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After everything we went through as teenagers, I never considered myself lucky. In the back of my mind, I’m always waiting for the other shoe to drop.
6
Wils
The wind howls outside the grand castle walls. I stand on the brink of our wedding day, with my heart filled with a blend of excitement and desperation. The snowstorm rages on, threatening to ruin our nuptials.
My phone rings with Kenni’s assigned ringtone. I take a deep breath, hoping to calm her fears.
“Hey babe. Are you ready to get married?”
I can practically hear her heartbeat pounding in her heavy sigh. “Wils, have you looked out the window? It’s a blizzard.”
“We’ve weathered worse. Nothing, I repeat, nothing is stopping me from becoming your husband today.”
“I want that too, but my dress consists of fine, intricate lace. A few flakes will soak it, let alone a snowstorm.”
I'll make it happen. “Just have fun getting your hair done. Are you wearing that sheer robe with the white feathers on the edges?”
“Yeah, why?” she asks.
“Because when you tried it on at home, I couldn’t take my eyes off you—it’s the perfect incentive. Don’t worry—I’ll take care of everything. At three o’clock, I'll be at the end of the aisle. Okay?”
In an almost bashful tone, she says, “I’ll be the one in white,” and hangs up.
The majestic castle, decorated with flickering lights and white flowers interlaced with purple dwarf crested irises cascading down the walls, now seems eerie amidst the roaring blizzard. I pictured her walking down the aisle in a beautiful vintage gown, but the reality of the storm threatens to shatter her dreams. And her dreams are my own. I’m the man that’s supposed to make them all come true.
Kenni and the bridesmaids are in the Bridal Tower and separated from the groomsmen. Archer hands me a bourbon, then sits in the tufted chair beside Patrick and Tackett.
Tackett says, “I’d like to say a few words since Patrick has the honor of the Best Man toast.” He clears his throat. “Wilson, you taught me valuable lessons about baseball, life, and love. You’re the man that gave me a place to live and trusted me with it. A generous friend and mentor. Today, when you marry Kenni, the world will be in harmony.” He raises his glass, and we follow his lead, slamming the new and exclusive Barron’s 12 Special Reserve.
Grabbing his shoulder, I look into his eyes. “Thanks, Tackett. Now I need to find Kenni something to wear over her gown. She says it’s too fragile for this type of weather.”
Patrick suggests, “Instead of getting married on the roof, why don’t you get married inside the castle? That would solve all the problems.” He holds his hands out, palms up.
“It would, but Kenni has always dreamed of having it outdoors. Besides, the only space large enough is where the reception is being held. And moving everything would be a logistical nightmare. We'll delay the wedding if necessary.”
An idea strikes me and I look at Archer. “Your friend’s wife that found us the mansion is a fashion designer, right?”
Archer answers, “She is.”
We call his friend and put him on speakerphone. He passes the phone to his wife, while I explain my urgent need for something warm for Kenni to wear over her wedding dress on this white, wintery day. Though his wife doesn’t have the material available, she offers to help if I can find something within the next two hours. Soon after, Kaylee sends me a text informing me she’s already contacting her suppliers and suggests several types of materials that could work.
I look over and Archer is on the phone, pacing around the room. Occasionally, I hear words like okay, perfect, or thanks. He strolls over, squeezes my shoulder, and says, “I called my mom. She’s having a white wool hooded cloak flown here using the team plane. Last week, Mom and Megan were shopping on the Magnificent Mile and saw it in the window.”
A breath I didn’t realize I was holding in escapes. “Perfect. Can you get Hagan to pick it up at the airport and deliver it? He’s been to Nic and Kaylee’s house before, right?”
“Sure, if someone plows the streets.”
“Just when I thought I had one problem sorted out, another unexpected issue arises,” I mutter in frustration. Luckily, Archer has met the university’s athletic director, so I decide to call him and ask if he can help me get in touch with the mayor.
Another problem solved. I’m marrying my childhood sweetheart today.
Hopefully.
At three o’clock, I stand on the roof of the grandiose castle, with stacks of snow shoveled to the sides and inches standing on the ledges. My heart pounds against my ribcage with nervousness—an unfamiliar feeling for me. After going through years of counseling, I thought I had mastered keeping calm.
The wintry landscape is a breathtaking sight, but all I can think about is Kenni, my soon-to-be bride. Each passing second feels like an eternity, and I eagerly await the moment she steps through the double arched doors as she makes her grand entrance.
