Chapter 34
34
WESTON
I stand in front of the little white church perched on the hill. Its bright white siding shines under the afternoon sun. The large windows on each wall allow natural light to flood inside.
This morning, over coffee, Mawmaw explained why a courthouse wedding wouldn’t cut it for her precious granddaughter. With a sparkle in her eye, she transformed into a wedding planner, as if she’d been waiting her entire life for this. The budget was unlimited, and Mawmaw took care of everything. This woman had a whole wedding planned before Carlee even woke up. Mawmaw isn’t her grandmother; she’s Carlee’s fairy godmother.
Hudson, dressed in a crisp tuxedo, takes the steps to greet me. We exchange a firm handshake, but he gives me a warm smile. “Nice friendship bracelet.”
I glance at it, smiling. “My bestie gave it to me. Thanks for officiating.”
“It’s an honor. Truly,” he says, guiding me inside.
The church is decked out with a stunning display of yellow and white roses. Their sweet, flowery aroma fills the room. Each flower seems to glow in the sunrays. White pews line both sides, and dark hardwood floor covers the room. It’s beautiful. I see why Carlee dreamed of being married here as a little girl.
“Son, come here,” Hudson says, and a miniature version of him runs toward us. “Colby, this is Weston. He’s marrying Leelee today.”
“Hello, sir,” he says, holding out his hand to shake mine. “Welcome to the family. My dad got married a few weeks ago! Where is Emma?”
I chuckle and check my watch. “Emma’s helping Carlee. She’ll be here in about ten minutes.”
“Okay!” He jumps, then runs away to meet up with his friends.
“Kids,” Hudson says.
“Do you enjoy being a dad?” I ask.
“Love it. While it’s not always easy, it’s rewarding.” Hudson watches his son fondly.
When I turn my head, I see Easton enter with Brody.
“You know, Mawmaw has already talked to me about the two of you choosing a plot of land on the farm.”
I grin. “I’m leaving it up to Carlee.”
“The property next door to my place is vacant. Would be nice to have you as a neighbor, even if only temporarily throughout the year. Could watch things while you’re in the city.”
“Thanks for the offer,” I say, giving him a firm handshake. “That would be amazing. Merryville seems like a good place to escape to.”
He laughs. “There’s a reason why Claire and Emma never went back.”
“Why’s that?” I ask.
“The magic of Merryville, of course.” He gives me a pat on the back and moves to the front of the church.
I shake my head, making a mental note to ask Carlee what he means by that.
As I glance at the time, Billie approaches me. She’s wearing a gray dress that matches my tie. Not a single hair is out of place. I meet her blue eyes that are the same color as mine and Easton’s.
“Are you nervous?” she asks, adjusting the tie.
Thankfully, my brother arrived with everything I’d possibly need to get married.
“I’m excited,” I reply truthfully.
Anticipation crackles around us.
With her hands firmly on my shoulders, she smiles again. “Last time you got married, when I asked you the same question, you told me you were terrified.”
“I did?”
The memory flickers like an old film reel, but it barely hangs on. Most memories with Lena are like that now—distant. I’ve buried them and moved on.
“That’s when I knew she wasn’t the one for you. But Carlee? She’s the missing piece,” she says, pulling me into a tight hug. Her words cause a chill to run up my spine. “I’m so happy you’ve found your person.”
“Me too. Thank you, sis,” I whisper. Before she walks away, I grab her hand. “You know I will help you with anything, right? I always have your back.”
“I know,” she says. “But today is about you, not me.”
“Your busi?—”
“Weston”—she shakes her head—“This conversation can wait.”
“Okay,” I breathe out.
Easton approaches me. “Are you ready?” he asks, checking his watch.
“So fucking ready,” I say, turning to Brody. “Everything okay?”
“On light duty for the next month. It’s nothing,” he says, playing it off like being grazed by a bullet is no big deal.
“I can never thank you enough,” I tell him, pulling him into a tight hug.
“I’ve got you.” He pats me hard. “Now stop acting like that.”
As I glance down the aisle, the sunlit church buzzes with excitement and joy. I scan across the familiar faces of my friends and her family. Every smile from the pews pulls me deeper into this moment as we wait for Carlee to arrive.
With every passing second, my heart races a little faster. I take a deep breath, knowing she will be here, but the anticipation is almost too much.
I spot my father, his wife, and my little brother, who’s throwing a terrible-three tantrum in the middle of the aisle. His nanny allows him to do it. Behind them are my mother and her third husband—or it might be her fourth, but I’ve lost count.
I sigh, hoping this is the last time I get married.
Easton sighs too. “They’re a hot fucking mess.”
“An example of what not to be,” I mutter just as Carlee’s mother enters.
She blows me a kiss and waves.
At two o’clock, the church bell rings.
“She’ll be here,” Easton says, grabbing my shoulder. “I texted Lexi and asked them why they were late.”
“Of course you did.” Laughter erupts from me, and I realize just how much I needed it.
Matteo and Dean give me a tight handshake, followed by JJ and Lucas. Almost everyone is here now.
Just then, Mawmaw strides in with Abbi, and they’re both wearing yellow. Mawmaw’s presence grabs everyone’s attention.
