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With another quick glance, Summer stepped back into the pub and walked around the bar into the back office, lightly knocking on the door.
“Come in,” the deep voice beckoned.
She pushed the door open, and her jaw dropped.
Holden was stunning in his black tuxedo with tails, such a departure from university-branded sweats and hoodies. He looked so grown up and mature.
“Too much?” he asked.
“Nope. It’s absolutely perfect.” She walked over, smoothed out a crinkle in his shoulders, and readjusted the rose pinned to his lapel. “You look amazing. You too, Jesse.”
“Thank you.” He took a quick bow but was no stranger to wearing a suit and looked every bit like a GQ man.
“Are you ready?” Summer asked the groom.
For a heartbeat, his voice quivered. “Is she?”
Iris had been fully dressed for the better part of a half-hour, and according to Libby, her bridesmaid, had been wearing a path into the carpet in the apartment above the pub. She was more than ready to be Mrs. De Lauer and had wanted it for quite some time.
Summer beamed. “She is. Shall I send you out, and call her down?”
“Please. I can’t wait to see her.” His whole face lit up and his eyes twinkled and shone.
“Let’s not delay, and let’s get the show on the road.”
* * *
The familiar chords of their special song played through the speakers, and the guests all turned to watch Jesse start the short walk down the aisle. As he approached the front, there was a bit of movement from Mrs. De Lauer and Myriam in the front row, and suddenly, together, they rose and scooted around the outside of the chairs.
The small crowd gasped and watched them saunter to the back. They weren’t leaving, were they?
At the back, by the patio door leading to the outside patio of the pub, they stopped beside Holden, and each offered an arm.
“I’m not giving you away, my sunshine,” his mother stated, choking back the tears, “I’m helping and supporting you on the best leg of your newest journey.”
With burgeoning tears in his own eyes, he hugged his mother, planting a soft quivering kiss upon her cheek. Wiping them away, he linked arms with his mother on his left and his sister on his right, and the three of them tightly strode the aisle, ending with another hug. The tears hadn’t truly stopped.
The music changed toSomewhere Over the Rainbowand the small crowd rose to their feet as the ukelele strummed the familiar beat.
As the music continued, the back doors of the pub opened, and Libby, decked out in a beautiful silky green dress, stepped out. She beamed as she moved in time to the song, eventually making her way to the edge of the patio.
Amber, looking radiant in a navy-blue floor-length gown, and Antonio, in an exquisitely tailored suit, stood on either side of the radiant bride.
Iris was the epitome of calm and looked every bit the image of a blushing bride in her chiffon dress with embroidered lace-capped sleeves. Even under her veil, her smile was ear-to-ear and her eyes lit up in the glow of the lowering sun.
They made their way past their guests, and Antonio and Amber hugged Mrs. De Lauer and Myriam before they hugged Holden and officially welcomed him into the family.
Antonio flipped Iris’ veil over, planted a kiss on her cheek, and whispered a blessing in his native tongue. He then placed her hand into Holden’s.
“You look breathtaking,” Holden said, his eyes still brimming with tears.
“You are stunning yourself.”
They linked fingers and turned to Mona, who at the request of the bride and groom, had become their marriage commissioner for the day.
“Treasured friends and family, we are gathered here today to unite these two amazing people in the most joyous of events. Please be seated.”
In the orange and amber glow of the setting sun, the bride and groom faced each other with the ocean waves lapping the beach behind them and nary a cloud in the sky.
