to give my body the nourishment it desperately needs. Plopping on the rounded rock, I grab a protein bar and lean against the rock behind me for support. Closing my eyes as I chew, I bask in the sun and listen to the ocean roar. Now that I’m not exerting energy, I’m feeling the effects of the fifty-five-degree water. Thankfully, we’re on a bit of a heat wave, and the air is much warmer than the water as I wait for Lizzy, or I’d freeze.
“So, are you gonna tell me what’s crawled up your butt? Or are we just gonna ignore it?” Lizzy asks, effectively breaking me out of my peaceful tranquility.
“What do you mean?” I ask, sitting forward. Now that she’s placed her board next to mine, her hands punch into her hips and clearly, she’s irritated about something.
“Well, you’ve barely said two sentences to me all day. You’re hitting those waves harder than I’ve seen you try in years. You’ve taken some serious wipeouts today, and if I didn’t know you better, I’d say you were almost punishing yourself or something. What gives, Raven?”
“First, I’m not punishing myself.”
