“But we can.” Jase and Dylan bumped fists.
“No one is getting drunk until after the ceremony.” Tyler rolled his eyes and then grabbed his black tux jacket. “Plus, we don’t have much time.”
We had about a half hour before guests would arrive, but I didn’t say anything. I could tell my friend was antsy. I would be too, if I were about to marry the love of my life. Would that ever happen for me?
Before Rhett, I never thought about marriage or long-term commitments. Never wanted them. But with him, I wanted it all. Of course, I hadn’t told him any of that or that I loved him, but Ididlove Rhett, and a sense of urgency washed over me that I needed to tell him.
I stood to grab my jacket so I could step outside and call him, but there was a knock on the door. Gage opened it, and the photographer peeked his head in.
“I’m here to take pictures of you guys getting ready before the wedding.”
Gage waved the man inside, and instead of leaving to confess my love over the phone to Rhett, which was probably a shitty idea anyway, I posed for photos with everyone to capture Tyler’s big day.
* * *
The soft cracklingof the fire behind me mixed with the officiant’s voice as he spoke about the love Tyler and Hayden shared. They faced one another, their hands clasped together, and the sight of them in their perfectly tailored tuxedos was nothing short of breathtaking. I was truly happy for my friends.
They spoke their vows, exchanged rings, and then shared their first kiss as husband and husband. I got a little choked up, but that quickly changed when everyone clapped and the happy couple made their way back down the aisle.
I took the prepaid phone out of my pocket and sent a text to Rhett:
Do you ever want to get married?
It didn’t take him long to reply:
Are you proposing via text?
I snorted a laugh and sent back:
Not proposing but watching my two friends get married is doing something to me
What kind of things?
IDK but I feel all emotional
I heard that happens at weddings. Go get a drink and all will be good
I headed toward the bar in the other room as I texted:
Okay but do you want to get married one day?
No reply came by the time I ordered a vodka soda, and I wondered if my question was too much for Rhett. Maybe it sounded like Iwasproposing, and maybe a part of me had hoped he would say yes and we would one day take that next step.
With my drink in hand, I made my way to the porch, where people had gathered to watch Tyler and Hayden take their photos. They posed with their families, and then I was being waved over to join in.
Once we were done, I went back inside and saw Rhett had replied.
Yes
It was a simple answer, but one that made me hopeful.
* * *
Dinner had come and gone,and it was time for me to give my speech. I grabbed the drink I was sipping on and walked to the stage. I snatched the mic, tapped it a few times to make sure it was on, and then smiled at the crowd.
“Good evening, everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Fallon, and after all these years, Tyler has admitted I’m the best man. Well, at least one of them. Not sure I can compete withtheEmmett Cooper.” I smiled at Hayden’s friend, who was the captain for the Boston Bruins and the other best man. “As part of my duties today, I get the honor of sharing a few words about these incredible love birds, but first, can we take a moment to appreciate the impeccable taste of these two? I mean, they’ve not only found each other in this crazy world, but they’ve pulled off a wedding that’s giving Pinterest a serious run for its money.”
The crowd laughed, and I continued. “Now, some of you are probably wondering what I know about Tyler and Hayden that no one else does, and let’s just say these two could never keep a secret from me. I saw them fall in love back when no one knew they were a couple, and I have to say, that was a shame. Who cares if Hayden was our professor and gave Tyler after-hours lectures? We all know I was Professor Foster’s favorite student.” I winked at the couple. “But in all seriousness, you both are an inspiration to us all. You’ve shown us that true love knows no bounds, and your journey is one I’m happy to be a part of.
