19. Peyton
peyton
. . .
I don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for the women in my life. The salon in Beaumont is closed due to my bridal party and as small as it is, the space is filled. Still, everyone I know is getting their hair done, or did, according to Paige. My sister is playing bartender and making sure the champagne is flowing freely and Eden has her phone plugged into the speaker system and is currently honing her DJ’ing skills.
The best part – everyone is laughing. There’s laughter, and laughter is good. It feeds the soul. They’re smiling, they’re happy. All while I’m trying to hold it in. The last thing I want to do is cry, but I’m pretty emotional right now. As I stare at my family through the mirror, I’m trying to find the words to thank them for being my support system, my best friends, for holding my hand and never giving up on me after the accident. I want to tell them that if it weren’t for their love and guidance, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today.
Words escape me though. Earlier today, Christmas was poignant. The gift from Noah, even though he’s given me so much over the past couple of years, was exceptional. I know the ring he’ll slip on my finger this evening will mean more to me than anything, but having those photos of us, to look at and cherish them until the end of time means so much to me. I don’t know if I’ll ever find a way to properly express how I feel about him. Telling him I love him doesn’t seem to do my feelings justice, and while actions speak louder than words, sometimes I feel like I can’t hug him tight enough or hold him long enough to show him how I feel.
I meant the words I put on his watch with every fiber of my being . . . He is my light. I can’t explain it. He guided me away from a darkness that wanted to consume me, to eat me alive. He fought for me when I couldn’t fight for myself. He loved me when I was broken, when he broke me and did everything he could to put the pieces back to make me whole. To make us whole.
“I can’t believe you’re marrying Noah Westbury.” I look at the stylist through the mirror and smile. “Noah and I graduated high school together. He was the catch. Everyone wanted him.”
And I had him the whole time .
“Yes, I remember. Girls were always at his house, calling him, following him around.”
“But he rarely paid attention.”
That’s because he was in love with me.
“Some thought he was gay,” she says, which causes me to laugh.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to move.”
“No worries, I probably shouldn’t have said that. I think those who did were probably rejected by him.” She smiles softly and goes back to work, pinning half of my curls up. Noah loves my long hair and being that it’s winter I want to keep most of it down. “Christmas weddings are so beautiful.”
“I agree.”
Mom comes over with a big grin on her face. “Oh Peyton, you’re going to be such a beautiful bride.” She kisses my cheek, smelling of champagne.
“Thanks, Mom. Hey, Elle, maybe chill out on giving Mom so much to drink.”
Mom scoffs and waves my comment off as she goes back to the other gals. Aunt Josie and Betty Paige are getting manicures, Eden and Elle are getting pedicures, and it seems that Jenna and my mother are hitting the bottle.
“You’re pretty lucky,” the hairdresser says.
“Why do you say that?”
She nods toward Josie. “She’s Noah’s Mom, right?” I nod. “Yeah, she came in one day and asked about services. When she told us it was going to be on Christmas, we all passed.”
“What changed your mind?”
“She told us your story and everything you’ve been through. She sat in here for an hour after we closed, talking about Noah and his love for you. I was the first one to say yes, the other girls followed quickly.”
“Thank you. I know working on Christmas Day isn’t the best way to spend the time.”
“No, but helping a bride look her best for her fairy tale wedding is a pretty good reason to skip dinner at my in-laws.”
By the time I’ve been buffed, polished, had my makeup applied, I’m on edge. My team is doing everything they can to keep my nerves calm on the ride over to the church. The limo pulls around the back, but not before I see so many people walking in.
“People came,” I say as I look out the window. My mom holds my hand, squeezing it lightly.
“Everyone RSVP’d, Peyton,” Josie says.
“Everyone?”
She nods. That means there are over five hundred people cramming into that church, on Christmas night. That means people gave up time with their families, to watch ours become one.
“Don’t cry, sweetie.” My mom pats my leg. Too bad her words make me want to cry even more now.
Once the limo driver opens the door, we rush inside. In the small chamber room, my dress is hanging, suspended in mid-air, waiting for me to slip into it.
“Jenna pressed it one more time before she and Eden started their duties,” Mom tells me. Jenna oversees the guest book, while Eden hands out programs. Jimmy is an usher. The perfect job for a man like him, escorting women to their seats. No doubt cracking jokes as he walks them down the aisle.
I go over to my dress and touch the silky fabric. In terms of design, this is a simple gown. It’s perfect for me.
