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“Fine by me. You seem nervous?” she asks, reading me like a book.
“I am… I don’t know why. I’m not getting married, so I have no idea why I feel like I want to puke,” I reply honestly.
“This is a big day for your family. Your dad’s marrying your mom after years of them being apart. It’s a big deal. And as the best man, I can understand why you want everything to be perfect.”
“You’re right. I think I’ve been checking for the rings every five minutes. How’s Mom?”
“She’s the happiest I’ve ever seen her, Aiden. She’s positively glowing. I didn’t know so much positivity and delight existed until this morning. How’s Mike?”
“Pretty much the same. Completely calm and as happy as I’ve ever seen him. It’s awesome to watch,” I admit and look over at Mike, who’s got a smile I don’t think will ever be wiped off his face.
“Okay, I’ve been busted. Better go. Just quickly, how are the kids? Did the twins sleep through?”
“Yes, they did… for once. I better go. Trish and Mom are calling me to get my hair done.”
“Okay, love you.”
“Love you, too. See you soon,” she says and ends the call.
“Man, you are sooo whipped,” Killian announces.
“Yeah, maybe, but I don’t care.” I laugh because it’s true and then turn to face Mike. “Should we start getting ready?”
“Absolutely, I can’t wait,” Mike replies.
Mike is calmer than I’ve ever seen him as we walk toward the edge of the cliff where people are now starting to arrive and mingling. The sun is beginning to set over the horizon in its beautiful tones.
Sarah has done an excellent job. There’s an archway with gilded roses covering it entirely, and white chairs line an aisle with a bright white carpet leading to the arch. There are flowers everywhere. The area is romantically lit with lanterns placed sporadically. It’s beautiful, and I know Mom is going to love it when she finally sees it for the first time.
We walk over to greet friends and family who are here for the ceremony. I notice Nana, and I’m more than a little surprised to see her here. I just assumed she wouldn’t show up—who could blame her?
“Nana, it’s great to see you. I didn’t think you would come,” I state as she hugs me.
“Oh, sweetheart, of course, I’d come. Just because Niall was my son doesn’t mean that I love Callie and Mike any less. I watched them grow up yearning for each other. I knew this day would come eventually, and I wanted to be here with them both to celebrate. Plus, I love a good wedding, don’t you?” I lead Nana to the front so she can sit on Mom’s side. “Aiden, sweetheart, I want you to know that I know. Your mother told me they finally told you about Mike being your father. Don’t worry, I already knew. I knew the moment I saw Mike at the hospital when you were born. I’m glad you know, and it absolutely does not affect our relationship. I’m still your nana for as long as you want me to be, even if we don’t share the same blood. I will always be your nana…” Tears well in her eyes. “I love you, Aiden.”
My chest squeezes tight as I try to fight back my emotions at hearing her say those words. “Thanks, Nana, I love you, too. You don’t know how much this means to me,” I reply, and she pats my arm. I lean down and kiss her on the cheek, and then walk over to stand next to Mike, who’s waiting for Mom to arrive.
The sun sets in hues of brilliant aqua and pinks as a light dusting of fluffy clouds line the sky, making it feel like heaven is opening up and shining down on us all. The string quartet starts playing, and I’m nervous again.
Brielle walks down the aisle followed by Jeni, who looks ridiculously stunning. I can’t help my wide smile as I watch her every step.
Then Mom walks down the aisle, and she’s radiantly beautiful in her lace gown. I look across to Mike, and his eyes glisten as Mom walks closer. She reaches the end of the aisle, and Mike takes both her hands in his and then leans in kissing her lips quickly.
“It’s not that part yet,” the minister chides.
“Sorry, couldn’t resist,” Mike jests, and we all laugh.
The ceremony is going without a hitch as the sun sets over the city of Mornington Vale. Killian takes photographs throughout the entire service, and I’ve never seen Mike and Mom look so damn happy.
Mom keeps wiping tears from her face as Mike recites his vows to her, and he cries when she says hers to him. I even see Jeni’s eyes glistening, and I can’t help but get a little choked up myself when I hand them the rings.
The ceremony concludes, and we make our way down the aisle to have more pictures taken.
I walk over to Jeni and kiss her cheek. “You look… amazing,” I tell her using our word, and she laughs.
“Well, you don’t scrub up half bad yourself,” she replies as she leans in and kisses me.
We arrive at the barn after having a million and one pictures taken by Killian and his apprentice.
