26. Eli
Eli
“Breathe,” I whisper to Rem and grip his shoulder tightly. I think he might actually pass out as he watches his dad, Charles, slowly walk Lainey down the backyard aisle to us.
Thank God there are so many first responders here. I laugh at my own joke taking in the crowd.
The LeBlanc backyard is filled with neat rows of rented, classy-looking, rustic chairs.
Renee’s garden is in full bloom, extra flowers trucked in to fill out her vision, the massive wooden arch we are standing in front of handcrafted by me and Rem, and all the people that mean the most to the happy couple are ready to witness their special day.
The fire station guys are all taking turns holding Wren, who’s currently fast asleep in Chief Roberts’s arms. He looks like a proud grandpa, his umber brow crinkling with delight as he smiles down at her. But I would never say that to his face . . . the grandpa part.
Jess and Sutton had come down the aisle first, each in different dresses but similar shades of blue. Kinsley was the flower girl, propped up in a fluffy white dress on Sutton’s hip. She was passed off to a family member once Sutton reached us.
Then I saw Kendra.
And I thought I was going to pass out . . .
Her dress was a sapphire blue that made her eyes pop and look more silvery.
The neckline scooped low but was still modest—enough to make me want more—and there was a long slit all the way up the silky material stopping mid-thigh.
The wild blonde waves with streaks of pink were not piled into a messy bun like they usually were when she was in her pottery studio.
Today she did some kind of fancy twist that tamed them and left a few pieces loose, framing her stunning face.
I couldn’t keep my eyes off her.
And she couldn’t keep hers off me.
The whole way to the flower-covered arch, she was looking at me.
It was as if we were the only two people in this entire yard, this entire town.
She took her place at the front, eyes still on me as the music shifted.
Her trance was snapped by a loud, obnoxious clearing of a throat in the crowd.
That’s when I glanced out and recognized her fucking date, doctor douche canoe, staring daggers at me from a few rows back.
“Lainey, I vow to treasure your heart, your soul, your trust, and your vulnerability. I vow to be your safe space, your family, your home. The man that brings you an abundance of flowers, French toast, and joy in any possible way. I vow to be the man worthy of your love, in sickness and in health, today, tomorrow, forever,” Rem says, gently sweeping at the tears rolling down Lainey’s face and tracing the long scar along her jawline.
“Remington,” Lainey begins, “before you, I was lost. I didn’t know what real love was.
I didn’t know it was supposed to be unconditional, pure.
You changed everything, helped me see my worth.
I vow to support your dreams, honor you, and stand by your side.
I vow to hold your hand and your heart, in good times and in bad times, in sickness and in health, now until forever. ”
They each take turns slipping wedding bands onto each other’s left ring fingers, and the officiant says, “By the power granted to me by the state of Virginia, I now pronounce you husband and wife . . . you may kiss your bride.” He moves aside and Rem steps in, dipping Lainey into a passionate kiss.
Everyone whoops and cheers, and the newlyweds come out of the kiss with huge grins on their faces, foreheads still pressed together.
Kendra hands Lainey back her bouquet of pink peonies and snapdragons, and the beaming couple makes their way back down the aisle.
Kendra steps up next to me and loops her arm through mine. I tower over her petite frame, and it makes me want to scoop her into my arms, which is impossible and would be totally inappropriate right now. So instead we proceed behind the new LeBlancs as planned.
“You look stunning,” I lean down and whisper to Kendra.
She sucks in a breath, looking up at me. “Thank you. You’ve cleaned up pretty nicely too.” My black suit and deep blue tie do look fucking good. We make it to the side of the house where the photographer is ready for the bridal party to start photos.
“We match,” I say, nodding between her dress and my tie. Our instructions were simply to wear a blue tie of our choice.
“I guess so, totally unplanned. Make sure your date knows it was a pure coincidence. I don’t want her clawing my eyes out,” Kendra quips.
I laugh deeply. “Trust me, my lovely date would not do that. And she isn’t the jealous type. She is very sweet.”
“Yeah, sure.” Kendra crosses her arms.
Oh my God. She’s jealous.