33. Chapter 33
Chapter thirty-three
— SHAKE IT OUT BY FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE
“God, I’m so nervous, I might throw up,” my sister says as she paces back and forth in the West’s kitchen.
“Livvy, there’s nothing to be nervous about. All you have to do is go get married. It’s one step! It’s simple!” I say, trying to calm her nerves but knowing that nothing except seeing Tristan will probably help. I’m trying to make sure her dress doesn't get wrinkled or torn, but all her moving around is making my job impossible.
My sister looks absolutely beautiful in the dress. Her dark brown hair is curled down her back, her veil keeping her short framed locks out from her face. Her veil is almost as long as the dress, and the flower clips that trail all throughout her hair peek out just enough to where you can notice them. “Tristan is going to love the clips.”
“You think so? God, I’m definitely going to throw up. Tell Teags to grab a bucket along with that water bottle.” My sister continues to pace, her heels clicking across the floor.
“I have the water but no bucket,” Teags says as she comes back into the room, her pale orange dress fitting snugly against every curve of her body. I don't know if I’ve ever seen her in so much color, and she looks absolutely stunning.
“You need to wear more color, Teags. You look fucking amazing,” I tell her, and she cocks her head at me.
“Take a long and good look, because I have to wear black for the next year to combat this color. No offense, Liv.”
My sister is too busy panicking to pay attention to us, and when I look down at my pale pink dress—satin, with a bowknot at the neckline—I smile to myself. I love that Liv let us pick our own dresses. There was only one rule: pale colors only.
Teags adhering to that rule goes to show how much she cares about today being perfect.
Cassie and Parker slip inside through the doors to the backyard, and when they notice my sister pacing, they shoot me a look, and I tilt my head, signaling for them.
“Liv? Everything is almost ready; are you okay?” Parker asks, and my sister doesn't stop pacing. I have no doubt that Liv would never run out on Tristan, but something has her really up in arms, and I have no idea what it could be.
“Tristan looks absolutely stunning up there, Liv. Everyone does,” Cassie says, a slight shake to her voice. As Maid of Honor, I decide to step in and figure out what’s going on.
“Cassie, tell them to ready the music and grab the groomsmen. Pair up and get ready to walk down the aisle. Liv and I will be right back,” I say as I grab my sister's hand and drag her to the nearest bathroom so she can’t escape. We get inside, and I lock the door and turn to her. “Okay, today is supposed to be only happy emotions, so why are you freaking out? I know it’s not Tristan, so out with it.”
Liv takes a few deep breaths as she pulls at her dress, another nervous habit. As she opens her mouth, I find myself afraid of what she could say. “What if I end up like Mom and Dad in a loveless marriage with kids who hate me and no real love in my heart? What if this ends exactly like them, Bree? What if Tristan and I turn into them years and years down the line? God, I’d rather die than have that happen.”
I sigh deeply as I let my sister's fears sit in the air for a few seconds before I can get them to dissipate. “You and Tristan aren't our parents. You're afraid of nothing, Liv. That could never happen. Do you want to know how I know that’s not going to happen?”
“Yes, please.”
I feel tears creep into my eyes before I answer. “Because that man out there looks at you like you’re the only person on the planet. You and Tristan have fought so hard to get here, Liv. You guys have been through hell and back, through some of the worst things two people can go through, and yet you made it.” I grab Liv’s hands in mine, staring directly into her eyes so my words sink in. “This is your finish line, Liv. This is your sunrise. One chapter of your life is ending, and with it, all the bad shit you two endured. This is the beginning of your new day, your next chapter, and I don't know two people more deserving of this than you and Tristan.”
“But we could turn into them in twenty years, Bree. They were happy at one point, and then they had us and—”
I squeeze my sister's hands as I cut her off. “You’re not them, Liv. You never will be.” I feel a few tears fall as I start to sniffle. “Because you were the sister who made me waffles in the morning when our parents forgot to make us breakfast. You were the sister who helped me with my math homework when I didn't understand why there were letters instead of numbers.”
Liv starts to laugh through her tears as I continue.
“And you were the sister who has been there for me in every way that matters. You , Liv. Not them. You. I know it’s scary embarking on this new chapter, but with Tristan by your side, anything is possible. You two have the love you write romance novels about. I’m sure of it.”
