“All set. Jonah took care of it,” she confirms.
“Rings?”
“Got those too.”
“I haven’t written my vows yet…” I say, starting to panic a little bit.
Why do I do that now— always look for holes? Why do I feel the need to shadow perfectly good things with doubt?
My therapist says it’s part of the grieving and healing process. That eventually with time, I might be able to look at the world with more optimism.
“Well, good thing you have two and a half hours,” she grins “But seriously, we can do our vows privately if you want. There’s no pressure. This isourday. It’s not meant to be stressful. Just happy. Only good things,” she comments, squeezing my hand and giving me the reassurance I need. “Now go get ready,handsome. You’re all set up in the guest room. Jonah, Ryo, and your dad should be here soon to join you.”
No matter how many times I envisioned marrying her, dreamt about it, I never could have imagined this. Our home transformed into an elegant, winter fairytale, the promise of forever in every corner. Two rows of silken black chairs adorned with white bows make up the seating area. The makeshift aisle—our hardwood floors sprinkled with delicate white rose petals—gives everything an earthy feel. The altar is simple and understated, a small platform made of darkened wood. There’s just enough room for both Kendall and me to fit. It’s all framed by a white circular arch that has been decorated with sprawling flowers and greenery.
In two hours, I’m going to marry the woman of my dreams.
Chapter 96
Kai
I’mfasteningmylastcuff link when my father’s salt and pepper head appears in my doorway.
“Um, excuse me, I’m looking for the groom,” he jokes. I don’t ever remember things being this easy with my dad. Light. Breezy. Almost refreshing.
“That would be me, I guess,” I respond.
“You guess?” he replies, stalking towards me. This is when I would normally worry he would chastise me, scold me, cut me down. But he doesn’t. “Alright, come on. Let me get a good look at you, son.” I stand and do a theatrical spin, holding my hands out.
“So,” I ask, slightly self-conscious. He brings his hands to my tie and adjusts it.
“There, now it’s perfect,” he comments. “You look sharp, Kai. I’m so proud of you.”
I grunt in response. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say that,” I admit.
“Well, I should have said it long before now. Because I am. I always have been.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
“Are you nervous?” he wonders, planting himself on the foot of the bed.
“A little.”A lot. A whole fucking lot.
“Don’t be. Just focus on her. You two have always been meant to be together. Now you’re just making it official, yeah?” I wasn’t expecting my dad to dish out advice. I also wasn’t expecting it to be helpful. But here we are, existing in the fucking twilight zone, I guess. Before I can respond, Ryo and Jonah come laughing and bumbling into the room, each with a drink in their hand.
Jesus, what I would do for a stiff drink right about now.
Ryo stops short when he sees me. He claps his hands to my face, slightly buzzed already.
“You clean up well, Kai,” he says. He pulls me in for a tight burly hug and claps me on the back. “Congratulations, man. I’m so happy for you guys. Although I don’t know if I can leave this fancy hair to its own devices,” he teases, putting me into a fake headlock that I easily slip out of.
“Cut it out, dick,” I grumble, shoving him off me and running my hands through my hair.
“Congratulations, Kai. I’m happy for you guys,” Jonah joins in. “Can’t say I’m pleased about Kendall’s plus one policy, but I still approve of her for you,” he smiles wide.
“Jonah, you aren’t bringing a one-night-stand or a booty call to our small intimate wedding. I stand by Kendall on that. Serious partners and spouses only.” At that moment, my dad clears his throat and hands Ryo and Jonah glasses of champagne. He offers me a non-alcoholic beer. There’s a pang in my chest when I realize there’s a person missing. Someone I always thought would be by my side when I got married.Aiden. I push the thought away as quickly as it arrives.
“I just wanted to toast the groom,” my dad begins. “May your marriage be long and prosperous, your hearts full, and your home happy. Cheers to you and Kendall.” I smile at my dad—genuinely smile at him—while everyone chimes in with cheers.
