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I kiss the top of her head. “Will do.”
Twenty minutes later, she joins me in the third row—Starling is in the back with the rest of the people who brought pets to this “pet friendly” ceremony—and we watch a friend and talented co-worker exchange vows with her long-term boyfriend. Kinsey and Clark have been dating since their senior year of college and are some of the best people I know. I’m going to miss Kinsey in the office and both of them at our annual Christmas and summer parties.
But Kinsey has a great opportunity to advance in Minneapolis, and I know she’ll go on to do wonderful things with the rest of her career. Just like Wren, who’s applying to med school for next year. I have no doubt she’ll be an incredible doctor, and lately, I’ve had a new dream for our future.
One I hope will make it clear how much I want to share my life with her.
After the vows, we adjourn to the marina’s party room, with the wall of windows overlooking the lake. The sun set just a half hour ago and the air still glows with a pink light that makes the simple decorations look luxurious and timeless. I wouldn’t have noticed that before Wren, but now I do.
I notice more of the little things, including the fact that my brother looks happier than he has in months.
Since he and Starling were both hired on to work the fundraising gig for Furry Friends full-time, in fact, with Starling serving as Christian’s boss.
“Decided you like weddings, after all?” I ask, stepping into the beer line beside him. Kaps is here with bottles of Keanu Pale Ale, and I’ve developed a taste for it—good thing since she gifts us a case every other week as a thank you for letting her take Keanu out for “brand ambassador” events at the brewery.
“I’ve always liked weddings,” Christian says, still grinning. “You were the cranky one who hated expensive, public displays of affection.”
“True,” I say, laughing.
“But not anymore,” Christian says, thumping me on the back. “I’m happy for you, man. You and Wren are perfect together.”
“And you and Starling are finally getting along?” I ask, glancing to where Starling, Kyle, and Keanu are already strutting their stuff on the dance floor.
“Yeah, we’ve turned a corner. I’ve actually learned a lot from her.” He grins. “It also helps that this is my last month as her subordinate. I landed a full-time gig at a non-profit in Minneapolis. I start early November.”
“Congrats, man, that’s awesome,” I say, turning to pull him into a hug.
That’s another thing I do now. I hug my brothers. Often. And I don’t feel awkward about it. Loving Wren has made loving all the other people in my life easier and better, too. She’s given me the confidence that I know how to do this, after all.
“But Mom’s going to be bummed,” I add as we part. “You know she likes all of us living in a ten-mile radius.”
Chris laughs. “Yeah, but I’ll come visit all the time. And I think it’ll be good for the guys I hired to work and manage the bike shop to have me out of their hair more. They’re doing a great job; I’ve just had a hard time letting go.”
“Understandable. I would feel the same way about the practice. So, is Starling excited to go it on her own? Or is she planning to hire another assistant after you’re gone?”
He clears his throat, his smile fading. “I’m not sure. I…haven’t exactly told her yet. But I will. I’m just waiting for the right time. We’ve been getting along so well lately. I don’t want to rock the boat until I absolutely have to.”
Speaking of boats…
I glance outside. The light is perfect now, a gauzy orange-pink that Wren calls “magic hour.” I originally intended to wait until later in the evening, but it occurs to me that Wren might want a picture if all goes well, and the boats will make a nice backdrop.
“I’ll keep the news to myself then,” I say, giving Christian’s shoulder a squeeze. “Grab me a beer? There’s something I need to do first.”
I abandon the line, finding Wren where I left her, chatting by the windows with several of the other nurses from the practice and Tatum, who is thankfully having an easy pregnancy. She’s six months along, but only has a small “baby bump.” Still, she and Drew have decided to postpone their marriage until after the baby’s born, when Tatum will be able to wear something other than maternity wear and have a glass or two of champagne.
“Could I steal you for a moment?” I murmur, as I appear at her elbow.
“Totally,” Wren says, beaming at me over her shoulder. “Tell Sarah Beth I’m sorry she’s feeling sick, Tatum, but that I promise to come talk dog DNA with her next week. And I’ll bring her a piece of cake.”