She wipes her eyes, careful not to smudge her makeup, as she nods. “You're right, Bree.”
I pop my shoulder at her. “Of course I’m right,” I say as I fluff her hair and check to make sure her makeup is okay. “Now, are you ready to get married to the love of your life?”
She lifts her chin high. “Hell yes, I am.”
The two of us exit the bathroom, and when we see all our friends standing in the kitchen, I feel Liv’s tension start to loosen beside me.
Parker, Cassie, and Teags stand by the table, all holding glasses of champagne and staring at my sister as if they know she was just crying. Theo—Teags’ brother—Dom, Harry, and Ethan all stand by the snack table in their suits, looking fashionable as ever.
“Liv, I’m free tonight if you decide to run out on that idiot, just so you know.” Dom smiles at her before Teags smacks him on the arm.
“She’s marrying my brother, you incessant idiot.”
“Livvy knows I was only joking,” Dom says as he heads toward Liv. He wraps her in a hug before I hear him whisper something in her ear that I can’t quite make out. I break off from Liv as all the boys head over.
“Cassie, is everything all set?”
“We’re all good. Just waiting on Liv and we can start. Tristan is worried we’re going to miss the sunset, but I think we timed it out perfectly,” Cassie peeks out the window, and sure enough, the sun is just starting to descend. By the time their first kiss happens, the sun will be setting at the perfect time.
Liv and Tristan wanted a small wedding, so only his family, their friends and significant others, plus Vince and Nico, are here. You can’t really get any smaller than this.
The one thing they requested was that they get married as the sun sets, and all of us cleared our schedules immediately to make August 29th the perfect night for a wedding .
“Alright, boys, she’s going to be a married woman in an hour, so hands off,” Theo jokes. “Bree, what are the pairings for the walk down the aisle?”
“Well, Harry is officiating, so he can walk down alone first. Ethan, you’re with Parker. Cassie, you’re with Theo. Dom, you’re with Teags.” I smile at the end of my sentence, and I turn to see her eyes turn murderous.
She’ll thank me later . I feign innocence as I peek my head out the door and give a thumbs-up to Tabitha—Tristan’s mom. Liv doesn't know this, but fairy lights decorate the entire yard, illuminating the space and creating the most beautiful environment for their small nuptials.
“Okay, one by one, you guys. When the people in front of you reach the three-quarter mark, that’s your cue,” I tell them as I join Liv in the back of our small line. “Can I say one more thing before this gets going?”
“Of course, Bree.”
I say nothing as I lift my pinky to her and smile. “I promise you’re going to live a long and beautiful life with Tristan, and this is going to be one of a thousand amazing days you’ll experience the rest of your life.”
She lifts her hand and locks in the promise with me. “And I promise that when you get married, I’ll say the same thing to you.” She pauses, willing her tears not to fall as she speaks again. “We really made it, didn't we? From our fake basement weddings to the real thing.”
“We made it, Liv, and I could not be happier to walk you down the aisle toward the love of your life. So, let’s go,” I say as I grab her arm. Liv grabs her bouquet off of the table—a sunset mix of lilies, roses, and baby's breath—and I grab my small one before we step into the backyard.
The music changes to an instrumental version of one of Tristan and Liv’s favorite songs, and all the guests rise as Liv and I make our way down the aisle. The bridesmaids and groomsmen are now in the front row, only Theo and Harry beside Tristan as he finally turns around and sees Liv for the first time .
Tears immediately fall from his eyes, and his hand goes straight to his heart, as if he felt it skip a beat. Theo pats him on the back as he offers his brother a small tissue from his pocket.
My eyes wander to Vince, and even he has a smile on his face. He throws a wink in my direction, and I throw a smile back, letting him know I’m okay.
As Liv and I reach the end of the small aisle, I give Liv’s hand one last squeeze as I let her go. Tristan grabs me before I step to the side and engulfs me in a hug, wrapping both his arms around my body.
“Thank you, Bree,” he whispers into my ear.
“Anything for you, bro,” I say with a smile as we pull back. A smile crosses his face before he focuses back on my sister, and I swear, I see his eyes sparkle when he looks at her.
