“You couldn’t help that it was the only time they could deliver the furniture.”
Reese had been so excited about having new living room furniture that Matty wouldn’t have dreamed of asking her to move the delivery.
“Still, it would have been an extra set of hands.”
“You should have seen Bette. She made Kerrie FaceTime her so she could see everything. Like, multiple times. She made me move the placement of the chairs five times. She couldn’t decide if she wanted skinnier long lines or longer short rows. I’m still not sure what she meant, but I did as she said because she scared me a little bit,” she laughed.
“It’s usually best to go with what the bride wants. Well, the real bride. We both know Kerrie’s just doing this because it’s what Bette wants. I think she would have been fine with a courthouse ceremony honestly.”
Matty felt her pocket vibrate. Leaning to one side, she fished out her phone, frowning at the screen. Her stomach dipped when she saw the name.
“Who is it?”
She flipped the phone around for Reese to see. “Grammy.”
“Are you going to answer it?”
Matty nibbled briefly on the corner of her lip before shaking her head and silencing the call. She let the phone drop into the cupholder with a thunk. “No. I’m in a good mood and she’ll just ruin it.”
Reese reached over, rubbing her thigh. “I’m sorry, baby. I know you wish she acted differently. Have you thought anymore about setting firmer restrictions on her?”
She had. Every time Grammy called, it was the first thing she thought of. Not hello. Not what does she need. Just that same heavy question of how much longer she was going to let this keep happening. It was something she’d been seriously considering for a while, but pulling that trigger still felt huge.
She gave a short nod. “I have. I just haven’t decided yet.”
She could feel Reese watching her, probably wanting to discuss it further, but she didn’t push. Matty was grateful for that. Since their reconciliation, Reese had supported whatever Matty decided instead of forcing the topic. It was a breath of fresh air. Completely unlike her family.
“Are you going to dance with me tonight?” Reese asked with a playful smile.
“Definitely. I’m going to sweep you off your feet.”
“I’m pretty sure you’ve already done that.”
“Never hurts to keep trying.”
The large sign for Honeysuckle Holler came into view on the little country road. It was hardly wide enough for two lanes, and a good portion of it had been lined with thick trees standing high above them. Honeysuckle Holler was absolutely gorgeous. The plot of land was flat, surrounded by hills thick with trees. Everything was so green. The neat lawn, the shrubbery garnishing the welcome sign, the tops of the trees. It was a beautiful place.
“Oh Matty, this is gorgeous,” gushed Reese, her hand landing on Matty’s knee. Her nails lightly dug into the fabric of her slacks.
“It is. Wait until you see the barn.”
The ceremony place was outside under a large pavilion that modeled the top of a church and even had a steeple. It kept the sun off the guests and rain at bay when the weather didn’t cooperate. Simple puffy ribbons with baby’s breath accented the area with a large arch at the end of the aisle.
“I know you had to move the chairs a dozen times but I really think this is a nice setup,” commented Reese. Her hand was holding onto Matty’s arm. For once, the two of them didn’t mind public affection. It was a lesbian wedding after all. “Does it matter where we sit?”
“No, I don’t think so. This side is Kerrie’s side.”
“How do you know?”
Matty pointed to the arch. “That stool is there for Kenny. He’s the best man. Or bride’s man. Whatever he is, the twins are there.”
“Oh, how cute are these little fans?” gushed Reese. Each seat had a hand fan with Bette and Kerrie’s names and date. Tennessee in the summertime wasn’t for the faint of heart. The humidity alone was oppressive.
They took seats on that side and settled in. Matty slid her arm on the back of Reese’s chair. It was nice to not have to worry about those around them for safety reasons. Matty briefly wondered how hard it had been for them to find a queer-friendly venue.
“Matty, this is so nice,” gushed Reese. Her eyes were wide and shiny with excitement.
Matty’s chest warmed. They hadn’t talked about marriage. It was a little too early for that, but she couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to see Reese walking down the aisle toward her. Her arm tightened around Reese’s shoulder.
