Page 190 of The Archer Brothers

CHAPTER9

EVAN

I’m thankful this is the only time I’ll ever get married. If I have to smile on command one more time, I may shoot someone. I don’t know who, but someone because this shit is hard. Chin up, move it slightly to the left, now right, look this way, that way . . . the only saving grace in all of this is Ryley. I’ll happily stand next to her for anything. I will say, every time the photographer tells me to kiss my wife, I eagerly oblige.

“Okay, we are done out here. The rest will be during the reception,” the photographer says.

“Oh, thank God. I’m starving,” EJ says, much to everyone’s enjoyment.

“Me too, bud.” With Ryley’s hand in mine, the group of us walk toward the reception. Ryley and I decided to let her parents put the reception together. It’s more of a party anyway, with the important part being our ceremony. Ry and I knew what we wanted there, but for the ending, we just wanted to have fun and relax.

Well, relax as much as I can. I knew something was up last night before I went to the Clarkes. I should’ve trusted my gut and stayed home, but my pride and manhood got in the way. This morning, when I caught up with Cara, she told me the car was a rental and needed a bit more time to track down the renter. I have a feeling she knows who it is but won’t tell me until tomorrow, once Ryley and I have had what little honeymoon we’re going to have. When I met up with Nate, he said he hadn’t slept a wink the night before, so he snuck Deefur out of EJ’s room before dawn and instructed him to “find it,” even though Nate didn’t know what “it” was. He said Deefur went around the property's perimeter with his nose stuck to the ground, and then Nate took him for a walk, hoping the dog would alert to a matching scent. Our dog is getting old, but I still trust him.

And then my day went downhill fast when Carole called and told me about the shack. She knew right off it wasn’t something I had done—or any of us for that matter—and said Ryley knew right away something was off. I hate that our lives have to be like this, questioning everything. During our photos, Jensen had some friends take it to a storage building where we could pull it apart, piece by piece. We have no idea what we’re going to find, but I suspect a listening device and camera. Someone definitely wants to know what we talk about—part of me thinks we should’ve had Ryley use the structure. I could’ve planted some great conspiracies in there.

We reach the tent where our reception is. When Ryley and I walk in, everyone cheers. Once again, we hold our joined hands high in the air. We chose All My Life by K-Ci as our first dance, and when it starts to play, I take my bride onto the dance floor. I hold her body to mine, and we sway to the music.

“You know, I think the last time we danced was at your homecoming.”

Ryley’s eyes light up. “Wow, you know I almost stayed home. I thought about bailing as soon as we got to the parking lot or excusing myself to go to the bathroom. I guess it’s a good thing Lois held my hand the entire way into the gym.”

Evan smiles. “It’s a damn good thing, or I would’ve looked like a fool.”

“I’m glad I stayed.”

“I’m glad I came home that weekend to surprise you. It wasn’t easy, keeping that a secret.”

Ryley rests her head on my chest. “You’re the best thing to ever happen to me, Archer.”

“I say the same thing about you.” I hold her tighter as our song plays. I don’t know how this dance is supposed to go, whether we’re supposed to look at each other the whole time or what, but what we’re doing feels right for us. When the song ends, I take a step back and lift her chin so I can look into her eyes. “I love you, Ry.” I don’t need a response. I know how she feels, and she’ll tell me every day and night because she always wants me to know. I lean down and kiss her, much to the delight of everyone.

The DJ announces that the buffet is open, along with the dance floor. I don’t know who I expected to dance first, but I’m not surprised to find Jensen and Carole already cutting a rug. Those two like to party and have a good time. We could all take a lesson from them.

I lead Ryley to our table and hold her chair out. I sit down after her and lean over, “I am a fool.”

She looks at me oddly. “Why would you say that?”

“Because I forgot to tell you how beautiful you look today. I mean, you’re beautiful every day, but this dress.” My eyes move up and down her torso. “I can’t wait to take it off of you tonight.”

“I can’t wait either.”

“And then maybe you can put it back?” I waggle my eyebrows at her. She laughs and nods. I touch the strap on her shoulder and ask, “Are you married to this dress?”

“I’m married to you,” she states matter-of-factly.

“What I mean is, maybe we can have a little fun while you’re wearing it.”

Ryley’s eyes widen. “I love my dress, but thankfully there’s a little thing called a seamstress, so no, I’m not married to it.”

“Thank God,” I mutter.

Lois comes over and whispers something into Ryley’s ear. I'd be worried if it were anyone else, but it’s probably girl talk and doesn’t concern me. Ryley reaches for my hand and stands.

“Where are we going?”

“People want to eat, but it’s rude to eat before the bride and groom, so we’re going to go get our food.”

As soon as we step up to the buffet, the rest of the guests do as well. I had no idea this was a thing and honestly would’ve sat there and wondered why no one ate anything. I carry Ryley’s plate back to our seats and then help EJ with his. He’s growing up so fast and I find I have to catch myself when assisting him. I don’t ask if he needs help. I just offer, and if he accepts, great. If not, I’ll follow behind and wait for him to ask.

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