Harry says all the usual things during the ceremony, even a few jokes here and there, and after all of that, my eyes wander to Vince as we get to their vows.
“Okay, I have to go first because I know I’d never be able to follow whatever you’re going to say, but I’m gonna try my best,” Tristan says as he grabs some paper from Theo and unfolds it.
He clears his throat before he starts. “I’ve never been more thankful for a single cup of coffee in my entire life, Liv.” Everyone laughs as they remember how they met. “If I knew that day that my life would change this much, I would have slowed down to really take it all in. If I had known that day that I would meet the girl who would change my life, I would’ve at least stopped to buy you flowers first. Liv, my entire life, all I’ve wanted to do is run. Run from things I was afraid of, run from this town, run from my feelings about anything and everything. But you…you were the first thing I ever wanted to run toward. You were like a magnet drawing me in that I didn't want to let go of, that I couldn't let go of, no matter how hard I tried to convince myself I should.”
Liv sniffles, and I hand her a tissue from the pocket of my dress.
Tristan continues. “Olivia Hart, I know I’ve made some mistakes, and I’ll probably make a thousand more, but I know you’ll be by my side regardless. Through thick and thin, you’ve been there for me. You’ve held me through storms and some of the worst feelings I’ve ever had. You are the love of my life. You’re my sunset, pretty girl, and there are not enough words to describe the feeling of waking up every single day to your beautiful face. I might not have words, but I’ll spend every day proving to you that I love you a little more than the day before. My girl. My sunset. My Livvy. I love you so fucking much.”
My tears are falling, and I notice everyone else’s are, too. I think every single person here can agree that these two deserve lifetimes of happiness, and seeing them get their happy ending is way too emotional for me.
“Oh, God, I don't know how I’m going to be able to speak after that, but I’m going to try my best,” Liv says with a slight laugh.
“For my entire life, I never thought anybody noticed me. But one day, this guy ran into me, spilled coffee all over me, and decided to help by giving up his hoodie. I thought growing up that I was meant to be a girl who ghosted through life with nothing to tie her down, and one day, I’d just float off into space, never to be heard from again.” Liv looks up from her cards and stares at her future husband. “Until you, Tristan West.”
I smile again, my cheeks already hurting, and I lock eyes with Vince in his seat again. He’s smiling with his whole face, and I even see some tears on Nico’s.
Vince can tell my eyes are on him, and he shifts his gaze to me, my body heating at his stare.
Maybe one day, I’ll be standing across from him like that. Maybe one day, we’ll get the happy ending my sister sees for me.
Maybe it has always been him and I.
Maybe .
I’m tired of that word. I want this with Vince. I want to be happy forever, and I want to go to sleep every night with him by my side, and I’ll do whatever it takes to get there with him. Nothing can stand in my way—not the media, my stalker, nothing.
“Tristan West, you are better than any fictional man I could create. I recently realized that every single male love interest I create has a piece of you in it because you make me want to live in real time, not hide away in the worlds I create. You make me feel like my voice matters, that I matter as a person and a writer. Even if I go broke, even if the world falls apart tomorrow, I’ll be thankful I got to experience a fraction of the love you’ve given me. Never again will I feel like that lost girl begging for someone to hear her, to see her, because you fill my days with love, light, and laughter.” Liv pauses to cry a bit, and Tristan reaches over to wipe tears from her face. “For however long we live, I’ll always feel like I belong somewhere as long as I’m with you. I love you so much more than any love story I could create. Forever, Tristan West.”
“Forever, Olivia Hart.”
“Come on, angel. You owe me a dance,” Vince says as he pulls me onto the makeshift dance floor. Tristan curated a playlist for tonight, and one of my favorite songs is playing as Vince and I sway to the slow beat.
Liv has barely left the dance floor, along with all of her friends, they’ve been dancing all night long. Nico and Teags are sitting at a table together, talking about who knows what, and I notice Tristan and Dom watching them.
Teags is still with Gregory, but she hasn't mentioned moving to Arizona since she brought it up the first time, and I have no idea what’s happening with that. Is Teags leaving? Is she staying?
