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He looks grown up all of a sudden. And I’m flooded with memories of all the years that are behind us and excitement for all the ones in front of us. I take a moment to soak it all in. Every beautiful detail perfectly in place.

My eyes land on Noble, and I realize in all my daydreaming about the future, he’s there, in every frame. A constant presence. A best friend.

A partner.

The ceremony is stunning and heartfelt, with bits of humor sprinkled in, of course, because it wouldn’t be Finn’s wedding without it, and when they’re pronounced husband and wife, Finn takes Raya in his arms and kisses her like they’re the only two people in the world.

We all erupt in such obnoxious cheers that our nearest neighbors—twenty miles down the road, as the crow flies—can probably hear us.

Finn and Raya head off with the photographer, and the rest of us move into the yard by the little concession shed for cocktail hour. I check to make sure the catering staff has everything they need, then buzz around the groups of guests checking on people and mentally taking notes about garbage can placement and signage. Noble pulls me aside to remind me that it’s okay to have a little fun today too.

“Everything’s covered,” he says. “You really did think of everything.”

It takes me all the way through dinner and cake cutting and speeches, but by the time the dancing starts, I do let myself relax. We pulled it off. Finn and Raya are glowing and happy and married! And I can’t think of a better way to kick off a new season, a new business, a new life, than this—celebrating with my family, our new friends, and Noble.

The Macarena ends and a slow song starts, giving me the perfect excuse to step into his arms. As I do, I decide that I might live on the most beautiful piece of land in all the world, full of special places that hold all of my best memories, but I’m pretty sure this space, in Noble’s arms, is my very favorite place to be.

The fall air outside is chilly, but it’s warm in the barn, even warmer standing this close to Noble.

“You look beautiful tonight,” he says, his mouth close to my ear.

“Thanks.” I reach up and touch the up-do that’s held together surprisingly well. “So do you.”

He really, really does. Finn chose light tan suits, a perfect complement to the coral colored bridesmaid’s dresses.

I clasp my hands around Noble’s neck and we sway softly in time to “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, and my gaze scans across the dance floor, landing on Finn and Raya, totally lost in each other, and behind them, my parents, both of them physical proof that true love does exist.

I look back at Noble. I don’t really need proof of that anymore.

“You know your brothers redecorated the inside of the cabin, right?” he says.

I inch back. “The cabin Finn and Raya are staying in?”

He nods, a mischievous grin on his face.

“Are you serious?” I say, a little panicked. “Did you help?”

He looks caught. “I might’ve helped by . . . um . . . keeping you occupied.” A wince, then a grin. “Don’t worry, it’s still perfect. It’s also full of balloons and white lights and I think Boone got some chocolate covered strawberries and rose petals?”

I groan. “Is it super tacky?”

“No,” he says. “I mean, the hangover kit is a little tacky, but otherwise, it’s fun.” He pauses. “Actually, yeah, it’s pretty tacky.” He laughs.

“Maybe I should go make sure,” I move away, but he pulls me back.

“Nope,” he says. “You’re off the clock. Besides, it’s your brothers’ way of showing Finn they love him. He’ll get it.”

I relent, because at this point I really can’t do anything about it, and also because I like it here with Noble. I hold him a little closer, resting my head on his shoulder. We sway through the chorus, then he shifts, frowning at something over my head.

“What’s wrong?” I turn and follow his gaze over to the makeshift bar we set up in the corner of the barn, where I see Chet Cline unsteady on his feet.

“Oh, man,” Noble says. “Hold on.” He starts to walk away, but I grab his arm.

“He’s drunk,” I say.

Chet has had it out for Noble since freshman year, and I can think of ten different things he could say to antagonize him now.

The last thing I need is for this perfect wedding to end in a fist fight.