Chapter Three
Taryn
“Where did you say Cooper and Lachlan went?”
I eyed Geneva, our celebrant, as she gazed at her notes.
She’d been patient thus far, but I wanted this run through done and over with.
The hall was perfect. Everything was perfect.
Hell, even a cool breeze off the lake was damn near brilliant.
The hot weather had broken overnight, with cooler air coming in off the Pacific.
A bit breezy, but I didn’t care. So we might look a little windswept in our photographs.
I could certainly think of worse things.
Not a drop of precipitation was forecast, so we were good.
Not that rain could’ve dampened our spirits. Nope. Life was damn perfect.
Except for my wayward brother and his sidekick.
Or was it the other way around? Lachlan might be older, but Cooper gave him a run for his money in the bossiness department.
“Sorry.” Cooper’s voice carried across the hall.
We three women turned to find the men hustling down the aisle.
Cooper was feathering his hand through his blond hair.
Lachlan was straightening his askew tie.
I frowned. We’d done most of the manual labor to set up the hall earlier in the afternoon. My friends had offered to help, but I’d been certain we four, plus a couple of helpers from the venue, would be able to do it in no time.
And we had.
Even with Cooper still slightly hungover from last night’s bachelorette party.
Lachlan, of course, had remained sober.
They’d both been instrumental in getting everything ready today
So what had our brothers been up to just now?
“You’ll be walking your mothers down the aisle?” Geneva was all business. She had another rehearsal to get to.
“Yes.” Lachlan cleared his throat. “And then our fathers will walk our sisters down the aisle.”
Stephanie and I weren’t thrilled about that, but our parents had asked. Given we were eschewing almost every other tradition—except white gowns and a ceremony itself—we decided arguing wasn’t worth it. Given how much our families were contributing financially, making a fuss seemed petty.
“Great. Then let’s get started.” Geneva opened a beautiful embossed hardback book and began to read.
Twelve minutes later, everything was done. Well, we hadn’t said our vows. Okay, maybe we were a bit traditional in that respect.
Geneva hustled out, leaving the four of us standing at the altar.
Stephanie leaned against me. “I’m tired, and we’ve got a long day tomorrow.”
“You’re staying in the same house?” Cooper eyed us. “Isn’t that against tradition?”
“That the groom shouldn’t see the bride before the wedding.” Stephanie glared at him. “Well, we say it’s just fine for the bride to see the bride.”
I pressed a kiss to her cheek then met Lachlan’s gaze.
“You might want to head home, then. Cooper and I will close the place up.”
I offered him a grateful smile. “Awesome. We’ll see you tomorrow.”
Holding hands, we departed.
And less than twenty-four hours later, I stood with Lachlan. He was grumbling about the white rabbit as he waited to escort our mother down the aisle.
“Just think, you might’ve wound up as the Queen of Hearts.”
“I could’ve been the King of Hearts.”
“You’ll always be in my heart.” I smacked his ass as I shoved him toward our waiting parents.
He turned back and pulled me into a fierce hug. “I just want you to be happy. After everything…”
I knew what he meant. After all my parents had put me through. After growing up in Mission City. Heart of Cedar Valley. Well within the bible belt. My queerness hadn’t gone over well, and I’d lost a few of friends.
Maddie, Amber, and Holly standing by me had meant everything.
I owed them so much more than I could ever express.
Which was why, when they’d shown up this morning to help me get ready, I’d let them in. I just wanted to look as good as I could for Stephanie. The rest of the world didn’t matter.
And then, as my father walked me down the aisle and kissed my cheek, I found things settling. Nerves no longer jangled. He sat next to my mother in the front row and they held hands. He beamed with pride. My mother even clutched a handkerchief. They’d come so damn far.
Lachlan squeezed my shoulder—almost as if he knew what I was thinking.
Stephanie’s parents sat directly across the aisle. They’d been welcoming of my staid and stiff family—always finding ways to include them, so today would just be another occasion to get together. I fiercely appreciated the Gander family more today than I ever had before.
The harpist began to strum Stephanie’s favorite Lorenna McKennitt tune—something Celtic I’d come to love as well—and the audience turned.
Stephanie, resplendent in a gown we’d chosen together, glided down the aisle on Cooper’s arm. We’d forgone veils, but she wore a crown of wildflowers on her flowing blonde hair.
She looked like an ethereal goddess.
Cooper, in his smart suit, grinned from ear to ear.
I’d loved him from the first—the protective older brother who’d do anything for his baby sister.
Their three sisters sat in the second row with their husbands. As much as I loved my soon-to-be nieces and nephews, I was grateful we’d chosen today to be adults-only. Plus, that meant we didn’t have to pick who would be ring bearer and flower girl. Plenty to pick from.
Coop kissed Stephanie’s cheek, then placed her hands in mine.
I blinked.
Happy tears, I told myself.
“I love you.” I took in a deep breath. “From the moment I saw you, on the side of the road, I thought there’s something special about her.
My heart was gone, even though you hadn’t spoken a word.
And I know that makes it sound like I was only attracted to you because of your looks.
I mean, you’re gorgeous and that’s obvious, but I saw more.
Because, for the first time in my life, I felt seen.
Like you would understand me. I asked you out.
You didn’t laugh. You smiled and said of course.
We’ve been together ever since, and my love for you has only grown. Your family…” I swallowed.
“We love you too.” Cooper stage-whispered loudly over Stephanie’s shoulder.
Our guests laughed.
“You give me hope in a world where sometimes there isn’t any. I love you for that.”
Stephanie blinked. “You’re going to make me cry.” Then she smiled. “I think we’re supposed to like, pledge ourselves first…or something…”
We both glanced at Geneva.
“Oh, this is fine. I’m very easygoing.”
Heat crept into my cheeks.
Stephanie grabbed my hands. “I’m glad you went first. Because you’re far better at expressing things than I am.
My job is to sell things to people—but I’ve never been good at selling myself.
” Her smile held. “But you also saw me. In a way no one ever had before. Well, except my family. You gave me the gift of time and attention. You wanted to know about me. That is more powerful than anything else. You’re such an easy person to love, and I’m so glad no one else before me snatched you up. ”
She said the words with particular gusto, and our guests tittered.
I tugged her toward me. Because I wore only one-inch heels, I had to go up on my toes.
She bent her head.
Our lips met.
That kiss meant everything.
Geneva cleared her throat.
We pulled apart.
She grinned. “Well, this is one for the record books—vows exchange before I’ve said a word.” She held her embossed book. “Perhaps I can do my bit.”
Stephanie and I both laughed.
As did pretty much all the guests.
Yeah…we’re going to be okay.