Chapter 25 #2
They’re standing here today, making vows to each other with no clue how the rest of their lives will go.
Something could happen to either one of them at the drop of a hat, and yet, they’re declaring their faith in each other in front of their family and closest friends, telling us out loud that they’re willing to take the risk.
So why can’t I do that too?
I can’t believe I ever doubted what I feel for Vienna, or how hard I’ve fought it. Funny how when you see someone else find their happiness, it can inspire you to find your own.
I know that tomorrow is never guaranteed. Life has taught me that plenty of times already. But I’m tired of living in fear or letting days and years slip away when the woman I met a little over two months ago is opening my eyes to so many possibilities for the future.
I loved Sarah, and I always will. But she’s not here anymore.
Vienna is here though, and her soul is the one I want a chance at a future with now.
As soon as the officiant pronounces Laney and Fletcher husband and wife, cheering erupts, echoing throughout the courtyard of the winery.
Guests settle in for a cocktail hour while the wedding party and family take photos, and then the outdoor reception starts.
My sister wanted the reception to be outside, which was a risky decision, given you can never be too sure what kind of weather Blossom Peak can have during the first week of June.
But my mom must have pulled some strings upstairs because the skies are clear, stars twinkle in the distance, and there’s not even a breeze to disturb the beautiful night.
When it’s time for speeches, Dilynne proves she is and always will be, a tough act to follow.
I’m sitting next to Fletcher at the head table, waiting for my turn.
But my eyes keep moving over to check on Vienna and Ellis.
My daughter is sitting on Vienna’s lap eating her fourth cupcake with rainbow sprinkles, but tonight?
I’m just going to let it happen. Cavities be damned.
Fuck. Being in love is making me soft about my morals.
“Fletcher Adams, I am happy to tell you that your nickname of Lucifer has officially been retired. Now, I’m going to call you Mr. Laney Hart.
” People raise their glasses in the air while laughing.
“I always had faith that you and my best friend would find your way back to each other, but I didn’t realize that when you did, it would mean having to trust you to take care of her.
” Dilynne clears her throat as she gets choked up.
“Just know, that you may be her husband now, but this girl is my person and always will be. I’m willing to share her, though, and the only reason why I’m okay with this marriage is because I know you’ll protect her as fiercely as I would.
You two make people like me believe in love—because if she can go from calling you Lucifer to her husband, then there’s hope for the rest of us. ”
“I knew I shouldn’t have let her make a speech,” my sister mutters on the other side of Fletcher, laughing through her tears.
Dilynne lets a tear slip free, which shocks those of us close to her. The woman is a professional at keeping her emotions in check, but I know that her love for my sister is what’s making this night even more special.
“I love you both so much. Congratulations!”
The guests break out into applause and then Dilynne passes me the mic. “Your turn, Rhonan. Good luck.”
I take my spot up at the front of the table and dart my eyes around, only to land on the two most important people in my life.
“Go, Daddy!” Ellis shouts, making everyone laugh once more.
Clearing my throat, I think back to what I wanted to say.
“When I first found out about Fletcher and my sister, you could say I wasn’t exactly thrilled.
” Everyone chuckles. “But when Laney explained their connection, I understood. It’s rare in life to find someone you can lean on when times get tough.
Life is going to test you, but with the right person by your side, you know you’ll make it through.
” I swallow roughly. “I wish that Mom were here to see your love for one another. She would be happier than anyone else for the two of you.”
“I love you,” Laney murmurs just loud enough for me to hear.
“But what I want you to know is that the two of you have given me hope that everyone can get a second chance at happiness, and that’s what I hope you build together—a life that may not be perfect but is full of love and contentment.” I raise my glass in the air. “To Laney and Fletcher!”
“To Laney and Fletcher!” All of the guests repeat my toast and then my sister and her new husband share their first dance. When my dad and Laney share their dance, all I can think about is that one day, that will be me and Ellis.
My chest grows tight as I grab her and twirl her in my arms on the side of the dance floor.
Once the DJ starts playing dance music for the rest of the night, I finally get a chance to find Vienna in the crowd alone as she brings a flute of champagne to her lips.
“Hey, beautiful.” I kiss her collarbone exposed by the off-the-shoulder cut of her sky-blue dress that highlights every one of her curves and breathe her in, letting peace wash over me.
“Right back at you, handsome.” She spins to face me and wastes no time pressing her mouth to mine. “Mmm, that was nice.”
“Enjoy nice me right now because later? I plan for us both to be really fucking naughty.”
She shivers in my arms and then holds out her hand to me, lifting her pinky. “Pinky promise?”
I hook my pinky with hers and we seal the deal.
She drains her glass of champagne and says, “Dance with me.” It’s more of a command than a question, but Vienna doesn’t falter as she sets her empty glass down on a nearby table.
She lets me take her hand in mine, and then I guide her to the dance floor, enveloping her in my arms as we sway to the slow song.
“This wedding is gorgeous,” she says. “It reminds me of what mine looked like, only I know that this marriage will have a happy ending.”
“I know my mom is happy that Laney chose to get married here. She’d have been thrilled. This was one of her main goals for the winery.”
“Your speech made me cry, especially when you mentioned her.” Vienna runs her nails through my hair on the side of my head. “I can only hope that she’s smiling down at you and your family today.”
“Would you ever consider getting married again?” I ask, nervous to know the answer but confident that I might.
Her eyes meet mine with no hesitation. “With the right person, yes. Would you?”
“With the right person,” I echo her sentiment before clearing my throat. “Look, there’s, uh…something I need to say to you.”
She inhales deeply and then blows it out. “There’s something I need to tell you too.” A pinch in her brow develops, but I don’t want to waste another second without letting this woman know how I feel about her.
“Can I go first?”
“Sure.”
Taking a deep breath, I brace myself for everything I need to say.
Stroking the side of her face, I bounce my eyes back and forth between hers.
“I’ve fallen for you, Vienna.” I can hear the sharp intake of her breath, but I keep going.
“The moment I picked you up from the ground in that bar, you’ve had my attention.
But the truth is, you’re the one who’s picked me up.
You’ve helped me see through the clouds and find the rainbows.
It’s time that I surrender to this thing between us and give us a shot at a future, and the only person I want to try again with is you. ”
“Rhonan…” Her eyes are filled with unshed tears.
“I can see a life with you. And I know we have things to conquer first and so much to still learn about each other, but I’m in this, Vienna.
” I lift her hand to my lips, kissing the top of it and then the inside of her wrist. “It’s you and me, baby.
And Ellis, if you’ll have us. Just tell me that you want this too… ”
She swallows roughly as a slow smile spreads across her lips. “God, I do. I want that too.”
“Thank fuck,” I breathe out as I rest my forehead against hers. “That’s all I needed to hear.”
“But Rhonan…”
I lift my head. “Yeah.” Then it clicks. “Oh yeah, you had something you wanted to tell me?”
She nods, biting her bottom lip nervously. “Yes. I just… Shit, this isn’t where I wanted to tell you this.”
“Tell me what, Vienna?”
And then she says three words to me, but they’re not the ones I was thinking of.
“I’m still married.”