AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“So, I saw you and Logan walk off. Was that what I think it was?” Jeni asks.
My wife doesn’t miss a trick. “He’s going to propose at the reception,” I whisper, and she squeals, pressing up on her toes in her excitement, then just as quickly regains her composure.
“It’s about freaking time,” she whispers back and kisses me quickly.
The next two days fly by so fast, I don’t even realize it’s the night before the wedding until Jeni’s kicking us men out to the guest house because they don’t want Mike to see Callie before the wedding.
What a stupid tradition!
It doesn’t matter, though.
It means a guys’ night in the guest house for us.
We kiss our women goodbye and walk to the guest house.
Mike’s quieter than usual, so I pat him on the back. “How’s those pre-wedding jitters?” I ask.
“Well, they’re definitely there, I can’t deny it, but I’m more excited than anything. I’ve been waiting my entire life to marry your mother. And I can’t believe this time tomorrow, she will officially be mine. I need someone to pinch me, so I know I’m not dreaming.”
“Yeah, it’s an amazing feeling, isn’t it? I remember the night before I married Jeni I was petrified and excited all at the same time. I knew I wanted to be her husband more than anything, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
“I hope I can make your mother happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted, Aiden… was for you and your mom to be happy and well cared for. I hope I can do that for her now,” Mike says as we reach the guest house.
“Mike, I was going to wait until after the wedding to tell you, but if you’re worried about money, I have a solution that will fix it…” I pause, then continue hoping I have done the right thing. “I’ve bought a carpentry business for you and equipped it with the most up-to-date electrical and crafting tools. I will help with the finances if you like, but as far as the rest of it goes, you know all about that stuff, so the business is yours. It’s my wedding present to you. I know you want to look after Mom the best you can, so let me help you get what you want. I won’t take no for an answer. It’s done.”
He chuckles. “I know you won’t. I know there’s nothing I can say to change your mind. So instead, I’m just going to thank you. So… thank you, Aiden, I really appreciate it. I’ve always wanted my own workshop, and you have given that to me, so let me repay you by teaching you if you want to learn?”
My chest fills with warmth. “That sounds great. In fact, I’d like to come and work for you one day a week, so you can teach me everything you know about carpentry. I would love to finally be able to get my hands dirty and work like a real man.” I laugh, and Mike grins at me.
“What about me driving you and Jeni to work?”
“Never mind that. I’ll find someone. You concentrate on your business and making the workshop run exactly how you want it,” I reply and slap him on the back.
Mike shakes his head, then grins, and in this moment, I know I’ve done the right thing.
We spend the night playing poker and casually drinking, but not too much. The last thing we want is for the groom and groomsmen to be hungover or worse, still drunk when we arrive at the altar. I know Sarah and Chris are more than organized. I’m very grateful to them for helping us with the wedding. The ceremony is taking place at sunset on the edge of the cliff overlooking Mornington Vale, right where Jeni and I had our first night together under the stars all those years ago. I know it’s going to be beautiful.
Mike purchased old-man Harris’ farm, including the barn, which is being decked out as the reception venue. There’s going to be a dance floor and tables set up around it. There’s only a small number of guests attending, but I’m sure Sarah will make it work. I have every faith in her ability.
&
nbsp; After we finish playing poker, everyone but Mike heads to bed. I take this opportunity to make sure he’s okay.
“How you holding up?” I ask quietly as we pack up the poker table.
“Surprisingly, I’m okay. Nervous, but I kind of feel calm at the same time. Does that even make sense?”
“It makes perfect sense,” I reply.
I head off to bed wondering what my wife is doing and how my kids are. I’ve only been away from them for a few hours, and I miss them already. I know I’m a sappy shit, but I love my family.
Today is the day my father and mother will finally say ‘I do,’ and to be honest, I couldn’t be happier.
Mike’s calm. He’s laughing and chatting along with the other guys like it’s any other typical day. It seems like I’m the nervous one here, so I decide to call Jeni. I miss her, and I want to check in with Mom just to make sure everything’s going to plan.
I dial her number, and she picks up on the first ring. “Hey, babe, I was just about to call you. I literally had the phone in my hand ready to dial,” Jeni tells me, and the sound of her voice soothes me instantly.
“I miss you, too. I don’t want to have to spend another night away from you again. Okay?”
