29. Paige
All Your’n - Tyler Childers
It’s been a week since the confrontation with Cade’s mom. I can’t say that I’m completely over it, but I’ve done my best to move past it. I spent my week exploring and finding beauty in this town that I hope to call home someday. Soon.
Cade has been sweet and almost too attentive. I can’t help but wonder if he’s waiting for me to break again. It’s karaoke night, so I’m not surprised that Cade has to work. I decided to stay in and hang out with Goose. There’s a new release on my kindle, and I’m content to spend an uneventful evening alone when there’s a sudden knock at the door. For a split second, I wonder if I’m hallucinating when I see my best friend on the threshold followed by Ivy and Cara.
“Surprise, bitch!” Mags crashes into me in a crushing hug as Cara and Ivy dissolve into laughter at my shocked expression. I’m completely frozen in place.
“Time to get ready, babe. It’s girls’ night!” Mags’ voice snaps me out of my stupor.
“Wh…what….. How? ! What the fuck is happening?”
“I could ask you the same thing. How come you didn’t tell me about the shit with Cade’s cunt of a mother? I had to find out from your soon to be husband, and I hopped on the next flight down.”
“I can’t believe you’re here.” Mags and I never talked about her visiting me, though I knew it would happen eventually. “How did you end up with Ivy and Cara?”
Some kind of silent communication passes between them, but it’s ultimately Ivy who answers. “Cade started a group chat so we could surprise you. Pack your bags — we’re having a sleepover. Rylin is with a sitter for the night and we have the house to ourselves. We’ve got wine and face masks.”
The girls follow me upstairs to the bedroom to pack some pajamas and a change of clothes before stopping in the kitchen to grab a few snacks then piling into Ivy’s SUV. It all happens so quickly, I don’t even have time to process it.
“Give me a second to let the dog out,” Ivy says. Her house is exactly what I imagined it would be – eclectic and warm. There are tarot cards on the coffee table, shelves full of books, muddy paw prints on the hardwood, and a fluffy brown and white cat sleeping in the window. “That’s Hazel. She’s a sweetheart, but she might try to climb you like a tree. She’s a slut for some cuddles.”
We all settle in the living room, Cara and I on a dated floral couch, Mags and Ivy on the mismatched burgundy loveseat. We snack on a mix of chips, cheese, and pizza rolls while getting wine drunk, each of us taking turns annihilating each other in Mario Kart.
“So what’s the deal with the shitty ex?” I ask Ivy. Last I heard, she was waiting for some paperwork to go through with her lawyers.
“Ugh, can we talk about literally anything else?”
“Nope. It’s your turn to spill the beans.”
“Austin is…” a c ontemplative look crashes over her features, I’ve never really asked her about him — it felt too intrusive, but we’ve gotten much closer and I want us to be able to share these kinds of things with each other. As far as I know, Ivy doesn’t have a lot of family in Kentucky, either.
“He was abusive.” The entire room stills at her words. I knew they had issues, but I wasn’t expecting that. “Not with Rylin, but she did witness the incident that finally made me leave. Most of the abuse was verbal and emotional. He’s a narcissist who liked to control me. It got physical 3 or 4 times before I finally left. I wish I could say that was the end of it, but he’s still causing issues with the custody arrangements.”
“I’m so sorry, Ivy. That’s awful.” My heart breaks for her and Rylin. I don’t want to pry and ask about the incident that made her leave. If she wants to tell me, she will, in her own time.
“Let’s talk about something else; anything else.”
“Yes! We need all the tea about you and Cade! It kind of came out of nowhere,” Cara says.
“Actually, I watched it happen in real time,” Mags says, a little smugly.
“Ok, Fine. It came out of nowhere for everyone on this side of the border. Cade wasn’t exactly a man whore, but he wasn’t the type to settle down, and then out of nowhere, he’s staring at his phone at the bar and declining invites in favor of staying home. Dean was shocked.”
“We were talking for months before anything happened. Honestly, I think we were both ignoring our feelings because it felt way too complicated.”
Mags is the first to interrupt my diatribe. “Don’t let her casual demeanor fool you. My girl was down bad .”
“Shut it, Mags. “
“No, I think we all want to hear what Maggie has to say,” Cara says with mischief in her voice. “I’m sure he r perspective is fascinating .”
I can’t help but smile.