“I have your something new,” Betty Paige says. She hands me a small blue box tied in white ribbon. “It’s from Noah.”
I look at her questioningly before pulling on one of the ribbons. Inside the box, is another box. She helps me pull it out and holds it while I flip the top open. Nestled on top of velvet is a diamond tennis bracelet, set in platinum.
“If you look underneath each piece or whatever you call them, it says Noah and Peyton,” Paige tells me. I do as she says and flip the bracelet over once I have it out of the box. Sure enough, there’s a tiny letter on each bracket, and enough to spell out our names.
“Wow, I’m lost for words.”
“He loves you, P. And so do I. I’m so happy that you’re going to be my sister.” Paige and I hug. When we part, she helps me slip it onto my wrist.
“I have your something blue.” Josie steps forward. I open the bag and pull out a blue garter.
“Oh boy,” I say as I let it hang from my finger. “I have a feeling the reception is going to get a bit rowdy tonight.” Everyone laughs.
“And I have your something borrowed.” Mom holds out her hand, there’s a set of small diamond earrings resting in her palm. “I know we live this glamorous life, where we have everything, but these were a gift from your father and I thought that maybe you’d like to wear them today.”
The tears I’ve been holding back arrive in full force. Elle’s dabbing my face and cursing up a storm, while I hug my mom. “I’d be honored,” I tell her through my tears. I always knew weddings could be touching, but I guess when you have a family like mine, who’ve been through what we have, there’s even more reason to cry when you’re supposed to be happy.
After my mom, Josie, and Paige leave, it’s just my sister and me. We hug for a long time. It doesn’t matter that we haven’t lived together in years or that we’ve gone our own ways, this is a turning point for us.
“Are you changing your last name?” she asks as she helps put the diamond studs into my ears.
“I am. I’ve thought about it for a long time and being a Westbury feels right. Professionally, I’ll stay James, but I can’t wait to be Peyton Westbury and have it be real. Have it be mine.”
Elle smiles and brushes a stray curl over my shoulder. “Noah’s one lucky guy.”
“I’m the lucky one, Elle. I almost lost him.”
“That would’ve never happened.” Her voice is strong and confident. She’s so much stronger than I am.
My sister helps me into my dress and hands me my bouquet just as there’s a knock on the door. She stands there with her hands on my shoulders, her smile is soft. “Daddy… I mean, our father, he would’ve been so proud of you, Peyton. I know I am. Being your sister is the best part of my life.”
“Elle…”
“No, don’t cry.” She pulls a tissue from her pocket. Of course, she would buy a gown with pockets. “You deserve every happiness, and I’m so happy that it’s Noah who gets you for the rest of your life because you’re pretty freaking awesome.”
“Thank you.” I want to tell her that it’s okay to refer to our father as daddy. I certainly have and would never think badly of her if she did. I touch the earrings and smile. “I have him with me, always.”
“He’s here now. I can feel him. He wouldn’t miss this day for anything.”
Her words give me pause. I’ve done everything I can to block him out. Not because I don’t love him, but felt consumed by his presence, and I needed to focus on Noah and the life we’re trying to build.
There’s a knock on the door. My sister presses her forehead to mine. “I love you, P.”
“I love you more,” I tell her.
She smiles and inhales deeply before turning her attention to the door. “Come in,” she says.
Our dad and Quinn walk in, both dressed handsomely in the suits I picked out. “Wow,” Dad says. “Just wow.”
“She’s gorgeous,” Elle adds. “The perfect bride.”
Quinn comes over and whispers. “Say the word and we ride away on my bike. I can take him out, if need be.” I chuckle.
“He’s your best friend.”
“You’re my sister. Marriage will never ever change that.”
“I love you, Quinn.”
“I love you more,” he says, kissing me on the cheek. He leaves with Elle, giving me a minute with our dad.
“You up for this?” I ask him.
He nods, and his lips go into a fine line. He’s holding back, keeping his emotions in check. “I can stand here and say a bunch of stuff about how beautiful you are, how strong and resilient you’ve been, and how lucky Noah is, but you know this already. The only thing I want to say is thank you.”
“For what?”
“For trusting me when you were five. For letting me in. For calling me Dad. For being one of the best things to ever happen to me.”
“Daddy,” I choke out over a sob.
“Don’t cry, baby girl. You’ve got one hell of a man waiting for you upstairs, and as much as it pains me to let you grow up, I’m supposed to walk you down the aisle and give you away to him.”
“He loves me.”
