Page 85 of Free to Dream
“Caleb mentioned you had your first interaction with her before.” I nod. “I’m sorry. We would have spared you that.” While his words are about Mildred Lockwood, his face tells me he’s not just apologizing about that. Masking any discomfort I may feel, I nod slowly, accepting his apology for more than just my interaction with Caleb’s mother. I don’t know why I’m giving it, I just feel like I need to.
His face relaxes marginally.
Keeping on topic, I shrug. “I was expecting it to be unpleasant, but…”
“But…?” he prompts.
I wrap my arms around my waist. I’m about to let him in a bit and share when I hear the opening music.
“We’re about to start. Better find your seat, Keene. We’ll talk later.”
He waits a heartbeat before moving and makes his way down a few rows to take his seat.
A string quartet from the orchestra begins the hauntingly lovely strains of Pachelbel’s Canon in D. The audience of more than 500 stands. Ryan and Jared make their way from the open doors of the pool house and the rec room respectively, each holding a small hand carved wooden box. They meet in the center, clasp hands and walk together, straight toward the gazebo where Caleb, Jason, and Jared’s two brothers are waiting for them. You can barely make out Holly in her black, formfitting gown, snapping pictures.
There’s something about the flash throwing me off. Rubbing my head, I make a mental note to talk discreetly with Holly about it later. The last thing we need is for the photos to be overexposed.
Suddenly, my breathing accelerates, and my vision begins to go black around the edges.
“I don’t understand, Aunt Millie. Why do we have to leave?”
Aunt Millie looks down at me with a big smile, saying, “We just do, baby girl.”
“But I was having so much fun watching the boys,” I complain.
“I know, baby, but we have somewhere important to be. I think your Grandpa is going to try to meet us tonight. It’s a surprise for your mommy. Don’t you want to be a part of it?”
“Grandpa! Yay! I love Grandpa!” I shriek.
“I know you do, baby girl. So, this is the big surprise. Grandpa is coming in on a boat on the lake! Then you can bring him to Mommy at the house. She’ll be so proud of her princess.”
Aunt Millie starts walking faster. And faster. Pretty soon we pass the gazebo, but I don’t see Grandpa in the boat. It’s a bunch of strangers.
I remember what Mommy told me—stranger, danger!
And I start to scream.
I’m shaken from whatever the hell that was to now by my hearing my brother say in my earpiece, “I hope Holly got that shot of Ryan and Caleb. It’s a keeper.”
The justice of the peace begins to wrap up the ceremony. “May the love you have demonstrated today continue to grow and be enriched each day. May you continue to lean on each other and face any new challenges with courage.
“Ryan and Jared, we’ve heard your promise to share your lives in marriage. We recognize and respect the covenant you have just entered into here today with each of us as witnesses. Therefore, in the honesty and sincerity of what you have said and done here today, and by the power vested in me by the State of Connecticut, it is my honor and privilege to declare you married.
“You may kiss your groom!” There’s quite a bit of loud applause, and even a few whistles, encouraging the two grooms.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I be the first to present, Mr. Jared Dalton and his husband, Mr. Ryan Lockwood!”
As cheers go up, an orchestral version of Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” plays softly as the grooms walk up the aisle. My sister races along the perimeter, capturing every ounce of joy on their faces. Following them are Caleb, Jason, and Jared’s brothers.
I give it a minute, glancing toward the stage. The chief steward has made his way up next to the justice of the peace. “Ladies and Gentlemen. If you would kindly make your way to the courtyard. Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails will be served while we wait for the Misters. The first course will be served soon after.”
I hear the murmurs on what a beautiful ceremony it was. I only wish I remember seeing it. Blinking back tears, I know I need to get it together.
Looking down at my watch, I see it’s exactly 3:45. We’re on schedule.
Focus on that, Cassidy.
You’ll figure the rest out later.
