Chapter 22 Blair
BLAIR
Standing in the middle of what was a disaster zone this morning, I can barely comprehend what I'm witnessing. The transformation is nothing short of miraculous.
The oak trees tower above us like natural cathedral pillars, their branches still threaded with the fairy lights from last night's rehearsal dinner that will create a canopy of stars once the sun sets.
Ten round tables are positioned across the lawn, each one draped in crisp white linens and topped with those ingenious watermelon centerpieces that overflow with white roses and trailing ivy.
White folding chairs are arranged in neat rows facing the ceremony area, creating a traditional aisle that's been made from a long strip of artificial turf.
The bright green creates a walkway that contrasts beautifully with the white chairs and the white roses that have been scattered along the sides.
The archway itself stands proud at the end.
What started as a simple metal frame has been woven into a living sculpture of ivy, wild grape vines, and roses.
It frames the view of the rolling farmland beyond, creating a natural backdrop for the ceremony that no venue could replicate.
Torches line the walkway to the house, creating a path so guests will be able to find their way around later.
Beth hurries past me carrying the last of the empty boxes toward the barn, her face flushed with exertion. She's been incredible today—making phone calls, coordinating, running errands without complaint.
Marcus is doing a final sweep of the area, collecting stray pieces of wire, empty water bottles, and the scattered tools they’ve used throughout the day.
But what amazes me most isn't the physical transformation—it's watching Liv orchestrate the entire operation. She's been everywhere at once today, somehow maintaining her composure despite the impossible timeline.
Everything makes sense since our conversation at the arch. The armor she wears, the way she holds people at arm's length, the cynicism about love and marriage despite building a career around both. Andy didn't just break her heart—she shattered it.
Beth returns and stands back to survey our work. "Okay," she announces, brushing her hands on her jeans. "I think we're done. Everything looks great so I'm going to rush home and get ready."
Marcus checks his watch. "Yeah, I'll get cleaned up too."
They head off and I suppose I should do the same so I walk toward the house. My phone buzzes in my pocket just as I reach the hallway, and when I see Danny's name on the screen, I smile.
"Hey, buddy," I answer, leaning against the back door.
"Blair!" Danny's voice is bright with excitement. "Are you coming to visit today?"
It's the same question he asks every time he calls, even though I live in New York and he's in North Carolina. "No, I'm at a wedding today, but I'll visit next week. Is that okay?"
"Next week works," he says seriously, then pauses. "Wait… Are you getting married?"
"No, buddy," I say with a chuckle. "I'd never get married without you. I'm just here with a friend."
"Okay, good. Because remember what happened to cousin Mike when he got married? His wife made him sell his motorcycle and now he can only eat vegetables."
I laugh out loud. "I think there might be more to that story, Danny."
"Nope. She's very mean about vegetables. So you're coming next week for real?"
"For real. I'll take you to a game if the Orioles are playing at home."
"YES!" His excitement is infectious. "And we can get hot dogs and I can tell you all the new statistics I learned. Did you know that—"
"Danny!" I hear Mom's voice in the background. "Tommy's at the door!"
"Oh! I gotta go, Blair. Tommy's here and we're gonna practice batting. Love you!"
The line goes dead as I head inside with a ridiculous grin on my face. As I walk toward the kitchen, I hear voices; Emma and Liv. I watch them through the door that is slightly ajar.
Emma looks radiant in a simple white dress with delicate lace sleeves. Her blonde hair has been swept up in an elegant updo with small white flowers tucked throughout, and her makeup is natural and glowing. She looks like every bride should look on her wedding day—happy, excited, and beautiful.
Two bridesmaids stand next to her in matching pale pink dresses, their hair styled in complementary updos. The hair stylist is putting the finishing touches on Emma's hair, adjusting a pin here and smoothing a strand there.
Liv stands across from her sister, still in the same dress and heels she's been wearing all day. There's a small twig caught in her dark hair, a streak of dirt across her left forearm, and several scratches on her legs from crawling through the woods collecting foliage. I watch her, unnoticed.
"Just let me have one little peek," Emma is saying, gesturing toward the curtained windows. "Please? It's hard to believe I'm actually getting married today after this morning's disaster. I won't believe it's real until I see it."
"Emma, no. Just trust me, okay? It's going to be nothing like you originally planned, but it will be beautiful. I don't want you to stress about anything or second-guess any of the decisions we had to make."
I choose that moment to step into the kitchen, and all eyes turn toward me.
"Look at you, Emma," I say. "David is a very lucky guy."
Emma's face lights up. "Thank you, Sailor.
I'm actually excited now, after such a disastrous morning and stressful afternoon.
None of this would be happening if it weren't for Liv.
" She turns to her sister with tears threatening to spill.
"Seriously, Liv. I don't know how you did it, but you saved our wedding. "
Liv waves off the praise, but I can see the emotion in her eyes. "It's what sisters do," she says simply.
Liv moves toward me, meeting my gaze with a smile that reaches all the way to her tired eyes. Her gaze drops briefly to my mouth before she says, "You were a star today. And well done on the cake." She turns back to Emma. "Did I tell you Sailor got the cake? She somehow made it happen."
Emma's eyes widen with gratitude as she looks at me. "Oh my God, really? Sailor, I can't believe how lucky I am to have such an amazing new sister-in-law."
I catch the brief flinch that crosses Liv's face at her sister's words just before she takes a small step away from me and straightens herself. "We only have about forty minutes," she says, checking her watch. "Mind if I shower first?"
"Why don't we share the shower, sugar plum?" I suggest with a grin.
Emma giggles and Liv's face flushes deep red. "Very funny," she says, tugging on my hand. "Come on, Romeo. We don't have time for that right now. You can use the bathroom after I'm done; I won’t be long."
As she leads me toward the stairs, Emma calls after us: "You two are adorable!"