“They were texting and FaceTiming at all hours for months. More than once I walked in after a night out and she was fast asleep with her phone propped up, Cade snoring on the other end of the line. It was disgustingly adorable.” The room fills with a synchronized “aww” from Cara and Ivy.
“Ok ok, I think they get the idea. But I stand by what I said. It was too complicated to jump in headfirst.”
“Says the girl who proposed.”
That has Ivy spitting out her drink and Cara bursting into a fit of giggles. I’m fairly certain the latter already got a cliff notes version of the story from Dean.
“In my defense, I was having a rough week, and he was saying all the right things.”
“Like what?” Ivy props her chin on her hands, listening intently.
“Ok, so first you need to understand that I have a history of depression and I was really going through it.” I inhale a steadying breath. Listening intently, a wash of empathy takes over their faces. “I spent the entire week rotting in bed which gave me a lot of time to think, and I realized I was having very unfriendly feelings for Cade even though we had an unspoken friendship agreement. I tried to pull away from him before I could get in too deep but this one,” I say, pointing to Mags, “interfered not once but twice.” I hold up two fingers to emphasize my point.
“I’m not even sorry, bitch.” Mags raises her wineglass in a silent toast to herself. “You’re welcome”
“Anyway… Cade called, and I realized I wasn’t doing either of us any favors by pulling away from our friendship. We talked through some of my abandonment issues and then he said the magic fucking words. In another life, one wh ere you weren’t a world away, you’d be mine.”
“So you said?” Cara is utterly enthralled.
“Marry me.” I say, matter of factly.
“And then what?”
“Aaaand then he said yes. We tried to get Mags and Dean to talk us out of it. Instead, they shoved us off the cliff, and then we did some mutual masturbation over FaceTime.” I speak that last part into my wineglass trying to stifle the words, but they caught it, and you could almost hear the record scratch.
“Why didn’t you lead with that? Details, Paige!” Not even Mags knew about our extracurricular activities – until now.
“Suffice it to say, he likes to take control and I like to give it up. We’re a perfect match.”
“Oh shit, bossy Cade. That’s hot,” Ivy says.
“I fucking knew he’d be a ‘talk you through it’ kind of guy. Get it, girl!” Mags extends her hand for a high five, and I reciprocate.
“It’s sweltering in here all of a sudden.” Cara says. Ivy fans herself, and Mags is smiling behind her wine glass.
It feels so good to have a group of girlfriends to gossip with. In high school, I had my little group, but it wasn’t anything like this.
Cade and I texted on and off throughout the night, and it was the most fun I’ve had in a long time — I almost don’t want it to end. Eventually, Ivy helps us prepare the sleeper sofa and we all settle in for the night.
Mags
“Rise and Shine, sleepyhead, " I poke at my bestie on the sleeper sofa. “Time to get the bride ready for her big day.” She’s still half asleep, and I don’t think she’s really taking in the words that are coming out of my mouth. A look of c onfusion washes over her face.
“Come again?”
“I said, ‘Time to get the bride ready for her big day’.”
“Yeah, no, I heard what you said. I’m just confused. What bride?”
“You, babe. We have a lot to do so quit stalling and get your fine ass out of bed.”
She’s still not sure what the fuck is happening but she does as instructed, and before she can even register what’s going on around her, we’ve all loaded into Ivy’s SUV and we’re pulling up to the cabin where a multitude of people are milling about. There’s a delivery van unloading what looks like a bunch of flowers, while 2 people are balancing a large cake as they ascend the porch steps.
She has a panicked expression on her face, and Ivy doesn’t miss a beat. She turns and takes Paige’s hands in hers.
“Paige, look at me.” Paige’s face snaps to Ivy’s as she continues to speak. “Cade planned this whole day to show you how much he loves you, so we’re going to take you to the guest room where the makeup artist and hair stylist are waiting for us.” She says it nonchalantly, as if it’s a foregone conclusion and Paige is utterly speechless.
Ivy turns to me in the backseat. “Did you remember to bring the bridesmaid’s dresses?”
“Yep, and ‘something old and borrowed’.”
“Good, I have the blue. The dress is new, so we should have everything covered. Let’s go.”
Paige is vibrating with nerves as we lead her through the house where a bunch of people are preparing. “Calm down, babe. We’ve got you.”
“What the fuck is even happening?”
“You’re getting married today.”
