Chapter 30 Ruger #2
This building is gorgeous, Wrenley says, still half lost in the view.
It’s a stunner, Drew agrees warmly. Ready to see the room?
We sure are, Remi says, and I can tell she’s keeping her voice bright to hide that anything is wrong between us.
We walk into a room with laminate floors and walls painted in forgettable shades of beige. You can tell the room is meant to be dressed up so no one notices how plain it is underneath. Remi and Drew walk across the room, where Drew picks up a folder, and they start talking.
I should probably… Wrenley gestures with our joined hands toward the two of them, and I reluctantly let go of her.
I walk toward the large windows that overlook the ocean.
It’s technically the same view as downstairs, only the higher vantage point makes it look bigger.
I find myself imagining this room filled with people.
I can picture standing in front of these windows, waiting for Wrenley.
I can picture her walking toward me. I can picture saying I do and meaning it.
I press my lips together and look toward the horizon. It doesn’t really matter what I can picture. It doesn’t matter what future I want or how easy it is for me to imagine it. The only thing that matters is whether Wrenley wants it too.
I walk over to Drew, Remi, and Wrenley.
We’re just looking at food options, Remi says.
Anything good? I ask.
Remi and I were liking the idea of pulled carrots for the vegetarian option, Wrenley says, and a part of me wants to take her planning as hope that this is going to work out.
Maybe we should do bring your own, I say. I think Remi is the only vegetarian.
Remi’s eyes narrow. Shows how much you know. Yikaih only eats what he hunts, so he’ll want a vegetarian option. Shelley from the bank has been a vegan for a decade. So, I’m not the only one.
Wow. Three people, I deadpan.
Remi waves me off.
Drew lifts his arms, motioning to the far wall. Let’s move away from food. This will be the ceremony backdrop. And the view speaks for itself.
I look through the windows. The ocean sprawls endlessly. It’s beautiful.
We have a nice arch you can decorate, chairs supplied. Oh, and do you have someone officiating?
Walter, Remi says.
Checks out, Drew says with a nod.
Drew keeps talking about photographers and logistics, but all I can hear is the blood rushing in my ears.
So what do you think? Drew asks.
The three of us look at each other, and I can tell we’re all thinking the same thing. We’re standing here talking about a wedding venue when we don’t even know if there will be a wedding.
I realize there is only one thing I do know: I’m all in. I’m not going to start backing down from this because it’s gotten a little more complicated. I said I’d do it, and I’m going to see it through to the end.
I reach into my back pocket and pull out my wallet. You take credit?
Absolutely, Drew says.
Remi steps between us. Oh no. I’ve got this. Wedding gift.
I shake my head. No.
Ruger.
Remi.
You are not paying for this.
I am.
Why?
Because I want to.
She plants her hands on her hips.
Uh, Drew says, looking between us. Do you guys need a minute?
No, Remi says.
Yes, I say at the exact time.
We both look at each other, unblinking. Her expression slowly changes, and I recognize it as the same one she used when we were kids and she was absolutely convinced she was right about something.
Drew points toward the door. I’m going to give you guys a minute. He does a surprisingly quick shuffle toward the hallways and disappears from the room.
The second he’s gone, Remi turns back on me. What are you doing? This isn’t your responsibility.
Yes it is, I insist.
Oh my God, stop. Both of you! Wrenley’s voice startles us, and we both turn toward her. Really, it should be me paying for this since I’m the one who could cancel all of it.
Remi and I exchange a look before turning back to Wrenley, who looks so exhausted that all I want to do is pull her into my arms.
Wren…
No, she says, shaking her head. What the hell are we doing?
For a second, nobody answers.
Look, I say quietly. I’m not trying to influence you.
Her eyes lift to mine.
Here’s the truth of it all. I’m in no matter what, and I’ll be here in this room whether you show up or not.
My throat tightens, and the words keep catching in my throat, but I force myself to keep going.
So I’m going to pay for this room, and until you tell me not to, I will be here waiting for you.
I realize I’m not really talking about the room. I’m talking about her and that I’ll wait for as long as she needs.
Remi slowly nods, apparently using what little twin telepathy fraternal twins have to fully understand what I’m really saying.
Wrenley presses her lips together, blinking rapidly as she wraps her arms around herself. The sight makes every part of me ache, and I pull her against me, kissing the top of her head.
I will be here, I promise again.
Remi looks at us, her eyes wet, and to know that this is touching my somewhat emotionally stunted sister, who says things like tear ducts are for lubricating eyes, not feelings, tells me how serious this moment is.
Are you crying, Rem? I ask.
Don’t look at me, she says. It’s just a little dry in here.
Wrenley lets out a laugh at that, loosening something in my chest. She pulls back enough to look at me.
So are we agreed that I’ll pay? I look between her and Remi.
They both nod.
Okay, I say. I need to go deal with something.
Everything okay? Wrenley asks.
Yeah. I brush my thumb across her cheek. There’s just something I’ve been meaning to do.
She studies me for a long second before nodding. Okay.
I look at Remi. Can you bring her home?
Of course.
I lean down and kiss Wrenley gently. Call if you need me.
I will.
Only then do I step back.