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“I can’t wait to have a stiff… drink,” Wendy says, winking.
Evie eases Tillie to her feet, then stands. “Shall we do this, ladies?”
“Hell yeah!” Wendy shouts.
“Has anyone seen the guys since last night? I’m trying to mentally prepare myself for how bad their black eyes will be.”
“I saw Murphy, but I didn’t pay attention to his eye. Unless you mean his one-eyed trouser—” She cuts off when she notices Tillie’s listening.
“Don’t worry about what they look like. Think of it as a great story you’ll tell your grandchildren someday,” I suggest.
Evie smiles. “Right after I tell them I met their grandfather when I painted rainbow leopard spots on his dog.”
“That’s the best meet cute ever,” Rori says.
“At the time it wasn’t very cute, but here we are,” Evie says.
“Come on, honey. We need to head out, or you’ll be the one who’s late,” Evie’s mom tells her.
“Before we walk out there, I want to thank you all for being a part of this day. I wouldn’t want to do this without you. I love you all.”
We share a group hug and walk down the stairs toward the back door, with all of our hands joined like a chain. Once we’re outside we drop our hands and mill about behind the curtain that’s been set up to prevent the groom from seeing his bride until she’s walking down the aisle.
Evie’s dad is there, along with all the groomsmen and Three, the ring bearer.
Ryder catches my attention, puckering his lips in a kiss. I blow a kiss back at him and try not to grimace when I notice his bruised and swollen eye.
Evie’s dad takes hold of her hands. “Honey, you look beautiful. Darius is going to forget his vows once he sees you.”
Evie beams at the compliment. “Aww, thanks, Dad.”
Jasmine arrives to line us all up in the correct order. She instructs Orion to escort Evie’s mother to her seat after she gives a quick hug and kiss to her daughter.
I feel awkward as I walk down the aisle, so I keep my eyes on Ryder and let his appreciative smile soothe my nerves. Tillie and Three are the final two to make the trek before Evie and her dad. Tillie sprinkles rose petals along the brick path while she holds her ring bearing friend’s arm. The two of them are adorable, and I wonder if someday they’ll be doing this themselves. Maybe even marrying each other. You just never know.
When everyone’s in position, the Wedding March begins to play. Evie and her dad slowly make their way down the aisle. She looks beautiful with her blond hair swept up on top of her head and held in place with flowered clips. Her strapless wedding dress shows off her delicate collarbones, and the mixed bouquet in her hands adds a pop of color, making her the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.
I look at my brother and find an expression of awe on his face. Tears come to my eyes, and they haven’t even exchanged vows yet. I’m so happy for Darius. He deserves Evie, and I know the two of them—make that the three of them because I can’t forget Tillie—will have a wonderful life together.
Ryder watches me from the other side of the arched trellis where the minister has begun speaking. I smile as I find myself wondering what our own wedding could be like. I like the outdoor venue, but July is too hot for me. I know they chose this month because it’s during the offseason for hockey. If July is the option, then it needs to take place inside where there’s air conditioning.
I don’t know what kind of dress I’d want. I’ve never been the kind of girl who dreamed up every aspect of my wedding like it would be the highlight of my life, and just because I have a boyfriend, that’s not going to change. At least not yet.
When I finally refocus on my surroundings, Darius and Evie are saying their vows. Now I’m really getting emotional.
The minister pronounces them man and wife, and they share their first kiss as a married couple. The guests go wild, cheering loudly as they walk back up the aisle holding hands.
Ryder gives me his arm when it’s our turn to walk out. “You look beautiful, Lis. I couldn’t take my eyes off you the whole time.”
“Thank you. You make a tuxedo sexier than it should be,” I say.
“Even with this black eye?” he asks, pointing at his face.
“Yep. It only adds to your rakish air.” It’s really not fair how attractive he is without having to try.
We enter the reception building and head over to the bar on the far side of the room.
“Ryder Goode, how the hell are ya?” We turn to see who’s speaking with an Irish accent.
