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“It’s a big factor in why so many big events for the family are held out there. It’s the largest estate in the family, and Uncle Dom can control the press. From what I hear, we’ve been having weddings and big parties out at the vineyard since before I was born. I think Uncle Will and Aunt Meg were the first to have a wedding there.”
“But not Brax and Josie?”
He shakes his head and takes the exit off the freeway. “Nah, they eloped. Josie didn’t want anything big and splashy, and Brax didn’t care, as long as Josie was happy, so they just tied the knot, and we had a dinner for them at Uncle Caleb and Aunt Brynna’s place.”
I nod and sit quietly, watching the scenery as we drive toward Dom and Alecia’s property. And when we’re finally there, Keaton finds a place to park in the designated area and cuts the engine.
“Okay, let’s do this,” he says as he pushes out of the vehicle. I wait for him to open my door, but before I can hop out, Keaton cages me in and pushes toward me to kiss me, long and slow. The kind of kiss that’s full of promises of what’s coming later.
When he pulls back, I smile at him. “What was that for?”
“I probably won’t be able to do that for a while, so I had to get it in now.”
He winks and helps me out, and with my fingers laced through his, we make our way to the party.
“I don’t want to cry.”
Maya dabs at her eyes and sniffles as the five of us, Maya, Gray, our parents, and me, stand in the room that was designated as the Groom’s Suite.
“There’s no reason to cry,” Gray says as he loops his arm around our sister’s shoulders. “I want everyone to enjoy the day.”
“It’s already amazing,” I assure him. “I think everyone’s here because the chairs are all full out there.”
“I just went to kiss Stella,” Mom adds, dabbing her own eyes. “And she’s just so lovely. I’m so excited for you.”
“Ah, Mom, don’t cry.”
We do the family hug thing that we’ve done since I was a little girl, all huddled together.
“The most important thing is to be happy,” Dad says softly. “Enjoy each other. Listen to each other. Don’t take anything for granted.”
Gray doesn’t reply, and after a couple of sniffs, I announce, “Okay, it’s getting mushy in here.”
“Come on,” Maya says, taking my hand. “Let’s go find our seats.”
Mom and Dad hang back with Gray for a minute. I know that Gray will escort Mom to her seat, and Dad will walk behind them.
The area under the tent, where Stella chose for the ceremony space, is so beautifully decorated. Pink flowers are sprayed over pretty much everything, and the most beautiful arch erected where Gray and Stella will stand is also covered in those pretty flowers.
I find Keaton and sit with him, while Maya finds her seat one row ahead of me, and before long, the music starts.
Gray and our parents walk to the front, and he kisses each of them on the cheek before standing with his best man, Vaughn.
Who looks like something out of a movie.
Because it’s Vaughn Barrymore.
Then, it’s time for Olivia to walk down the aisle. She’s the matron of honor, and the only one standing up for the bride because she and Stella are lifelong best friends, and there are so many other women in Stella’s life, she simply couldn’t choose.
And, of course, everyone understood that perfectly.
Finally, the music changes and we all stand to watch the bride being escorted by her dad.
I don’t think I’ve had any conversations with Nate McKenna before, although I have met him. He’s tall and broad, with long dark hair and a stern face.
But today, that face is softer, full of emotion, and when Stella leans in to whisper something to him, Nate’s mouth tips up in a smile.
I don’t think there’s a dry eye in the place by the time they reach Gray.
Before Nate gives Stella away, he shakes Gray’s hand and pulls him in for a hug. Then, he kisses Stella on the cheek and then on the forehead.
It’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen in my life.
“This is a party,” Liam announces as he joins Drew, Keaton, and me at our table. He’s breathing hard from some vigorous dancing. “Too bad it’s not a live band. You and Uncle Leo could play.”
“I’m relieved that it’s not,” I reply. “This way, there’s no pressure.”
“I have a question,” Haley asks, clearly just a little tipsy.
“Shoot,” Keaton says to his sister.
“Why are threesomes just for sex? Why can’t I join a couple’s argument if I want to?”
That stuns the three guys speechless for a moment, and then I look around the room.
“Who’s arguing?”
“No one, it’s just an observation,” Haley says with a laugh. “Like, maybe I’m in the mood for a good fight. Or maybe I just want to watch a movie and snuggle. Why does it always have to be about sex?”