“I know he does. Shall we?” He holds his arm out for me to take. In the hall, Elle is waiting for us. She picks up the train of my dress and carries it as we climb up the stairs. Liam and Paige are there when we reach the vestibule. She squeals with excitement, but Liam, he wipes a fallen tear from his face. It’s not lost on me that this was where we said goodbye to my father, where Liam and I bonded instantly. That’s not why I chose this church. This is where life began for our families, where the bridge became strong. Whether Liam knows it or not, he’s the patriarch that keeps us going.
Jimmy opens the doors to the church and I can hear everyone turn in their seats, hoping to get a glimpse. Liam and Paige walk down the aisle first, followed by Quinn and Elle. I can easily say there will be no bridal party hook-ups happening at my wedding.
The music changes and my dad’s voice sings out over the loudspeaker. I smile at his reaction. While the moms may have planned everything, I made a few changes. This being one of them. Years ago, he made a demo for Elle and me, our own songs and how he felt about us. I chose to have it playing now, as opposed to later, because he wanted to pick the song we danced too. Either way, I win.
We slowly turn the corner. Everyone stands, a few people gasp, but my eyes are focused only on Noah. Quinn whispers something in his ear and he smiles. He smiles like he’s never smiled before. Each step I take, it’s slow. I’m the tortoise trying to beat the rabbit in a race right now, and my prize is waiting. After what seems like an eternity walking down the aisle, I’m finally face-to-face with my groom, who looks really hot in his suit.
“Who gives this bride to be with this man?”
My dad clears his throat. “Her mother and I do,” he says right before he kisses me softly on my cheek.
“Holy fuck, Peyton, you’re beautiful.”
My eyes go wide at Noah’s little outburst. I chance a look at the minister who shrugs. “At least it’s holy.” Everyone in church laughs.
Noah and I look longingly into each other’s eyes while the minister talks about our life, the love we share, and what our future holds. Truthfully, I’m not listening. The only thing I want to do is hear the minister announce us husband and wife, kiss my groom and get to the party where I can dance the night away with the man of my dreams.
“Noah, your vows?”
Noah grins. “Peyton, it seems like all I do is tell you how much I love you. I think part of me is scared that one day I’ll wake up and this will all be a dream. The other part of me doesn’t want you to forget or ever wonder if I don’t. If there’s ever a day that I don’t tell you, kick me, because you deserve to be told every single day of your life. Few people can say they met the love of their life at the age of five. I can. Being in your life has been the single greatest moment of mine. Being your husband is going to be the best part of life yet. Tonight, in front of our family and friends, in this church on Christmas, I vow to you to be the best husband, friend, and father to our children that I can be, and to be the man that you deserve. I love you, Peyton.”
Elle hands me a tissue so I can dab at my tears. I smile at Noah and take a deep breath. “I didn’t know what I was going to say until this moment. You’ve seen the worst of me, even on my best days, and never judged me. Never asked me to change. You only offered guidance, understanding, and help, and for that I love you. For as long as I can remember, you’ve been in my life. Every memory I have, you’re there. You’re present. You know what I’m thinking before I do. You know what I’m going to say before I can form a proper response. You hold my hand and let me jump first, never pushing. I am, who I am, because of you, and I could never imagine my life without you. Today, in front of our family and friends, I become your wife, your partner, and the woman who tells you when your plays are sloppy.” Those final words earn some loud laughter from the people in attendance.
“Noah, you brought me back from the darkness and showed me what it’s like to live. For that, I am forever grateful. I love you more than words can say, more than actions can show, and being your wife is going to be the easiest thing I ever do.”
“Well, I’m not sure there’s a dry eye in the house,” the minister says. “Now if we could have the rings.”
Noah and I each take turns slipping our rings on each other’s fingers and repeat our solemn vow.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Noah, I think it’s time to kiss your wife.”
Noah doesn’t have to be told twice, and neither do I. What I’m not expecting is for my husband to pull me to him and dip me down as he kisses me. “You’re my wife,” he whispers against my lips before helping me stand on my feet.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I am proud to introduce, Mr. and Mrs. Noah Westbury.”
Our hands go up, much to the delight of everyone in the church. Noah kisses me again before we walk down the aisle. When we get to the end, we turn and look at our family and friends. Someone yells that we have to kiss, and that’s when I look up and find a sprig of mistletoe hanging above us.
“Can’t leave a girl hanging, Westbury.”
“Never,” he says as he pulls me into his arms.
Never can’t be quantified, and I like that because I want this moment to last forever. Being his wife, it’s a dream come true.