Page 118 of Not Another Yesterday
I glance at Ronan beside me, and then it strikes me that I could see myself getting married here one day.
At the end of the aisle, Ronan kisses my cheek before we part and take our places opposite each other. Miranda transitions into a new melody, and everyone stands as Penny walks down the aisle on herfather’s arm. She looks beautiful. Ivory silk dress, intricate lace veil, and a bouquet of warm-colored roses in her hands.
I glance at Frank. He looks absolutely wrecked, in the best way imaginable. His love for her is written all over his face.
Perry begins the ceremony with words about choosing to love each other not just in the easy moments, but through hardship and trial. Sniffles echo through the crowd, my mom dabbing at her eyes.Good thing she’s wearing waterproof mascara.
Frank’s voice cracks as he delivers his vows. “You love my boys like they’re yours. I wish they had been. Things would’ve been better if they’d had you as a mother growing up.” He pauses, eyes bright. “Thank you for loving us through our messes. And thank you for blessing me with two more boys. Can’t have too much Soult testosterone walking the earth.”
Penny laughs through her tears. “That was all you, baby. I just baked them.”
She reads her vows next, and to everyone’s surprise, Frank actually cries. He’s usually so composed, so sure of himself, and seeing him so in love, so overcome by emotion is really sweet.
They exchange rings, simple silver bands, and share their first kiss as husband and wife.
Photos follow, all joy and celebration. Ronan refuses to let go of me as we head into the barn for the reception. A small dance floor is set at the center surrounded by round tables and flickering candles.
“God, this turned out so beautiful,” I say to Saoirse as she gives the caterers a few final instructions.
“It did, didn’t it?” she says with a twinkle in her eye. “Erin and I wanted to make sure this wedding gave Penny everything she had hoped for. Frankie’s first wedding was… forgettable,” she says meaningfully. “Small church ceremony and a quick dinner. This one had to be the opposite.”
“Love, where’s the wine?” Perry calls out as he joins us.
“Oh, still in the house, I think. And the whiskey too.”
“I’ll grab it,” Ronan says. He looks at me. “Want to help?”
“Sure,” I say.
“There are a few cases,” Perry says. “You might want to bring the truck.”
Ronan nods, then motions over his torso. “Nobody minds if I change out of this thing now that the ceremony is over, right?”
“But baby boy, you look so handsome,” his grandma says.
“What are you saying, Morai? I don’t look handsome in jeans?” he challenges with a chuckle. Before his grandma can respond, Ronan’s already pulling me out of the barn with him.
Ronan
Man, what an incredible feeling it is to be on the ranch with Cat by my side, her hand in mine. She looks incredible in her blue silk dress, her hair up, her delicate neck exposed. Her minimal makeup gives her face a glowy hue and beautifully accentuates her hazel eyes. Perfect is honestly not a strong enough word to describe her.
I kept looking at her during the whole ceremony, completely distracted. I barely heard what my dad and Penny said. All I could think about was how much I want to stand at that altar with her one day. For once, that future doesn’t feel impossible. It feels like something I might actually get to have. Something safe. Something real.
The house is quiet when we get inside. Everyone’s still outside, the reception buzzing in the distance. I shrug off my jacket, moving into the kitchen where I spot the stacks of wine cases lined up by the kitchen counter.
“I’m gonna change out of this thing real quick before we load the truck,” I say, tugging at my collar. I’ve never been a fan of dress clothes. Too stiff, too formal. Give me a t-shirt and jeans any day.
“Aww, but I love you in this,” Cat says, pouting.
I raise an eyebrow at her. “You do?”
“I do,” she says, eyes sparkling. “You look so damn good in a suit. Your grandma’s right: very handsome. Especially with the bow tie.”
“Well, I hate it,” I say, loosening it.
“Okay, I guess. If you’re really tired of wearing it, then maybe I can help you change out of it,” she says with a gleam in her eyes.
Oh, interesting.