“Come back to me, Bree. I know you’re worried about Teags, but stay in this moment with me,” Vince says as his hand brushes up and down my back. He looks absolutely stunning in a light gray suit—the one Nico bought for him—with a matching tie to my pale pink dress.
“I’m sorry. I’m here, I promise.” I smile at him, and his mouth lifts up at the corners. Vince presses a kiss to my temple as we continue dancing, the song almost over at this point.
When it ends, Theo steps up to the microphone. “All right, everyone gather around. I’ve got a few things to say.”
Theo taps the microphone a few times before beginning. “Since the moment I saw Tristan and Liv, I knew my brother was going to make this girl his forever. For one, it was the first time he had brought a girl home to meet the chaos that was our family, but it was also the first time someone fully embraced the chaos that comes with being a member of the West family. We’re loud, rambunctious, and not easy to deal with, but Olivia here matched our energy, even though she looked terrified the moment she walked in the door.”
Theo stops on account of all of us laughing, and I smile, remembering how Liv said the same thing about their family.
Our house was always quiet, since our parents often worked rather than being with us, and when Liv was describing what it was like that Thanksgiving, I’ll admit, I was a little jealous.
Now, we’re here celebrating their love loudly and openly, and I understand how Liv felt that night. The West family is magic, and I’m so glad our two families have merged to create one loud, crazy family.
Theo turns to where Tristan and Liv stand. “It’s been an insane year for all of us, and I’m glad you two have found your way back to one another amidst the craziness.” He takes a deep breath before his eyes shift to the dark sky. “And I know we’re missing a few people today, but I know Dad and Tobias are up there somewhere, smiling down on you guys and wishing you all the happiness in the world. I know they would be so proud of who you’ve become, Tristan.” Theo’s eyes shift to my sister. “And I know that Tobias loved you like a sister, Liv. My dad would be proud that Tristan managed to love someone like you. To Tristan and Liv. May your days be filled with love, light, and sunsets for the rest of time.”
Cheers cry out around the party, and Tristan barrels his brother in a hug, holding him tight. Liv wipes a few tears from her eyes as she looks over at me, her eyebrow raised as I detach from Vince’s hold and head to the microphone.
“I don't know how I’m supposed to follow that, but I’ll make this short and sweet so we can all stop crying. I love you guys, but holy shit, it’s been a long time since I’ve cried this much over something so joyous.”
A few laughs echo around the party, and I focus my attention on my sister and her husband . God, that feels insane to say, but I couldn't be happier for them.
“Liv, I am so proud of the woman you’ve become, and I’m so thankful the two of us are here, surrounded by people who love us, celebrating this special occasion. We aren't used to this—the laughter, the love—and I’m grateful we can experience that now. You two are the definition of love, and Liv, I know you're the author here, but I don't think even you could write a book that captures the love you two share. We all love you so much, and I am so proud of who you’ve become. And Tristan, you’re now officially my favorite brother.”
Everyone laughs as Tristan cocks his head at me. “I’m your only brother!”
“Exactly!” I say as he wraps me in a hug, my sister following shortly after. “I love you guys.”
“We love you too, Bree.” My sister whispers at me before she pulls back. “Now, let’s get back to the party!”
Everyone cheers, and I see Vince chatting with Harry about something as I feel another presence by my side.
“That was a wonderful speech, princess.”
I look over at Nico, looking dangerous in his all-black suit, as he looks down at me. “Thanks, Nico. What were you talking to Teags about earlier?”
“Nothing I care to share. Your friend has some rather…interesting tastes in things. Her brain kind of scares me, but I wouldn't say that’s a bad thing.”
I turn my gaze to find Teags sipping another drink, looking tipsy as Tristan goes over to her. Their conversation looks a bit heated before Teags stomps away into the house. Tristan follows her, and so do I.
Heading through the door, I stop when I see Teags headed to get another drink.
“What’s going on?” I ask, hoping one of them can answer my question.
“My sister is being an idiot,” Tristan sighs. “Teags, listen to me, please—”
“No, Tristan. My decision has been made, and nothing you do or say will make me reconsider. So let it go, and we can talk about it another time. Or not, because it’s my life, not yours,” Teags says as she stuffs a cracker into her mouth, swaying on her feet.
