Page 80 of Heartstrings & Horizons
We all take turns hugging the blushing bride. Ivy pours us each some champagne and we raise our glasses in a toast. “To the future Mrs. Brooks”
Ivy
Weddings make me emotional. I think I’ve cried like 6 times already. My wedding was a shit show right down to the groom. In hindsight, that probably should’ve been a glaring red flag. Seeing Paige so happy and glowing makes my heart warm; she deserves this. Rylin’s been dancing around the room in her fluffy flower girl dress, meowing like a cat. She’s taking her role as flower girl for Auntie Paigeveryseriously.
I check the straps on my deep mauve colored silk dress, making sure they’re are secure enough to hold in my ample bosom. Mags, Cara, and I were able to find 3 very similar silk dresses with different necklines in varying shades of pink.
“Ok. Time to head out to the ceremony.” I gather all the girls, thanking the hair and makeup team who are packing up their things before leading everyone downstairs to the small sitting room off the back deck. Smiling at Rosie when we pass her preparing platters in the kitchen, we almost run smack dab into Miles.
“Ooof. Sorry about that, ladies. Daaaamn, you all look smokin’ hot,” he says with a wink, before striding over to my side, placing my hand in the crook of his arm. Miles will be escorting me down the aisle. Mags is less than thrilled by his proximity as she searches out Dean who will be her escort as the best man to her maid of honor. Liam will be walking with Cara, followed closely by the most adorable flower girl and ring bearer. They’re standing together holding hands and my heart just about explodes out of my chest at the sight.
Miles
Fuuuuuck me. Mags looks like cotton candy, and I want to eat her up.
Cade
I haven’t seen Paige yet and the wedding is set to begin in 20 minutes.I hope she’s not freaking out.Everyone is putting the finishing touches on the back deck and the guests are starting to arrive. We invited about 20 of my closest friends and family, plus Mags flew in early yesterday afternoon, right on time to whisk my girl away for the night so we could start setting up.
Unfortunately since it was so last minute, my sisters and their families won’t be able to attend. Jemma is here with her fiancé, Derek, along with everyone who so generously helped bring our vision to life. When I called to invite my mom, her distaste for my fiancée hadn’t improved and she refused to attend. I can forgive a lot of things, but I’m not sure if we’ll ever get past that.
I’m trying so damn hard not to let the nerves take over, but I’m practically buzzing with anticipation, waiting for the moment when I finally lay eyes on my bride.
“Chill, bro,” Dean cuts into my anxiety spiral. “Everything's coming together as planned. Cara texted to let me know the girls arrived hours ago, and they’re safely tucked away in the guest bedroom putting the finishing touches on Paige’s hair and makeup. It’s going to be fine. She didn’t run.” I laugh at that last part; I might have been a little nervous that she would pull a runaway bride.
Liam walks over with a girlwho looks vaguely familiar. As they get closer to my spot on the deck, recognition dawns.
“Holy shit, that’s Ruby Lynn Hayes.” As in, country music superstar Ruby Lynn Hayes.
“You must be the groom?”
“Sure am. I’m guessing you’re the package Liam brought back from Nashville?”
She giggles, backhanding Liam on the stomach. “Yeah, I guess I am. Liam already told me what you planned for the processional, so I’ll just head over and get set up. It was nice meeting you, and congratulations!”
“Dude, what the fuck? How do you two know each other?”
“It’s a very long story. She’s Connor’s ex. They dated in high school before she made it big in Nashville. It didn’t end well, but she owed me a favor, so I called it in.”
“That’s amazing, man. Thanks. Is it too late to change my best man?”
“Hey!” Dean grumbles. “Not cool. If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have any food for the reception. And are you forgetting who told you to go through with the engagement in the first place?”
“True,” Liam says, “but if it weren’t for me, this guy would still be pining. Or worse, he’d be with Jen, no thanks to you.”
“I am forever in your debt. Both of you.”
I spot the florist fussing with the finishing touches on the rustic wood archway at the end of the dock, fabric sweeping between the branches with wildflowers and vines cascading down to the mismatched eclectic rugs at the base of the structure.
Dean claps a reassuring hand on my shoulder, “You did good, Cade. She’s going to love it. And even if she doesn’t, she lovesyou.”
I nod, my mind racing through the countless details that had to come together to make this day possible.
“I want her to be happy.”
At that, Dean and Liam make their way up the stairs to take their places beside the bridesmaids, and I head to my place at the end of the dock with the officiant to my right. The sound of soft music comes over the speakers, a signal that the ceremony is about to begin.
Paige