“Sorry. We’re almost ready. I had to blindfold her,” Mawmaw announces. Her enthusiasm is contagious as she whispers loudly, “Everyone, remember, she has no idea we’re doing this here, so be very quiet.”
Suddenly, Lexi and Emma lead Carlee up the steps. An electric energy flows through the room as it grows completely silent.
As soon as I see my bride, the world stops spinning.
The sunlight pours in behind her, causing her white dress to glow. Everything fades into the background, and she’s all I see. Her dark hair cascades around her in curls, and I can’t miss the smile on her pouty red lips.
“You’re not gonna tell me what we’re doing? What about the time?” Carlee asks, blindfolded. “We cannot be late! Seriously, if I’m late, Easton will complain.”
Lexi bursts into laughter. “He’ll survive.”
My brother shrugs. It’s not a lie.
Laughter bubbles from Emma. Her giggles dance through the church like happy little notes. I glance at Hudson and can see the admiration he has for her.
“Don’t you think the blindfold is a bit much? Don’t you trust me to keep my eyes closed? Where did Mawmaw go?” There’s a hint of uncertainty in her voice. “Do I smell flowers?”
My heart skips a beat when she steps further into view. My gaze rests on the woman I’ll spend forever with.
As the pianist, handpicked by Mawmaw, starts to play “Für Elise,” I see Carlee’s breath hitch. Each note resonates in the sacred space, but it’s a special song only we share. One of many. A smirk appears on her lips as the melody shifts into Canon in D. The notes float lightly through the air.
Lexi carefully removes Carlee’s blindfold, revealing the smiling faces of family and friends.
My gorgeous girl is in awe, her emotions swelling as tears of joy roll down her cheeks. A wave of warmth washes over me, and time stands completely still.
Emma grabs tissues, dabbing at Carlee’s teary eyes. Easton beams at me with pride. Beside him, Brody gives me a nod.
I’m overwhelmed with happiness, overjoyed by what’s to come. For the first time in my life, I’m looking forward to the future and what comes with it.
Colby and the flower girl toss petals along the path, each tiny splash of color marking this moment.
As Carlee is handed her bouquet, I can’t help but notice the jeweled crown I had made for her. She’s my queen, shining with grace and beauty. Right now, I feel as if I should bow down to her. Tears stream down my face, and I quickly wipe them away. Deep down, I know without a doubt that this is the happiest day of my life.
Carlee greets her uncle, who’s waiting to walk her down the aisle. He leans in, asking her if she’s ready. With a smile that could light up this whole town, Carlee nods. Her excitement matches mine, and it’s ready to bubble over.
When her eyes finally meet mine, visions of our entire life flash before me. Carlee is stunningly beautiful, her presence so captivating that I can’t find the words to fully describe how she makes me feel. We’re locked together, sharing a novel’s worth of unspoken words. Her eyes glimmer, and it tugs at my heartstrings as she moves down the aisle toward me.
“How did you pull this off?” Her voice trembles with disbelief as I take her hands.
“Mawmaw,” I whisper in her ear. “You’re so beautiful.”
Carlee kisses me. “You are too.”
The afternoon sun pours through the stained-glass windows, creating bursts of red, blue, and yellows that dance around us. Our love is a kaleidoscope of colors intermingling together, always changing and shifting.
Her gaze shifts to Hudson. “Oh my goodness,” she says, hugging him.
“Sorry, y’all!” Carlee calls out to everyone in attendance. A blush touches her cheeks. “I wasn’t expecting any of this.”
“It’s fine. Time to get married!” Mawmaw exclaims, clapping her hands. I think she’s growing as impatient as Easton.
“Let’s get married,” I say to Carlee with a smile.
Hudson starts the ceremony, but my focus is on Carlee. Everything else fades away. It’s just us as we exchange a silent conversation.
“The couple has decided to say their own vows,” Hudson says, his voice suddenly formal. It breaks the spell around us .
Carlee’s eyes go wide, her brows shooting up in panic. “I didn’t prepare anything,” she says quietly, a hint of worry creeping into her voice.
“I didn’t either. No script. It’s just us.” I give her a reassuring wink. A warm feeling fills my chest because this isn’t something I expected.
“Weston.” Hudson’s voice brings me back, grounding me.
I take a deep breath, studying her. “No one’s ever looked at me the way you’re looking at me right now. You have so much love and admiration shining in your eyes for me and only me. I don’t think you or anyone in this room understands what you mean to me. You are the love of my life, and I’m so lucky and grateful to have lived at the same time as you. My little Firefly, you were the spark in my heart. You woke me up and freed me. You saw me. And to be seen—to really be seen—is one of the most intimate experiences I’ve ever had with another person. I see you too, gorgeous. I will always take care of you and make you laugh, even when you don’t want to. Loving you is so easy, and I’m ready for our forever. You’re proof that the wrong time is sometimes right.”
Tears stream down Carlee’s face, and I wipe them away, kissing her forehead and then her lips.
I think to myself that this is how it was always meant to be.
Me and her. Just like this. Together. Forever. This is our new beginning.