“There’s no way you’re driving home tonight. You can either stay here with Mom or go home to that boyfriend of yours. What’s it going to be, sis?”
“Tristan, I can take her home—”
“Bree, it’s fine, babe. You and Vince need time together. You two just became a thing, and I don't wanna fuck that up for you.” Teags moves her eyes to her brother. “I’ll get home, don't worry about me. Stop trying to dictate my life, Tris. It’s your goddamn wedding day; you should be with your wife, not worried about me.”
“Teags, you’re my sister. I’ll always worry about—”
“Uhh, is everything okay out here?” Dom asks as he steps out of the bathroom, his suit jacket abandoned somewhere and his white sleeves rolled up, showcasing his arms full of tattoos. Has he always had those?
“Everything's fine. As a matter of fact, since you’re not drinking, can you take my sister home? I know you have to leave soon anyway,” Tristan asks him as Teags looks like she’s about to hurl.
“Tristan, I don't need a babysitter, so stop—”
“Not another word, Teags. Just accept my help and get your ass home so I can enjoy my honeymoon and maybe, when I get back, the two of us can talk without you yelling at me.” Tristan throws car keys toward Dom.
“I can always ask Nico to take her if—”
Dom cuts me off. “It’s fine. I’m sober and a fantastic driver.” Dom turns his head towards Teags. “Do you need me to carry you, or can you walk?”
Teags just scoffs at them before she sets her drink down and walks out the front door. “Does she have her shoes? Or her purse?” I ask, knowing the answer is probably no.
“I’ll fucking find them,” Dom says as he grabs his jacket and follows Teags outside. He points at Tristan before he leaves. “You owe me.”
“Just make sure my sister gets home, please. And don’t fucking touch her!” Tristan’s plea is cut off by Dom slamming the front door, and I hear him sigh as he turns to me. “What the hell am I going to do with her?”
“She’ll cool off and you guys can talk. What the hell made you so pissed in the first place?” I ask, hoping he’ll tell me.
“Her choices. She’s been making some impulsive ones lately, and I wanted her to actually think them through.”
“That’s extremely vague and not at all annoying. ”
“It’s her life, Bree, but moving to Arizona with someone she’s only known for a few months is fucking crazy.” Tristan leans against one of the chairs, his head between his arms.
“So it’s official?”
“Yeah.”
“She told me about it like a month ago before everything got crazy, but her decision wasn't finalized. Even though I'm going to miss her like crazy, I’m trusting she knows what’s best for her. And if she says Gregory makes her happy, then I believe her.”
“But I don't think he does, Bree. Not only does she barely talk about the guy, but the look in her eye when she does… It doesn't feel like he’s the one for her.”
I put my hand on Tristan’s back. He’s reminding me so much of Liv right now. The two of them sometimes can’t turn the parenting part of themselves off, but I know he just wants what’s best for Teags. “Sometimes, you have to let someone make a decision that you know will turn out horribly before they’re able to see it. Teags will learn from her own mistakes—if this one turns out to be one. Neither of us knows how this will end.”
He sighs heavily before standing. “I’m just worried she’s running because of Tobias. I’m worried she’s going to make the exact same mistakes I did and regret it for the rest of her life.”
“It’s her life, Tristan. I know you’ll always worry, but is Teags turning out like you really the worst thing in the world?” I chuckle.
“Yes and no, I guess,” Tristan says as Vince steps into the room, my purse dangling off his shoulder.
“I’ve been looking for you. Are you almost ready to go? You have that brand meeting tomorrow, and I want to make sure you get some rest.”
Tristan laughs when he says that, and I turn to him. “Is something funny?”
“You guys are adorable together. ”
“It was a nice wedding, man. I’m happy for you,” Vince says as he puts his hand out to Tristan. They shake, and Tristan pulls me into a hug before he goes back outside.
Before I have a chance to say anything, Vince leans down, kneels in front of me, and takes my heels off. When he stands, he scoops me into his arms and carries me out to the car.
“Careful, Vince. A girl could get used to this,” I tell him.
“You should get used to this, Bree. You deserve all of it and more.” And then he opens my door for me, places me into the car, and the two of us drive home, his hand interlocked with mine the entire time.