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I shrug. It might be extravagant but when Zoey told my family, all those months ago, that her perfect wedding would be on a beach, and no one would be wearing shoes, that stuck in my brain, and as soon as the group chat was made that night, I knew then I’d do anything to make her happy.
So, here we are, getting married—or technically, it’s a blessing since we’re already married. My family, her brothers and friends. All barefoot.
“There’s my boy.” My dad’s voice filters into the space. He’s wearing a navy linen shirt and beige linen trousers.
“Hi, Dad,” I reply as he wraps his arms around me.
Zoey met my dad officially the week after I told her I loved her, and the pair of them have been in cahoots ever since. I knew they’d love each other. They’re both full of mischief and are always planning things. I think my dad and my sister even call Zoey more than me now, which I guess is fine if I’m still my niece’s favourite. Although it wouldn’t surprise me if Zoey snagged that top spot, too. She’s so damn loveable.
“I’ve just seen your girl. She looks magnificent, Harrison.” He pats my cheek. “You both look so happy, and that’s all I ever want for my kids.” I watch his eyes fill as he fights back tears. “If only your mum could see you today. She’d be so proud.”
“Oh, Dad, don’t cry,” I say, pulling him back for another hug.
“These are happy tears. I’m allowed to cry happy tears. I just miss her.”
“I know. We all do,” Katie adds, joining our hug.
“Knock knock.” Grayson’s voice comes in through the doorway as he greets Katie and my dad. We all had dinner together last night, so formalities aren’t needed today.
“Hi, Mr Clarke. Everyone okay in here?” he asks.
“Everyone is great,” Dad replies, smiling at me. “We’ll see you out there, son.”
Once Grayson and I are alone, I get the biggest whoosh of déjà vu. “Wait, woah. We’ve been here before, right?” he says, smirking.
“Except this time, there’s no tie.”
“Hmm, how are you going to have a crisis if you aren’t fidgeting with your tie? I can’t fulfil my duties as best man if you won’t let me fix something this morning.”
“I’m hoping nothing needs fixing and this runs smoothly.”
Grayson groans. “Why did you just tempt fate like that?”
“Nothing is going to happen. It’s going to be fine,” I tell him confidently. “We’ve got ten minutes until the ceremony and nothing, I mean nothing, is going to ruin today.”
He pins me with a look that says, ‘You better hope you’re right’. “You know, I was thinking,” he says, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Sounds dangerous.”
“Ha-fucking-ha. But still, I was thinking. Letting me be your best man, twice, and over Max, might I add, almost makes up for not inviting me to Vegas.”
I chortle. “Oh, please, Vegas wasn’t my idea anyway. If you’re still pissed, take it up with the twins.”
He scoffs, but I don’t tell him that the reason Max isn’t my best man right now is because he’s walking Zoey down this aisle with Owen. Her parents still haven’t reached out and I think there’s even rumblings between the whole Bancroft clan since the fallout, but Zoey and I have kept out of it so far.
“Speaking of being a best man, when am I going to be yours?”
He pales and his Adam’s apple moves like he’s swallowing bricks. “Dude, don’t make me sweat. I’m doing enough of that in this heat without your input on my love life.”
I leave it because I know he adores Nora, and everyone moves at their own pace, except Zoey and I, who dove in head first and did it all backwards.
“Today is about you.” He checks his watch and smiles. “It’s go time, man. Let’s get you at the top of that aisle again.” Grayson says, headed for the door.
I take a minute to breathe because when I go outside and my feet hit the sand, I’m going to be seeing my wife and I get to marry her all over again.
Zoey
Someone has jinxed me. Or tempted fate somehow.