I don’t know what else to say, so I just leave it at that. Paige is stunned silent as we approach the spare bedroom whe re a team of hair and makeup people have assembled to get us ready. I hang the garment bags holding the pink silk bridesmaid dresses alongside Paige’s gown and escort her to the chair we placed in front of the vanity.
“Cara, can you text Dean and let him know everything is good?”
“Got it.”
Cara
Cara: Bride has arrived. We’re getting ready. xo
Dean: ??
“You doing okay over there, Paige?” I ask.
She takes a steading breath then nods her head. She hasn’t said much since we arrived. I think she’s still taking it all in. More than once I’ve noticed her dabbing at the corner of her eyes, apologizing to the makeup artist who’s been completely understanding.
“You look stunning. Cade is going to lose his fucking mind,” Mags says as she smooths her hands over her silk dress.
Miles is going to lose his fucking mind, too, I think. But I don’t say that out loud. Those two have some kind of weird sexual tension and you’d have to be blind not to notice.
Ivy and Mags help Paige into her gown in front of the full length mirror as I pin the little blue jewel onto the ribbon around her bouquet of wildflowers for her ‘something blue’, then send a silent signal to Mags through the mirror.
“Babe, I need you to take a deep breath, ok?” She says, squeezing Paige’s shoulders before walking over to her purse and returning to her spot beside Paige “I have something for you but I don’t want to make the makeup artist start over so you have to keep it together.”
Paige nods in acknowledgement, but I already know we’re preparing for a flash flood.
Mags opens a small black velvet jewelry box, weathered at the corners from age.
Paige gasps in recognition, spotting the antique bracelet inside. “Is that…” her voice trails off as the first tear hits the hardwood floor. I rush over with a handkerchief to mitigate the impending disaster.
“Yes,” Mags says. “It’s Nana Sofia’s bracelet.”
“How?”
“I have my ways.” Maggie reaches into her purse and pulls out an envelope. “She also sent a note.”
Paige takes the envelope in hand, pulling out a small paper folded neatly in half with her name written in delicate scrawl. The intricate cursive handwriting is neat, indicative of the well-practiced style only older generations still use.
Paige,
My girl. I’m so proud of you. I’ve been fortunate in my life to have two great loves, so I’d like to think that I know a thing or two about the journey you are about to embark on. My darling, you have already done the hard part. The rest is simple… you must keep choosing each other every day. The best foundation for love is friendship. Remember where you started and find your way back there when times get hard.
I love you, Poodle. xoxo Nana
To my surprise, Paige manages to keep most of the tears at bay, only requiring a small touch up that I’m certain will go to shit as soon as she steps out onto the deck.
“Thank you. All of you.”
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 Paige very seriously.
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 hol ding 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 girl who 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 loves you .”
I nod, my mind racing throug h 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
I peek around the doorway, soft music humming through the speakers as the final guests make their way to the grass separating the house from the dock. I take in the stunning scenery, trying to hold my tears at bay. This whole day has been a rollercoaster of nerves and emotions.
The weather is mild, the sweet scent of flowers mingling with the early spring air. The back yard has been transformed into a romantic oasis. Wildflowers adorn every surface of the deck, their delicate petals adding splashes of color against the backdrop of the cool lake. String lights and lanterns are strung overhead, casting a soft, warm glow that will become even more enchanting as the sun begins to set. Flower petals line the aisle between rows of mismatched rustic wood chairs, adding a bohemian vibe, each one adorned with a small cluster of wildflowers and a wedding program.
I spot Cade standing beside Liam at the end of the dock under a gorgeous floral archway, gratitude and peace settling in my bones. This feels right.
The men are all wearing navy blue suits with wildflowers in their breast pockets instead of pocket squares. The hint of whimsy makes me smile. Every little detail is meticulous, and exactly what I would have chosen for myself.
The opening notes of our song fill the air, accompanied by the Ruby Lynn Hayes softly singing along as Dean l eads Mags down the aisle. I'll have to circle back to that little detail later.
The maid of honor and best man take their places on either side of the archway. Ivy and Miles are next, with Cara and Liam following behind. Finally, Aidan and Rylin walk down the aisle hand in hand and the small crowd lets out an “aww” in unison. Rylin has a very serious look on her face as she tosses wildflowers, and Aidan is grinning ear to ear.
My breath catches as I step out onto the deck, my hand in the crook of Archie’s arm. My eyes lock with Cade’s, and even from a distance I can see the unshed tears glistening in his irises.
