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Today, I have to speak.
To a venue full of people.
The wedding coordinator hands me a microphone as I stand and let out a deep sigh. Instantly, my palms get sweaty and my heart starts racing.
“Good luck, Uncle Clay,” Bryce whispers. I give him a smile while ruffling his hair.
As I make my way to Ash and Avery’s table, I can feel the eyes of the guests boring into my back. Normally, this doesn’t bother me, as I’m usually in the background on my guitar, but today, I’m front and center.
Looking past the venue, my eyes catch on the lake. It’s bright and blue and calms me. While most weddings are at night, Avery wanted hers during the day. She said, “What’s the point of having a fall wedding if no one can appreciate the beauty of it?” And she’s not wrong. I can’t see the sun, but I’m certain it’s directly overhead as it’s just reached noon.
“G-G-Good afternoon, everyone.” I clear my throat and look around the tent at all the happy faces, feeling super grateful this wedding is small. Having to talk in large crowds is clearly not my thing, but these people know me, well most of them, and that makes this a little better. Just a little. It also occurs to me that other than family and a few select close friends who call him Ash, everyone here calls him Will, and for this speech I need to do the same.
“W-We appreciate all of you coming out to our small t-town here in Horizons Valley to celebrate my best friend Will and his b-beautiful bride Avery. While I may be the b-brains of our duo, Will is definitely the beauty who does all the talking for us.” A few people chuckle. “I-I’ve never been that great with public speaking, but what I am great at is playing my guitar.”
Turning to face Ash, I clasp his shoulder and squeeze affectionately. We share a few unspoken words, I give Avery a wink, and then I set the microphone on their table.
The ceremony chairs have been cleared for a dance floor, and on the pavilion stage is now a band. They’re an up-and-coming group from Ash’s music label Three Little Birds, and they were beside themselves when he asked if they would perform at his wedding.
I make my way to the stage, where I walk over to a stool that’s been placed front and center and pick up my guitar. No one is speaking as I wrap the strap over my shoulder and settle onto the seat.
Looking at the two of them, I have to swallow hard to push down the emotions I’m feeling. “I d-don’t think there is anyone on this earth better than you, Will. You’re the brother I never had, and I’m so happy he’s found you, Avery. I only hope I can be so lucky as to one day find someone to love me like you love him. When I think of you both, I think of unconditional love, that forever love, and I think of Sunday afternoons. I wrote this for the two of you. Congratulations.”
5
EMMA
Ihad no idea Clay was going to sing today.
I knew he was going to give a speech; Avery told me he would be the only one doing so. She doesn’t have the closest relationship with her parents, and while they are here, she did not want her dad to get up. Instead, she asked if I would give mine as the maid of honor last night at the rehearsal dinner and let me know Clay’s would be today. Was I worried about being outdone by him? No, but I wasn’t expecting this.
This man. He kills me.
Looking down at his guitar, he runs his hand up and down the length of the neck then pulls the pick from between the strings. He leans forward into the microphone, his eyes briefly closing as he begins playing a beautiful melody. With each chord he thrums, he may as well be pulling on the strings of my heart.
And then he starts to sing.
Every hair on my body has risen. My chest has seized. My eyes have blurred, and I feel parched—parched for water, only he is the water and I can’t get enough.
What is happening to me right now?
I thought I knew Clay’s voice, but I was so, so wrong. Yes, we’ve all heard him accompany Ash on the microphone when he sings backup and occasionally alongside him, but I’ve never heard him like this.
His voice is beautiful. It’s deep, raspy, and so soulful the vibrations are wreaking havoc on my heart, mind, and spirit. I feel transported and grounded at the same time.
Did Avery know he can sing like this? Does the whole world except me know? How is that possible? I’m the one who’s been slightly obsessed with him over the last year. I swear, just when I thought I knew him, he goes and adds another layer, one that’s so melodic and hypnotizing I’m spellbound.
When we first met, he was charismatic and fun. Last Thanksgiving, he was attentive and kind. Over the last year, he’s been focused on his house and more closed off, subdued, observing more than participating. But today . . . today he’s expressing his love for his best friend in the most public, vulnerable way.
His voice, his words, the music—he’s giving all of himself to them, and it’s beautiful. Actually, beautiful isn’t even a strong enough word.
Justin’s hand finds mine on my lap, and he laces our fingers together. It should feel normal for him to touch me, I should want him holding my hand, but as I sit here and bask in the sound and expressions of another man, this man, it feels so wrong.
How did I get here?
How did I get to this place of complete uncertainty?
How does one night somehow rival almost six years?
