Chapter 55
Chapter Fifty-Five
DUSTIN
June 2015
T he plan is for Echo to keep Lynsie in her studio until we cue the music. We convinced her that we need family pictures and should have their pond as the backdrop. It wasn’t a lie. There will be plenty of family pictures taken. We tried coming up with better ways to set this all up without her knowing, but this idea seemed like the safest to execute. We had far too much to keep secret to risk her figuring out anything. Just like getting her parents into town. Family pictures are a logical excuse.
Everyone is quiet. Stealthy, ninja-like quiet as we quickly get the chairs in place. We all get into our positions. I stand near the dock next to Dax, taking my place as his best man. Lynsie’s dad stands near the door of her studio, ready to escort his daughter down the make-shift aisle. The sun begins to kiss the water behind us, giving the most beautiful backdrop.
The music begins and I watch as the door opens. Lynsie smiles big and hugs her dad, unaware of what’s taking place. Echo’s dad meets her halfway and escorts her the rest of the way down. She stands across from me, and I can’t help but fantasize about our day.
Mr. Price takes his place, and we all watch in anticipation as Lynsie finally begins looking around, taking in her surroundings. The only thing lighting the backyard is the sunset. Dylan plugs in the lights and switches the song. The dangling lights in the trees shimmer around us as Lynsie covers her mouth in shock. She looks at all of us, and then over at the man whose arm she’s holding.
She looks around with awe, catching every little detail. Amazement fills her eyes as she stares at Dax and tears begin to follow. Sweet Lynsie is a crier. My sweet, sensitive sister-in-law covers her mouth as she chokes back a sob.
She regains her composure and gives her soon-to-be husband a devious smile. “You sneaky boy,” she whispers and then looks back and forth between me and Echo and wags her finger.
Dax grabs her hands into his, intertwining their fingers.
Echo’s dad begins the speech, cutting a lot of the fluff out.
Dax pulls out a piece of worn paper and unfolds it. Lynsie instantly tears up, bringing a hand to her mouth. Then he clears his throat, “Ahem.
Lynsie, my love, I want you for life.
The only thing left is to make you my wife.
I’m usually good with words,
But when it comes to you, I’m at a loss.
Nothing I say could ever be good enough.
So let’s cut to the chase, and go against the grain.
Let’s skip the engagement and jump in the fast lane.
We aren’t promised tomorrow, and I want no regrets.
Become Mrs. Adams, and make it a day we never forget.”
“I do!” she yells, jumping into his arms and wrapping her legs around his hips. We all begin to clap and cheer for the now happily married couple.
I watch Echo as she wipes away tears of joy. She’s so happy for her best friend. She’s so happy for them being happy. Now I have to come up with my own way to make her feel just as
special as Dax did Lynsie. My brother isn’t the only sly Adams boy. It’s time for me to look around in my hat full of tricks. Or maybe ask my son since he seems to have a hat, as well.