The walk down the aisle feels like an eternity. My heart races with a mix of anticipation and nervous excitement. The soft rustle of my gown echos in the hushed silence, only the delicate sound of Ruby’s voice surrounding us. My eyes scan the faces of our gathered friends and several people I've never met.
A pang of sadness hits my chest, a longing for my own people to be present, but I tamp it down, not letting anything overshadow the utter bliss I feel in this moment. Bringing my gaze back to Cade, I feel a rush of emotion engulf my chest, momentarily knocking the breath from my lungs as the previously unshed tear finally escapes below his lashes, my own tears following suit.
Each step feels surreal, almost like floating on air.
“I love you.” I mouth the words hoping he can read my lips. I don’t think I can ever adequately repay him for everything he’s done for me. This is a dream come true — he is a dream come true.
Reaching the end of the dock, Archie kisses me on the cheek and places my hand in Cade’s.
“Cade,” I whisper as the tears I’ve been trying to hold at bay slowly track down my cheeks.
“Hey, Sunshine.” He smil es, his eyes alight with affection and adoration.
The officiant begins the ceremony as the sun dips lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the lake. When we get to the part of the ceremony where the “for better or for worse” would be, Cade gives the officiant a knowing look before pulling out a small piece of lined paper from his jacket pocket.
There’s an audible gasp in the audience — I guess he didn’t tell anyone he was going to write his own vows.
“Paige, I stand here today, in awe of you. Of your compassion, your kindness, and your perseverance. From the moment you came into my life, you have filled my world with warmth and light. Each day with you feels like a new adventure, a promise of endless possibilities and unwavering love,” he lowers the paper before continuing.
“With you by my side, every sunrise is more meaningful. I am endlessly grateful for the chance to walk through this life with you. I love you, Paige.” His face is blurry now, my eyes filled to the brim and my hand in his trembles for a minute before I compose myself. Obviously, I didn’t have time to prepare any vows, so I don't think he was expecting me to say anything, but I open my mouth and speak from my heart as a stunned expression momentarily takes over his face.
“Cade, I think all of my sunrises have belonged to you for a long time. Though we tried to fight it, we are, and always have been, inevitable. Every step we took led us back to each other, for better or for worse. Nothing has ever felt more right than this moment. I promise to cherish you, and to honor the love that has brought us together. I vow to embrace every new beginning, and to stand by your side through every challenge and every success. You are my peace; my home. I love you.”
As though he can’t resist the temptation, Cade gently cups the back of my head and places a reverent kiss on my forehead. I look around at the faces of our friends and family, not a single dry eye to be seen.
“I now pronounce you, husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”
Cade dips me backwards as we seal our vows with a hungry kiss. The intimate crowd of gathered friends and family erupt into cheers and applause.
“I love you, Wife.”
“I love you, too, Husband.”
Cade
She’s stunning in her wedding dress. My wife. Her wild curls are pulled back on one side by some kind of flowery hair clip and her makeup is soft, accentuating her gorgeous brown eyes and soft features. Her signature red lipstick makes me want to kiss her breathless; fuck the consequences.
After the ceremony, the photographer whisked us away for a few group shots and some couples portraits before we headed back to the reception to celebrate with our guests. “I’m going to need to know how you pulled this off on such short notice.”
“I have my ways,” I say with a cheeky grin. “I hope you love it.”
“It’s perfect, Cade. Absolutely perfect.”
We’re standing inside the house near the doors leading out to the deck, awaiting our first introduction as Mr. and Mrs. Brooks.
“So how the fuck did you get Ruby Lynn Hayes? When I tell you my jaw hit the floor…”
“Apparently, she used to date Liam’s older brother. It seems like there is some history there, so I didn’t ask too many questions.”
“I guess I missed all the excitement this week. I expect a full rundown tomorrow.” She laces her demand with a sugges tive undertone.
“You got it, wife.”
My thoughts trail off as Liam’s voice comes over the speakers. “Please welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Brooks!”
My heart leaps in my chest hearing Paige referred to by my last name. “Let’s go, Mrs. Brooks.” I take her hand in mine, the moss agate ring sparkling on her finger next to the simple gold band that now rests on my left hand as I lead her out into the middle of the deck, our friends forming a circle around us as the opening notes to ‘Perfect by Ed Sheeran’ play over the speakers, a reflection of that night several weeks ago when we danced in this same spot for the first time.