Page 184 of Headstrong Like Us
“But you are sweating,” Oscar chimes in.
Fuck, I touch my forehead. Sure enough, moisture lands on my fingertips.
“Here, man.” Donnelly reaches into his pocket and pulls out a handkerchief. He passes the cloth to me, and I pat my forehead.
I return the handkerchief. “I’m just jittery.” I massage my hands. “Feels like a thousandthingsare flappingin my fucking stomach.”
Oscar pops another Cheeto in his mouth. “We call those butterflies, Redford.”
“No shit.” I widen my eyes. “Make them stop.”
“Can’t.” Donnelly checks his phone. “You’re about to get married.”
“They’re not optional,” Oscar says.
Thatcher’s quiet. A stern, serious look on his face. Honestly, I feel like if I asked him, he’d murder the butterflies for me.
“Jane said they’re leaving for the venue in five minutes. We’ve gotta be out in five too,” Donnelly announces, sliding his phone back in his pocket.
Getting closer.
I inhale a strong breath, and my smile returns at full force.
Here we go, wolf scout.
44
MAXIMOFF HALE
I’m not spacing out.
I’m here.
I’m here.
So damn present, so I can look back and remember every detail, every ordinary, romantic, and miraculous thing.
My grooms party and I are lined up outside for the ceremony.
Trellises hide us from the rows and rows of white chairs and arriving guests. Ivy cascades like green waterfalls down the trellises, orange marigolds and blue hydrangeas peeking out of the lush green foliage.
Farrow and I decided on colors that reminded us of water and the sunset, which fit perfectly for the venue.
The grassy cliff is like the world’s edge. Overlooking the crystal-clear sea that caresses the rocks. A gorgeous lighthouse resides at the rim. And I’ve already seen the ivy, floral wedding arch.
My destination.
I blow out a breath.
While the trellises conceal us on the left side of the guests, I can’t see them or the identical trellises on the right side where Farrow and his grooms party wait.
But I hear soft chatter growing louder.
Jane glimpses furtively out, carrying a bouquet with the same orange and blue flowers.
This morning, I kissed her cheeks and said, “Bonjour, ma moitié.”
She couldn’t even say the routine thing back. She burst into tears. Janie couldfeelhow fucking happy and overwhelmed I am. And I could feel how happy she is for me.
