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And now that we had connected—or reconnected, depending on how one looked at it—and had shared that one encounter, my thoughts of him had shifted. They were no longer the innocent, naïve dreams of a teenager but the far more realistic view of an adult. Funnily enough, he wasn’t any less attractive now than he had been back then.
Focusing on Tomás wasn’t healthy. After all, I had taken a significant step toward embracing my future by registering on the dating site, and I needed to keep my heart and mind open to new possibilities. But I was still drawn to him, like I always had been. I’d do well to remind myself that Tomás was part of my past and maybe my present if he ever wanted to hook up again, but he wouldn’t be part of my future.
We were about as compatible as fire and water.
10
TOMÁS
The sun bathed the orchard in a warm golden glow, casting filtered light through the branches heavy with apples. They weren’t ripe yet, this early in the summer, but the fall would bring a bountiful harvest. Rows of white wooden chairs adorned with vibrant wildflowers lined the makeshift aisle, and the scent of blossoms and grass filled the air. The excited murmurs from family and friends created a contagious atmosphere of joy. What a perfect setting for a wedding.
Auden and Keaton had opted for a small, intimate ceremony first, followed by a big party to which the whole town was invited. That was inevitable when the local sheriff and the English teacher got married. And man, was I happy for those two. They sported matching beaming smiles as they walked down the aisle together.
Auden was dressed in an impeccable bespoke suit, my wedding present to him. When he’d told me he was getting married and I’d asked him what he was going to wear, he’d shown me a picture of a suit that was nice but not worthy of a wedding day. So I had gifted Auden a handmade suit, courtesy of a friend who was an up-and-coming designer. Tiago had gifted Keaton his outfit so the two grooms would match in beautiful dark blue linen suits, perfect for a summer wedding. We wouldn’t let one of our best friends get married in an ill-fitting, cheap suit.
Auden’s tie was baby blue, with handwritten lines of poetry, something that was meaningful to Keaton. And Keaton’s bow tie—which had become his signature look—was in the same color and had little LEGO bricks in honor of Auden’s hobby. Super cheesy yet perfect for those two.
Their kids stood waiting for them. Auden’s two girls wore gorgeous pale pink dresses, carrying bouquets of wildflowers, while Keaton’s two sons wore dark blue linen pants and dress shirts in the same pink as the girls’ dresses. Their corsages completed the entire picture of summery, pastel perfection, sweet enough to make my teeth ache but strangely endearing.
The ceremony was brief but poignant, with Keaton reciting poetry as his wedding vow and Auden getting all emotional. I’d never thought I’d see that tough man cry, but he did, and he wasn’t a bit ashamed of it. Their kids were the first to congratulate them, followed by their parents, who were all present. Cora, Auden’s stepmom, hugged Keaton as long as she had her son.
Now it was our turn as guests, and I joined the short line to congratulate the newlyweds. Marnin stood right beside me while Tiago and Cas were a few spots in front of us.
“One down,” Marnin said, bumping my shoulder.
“Auden was married before, so does that count?”
Marnin shrugged. “All I’m saying is that he’s the only married one out of the five of us. Again. My guess is your brother will be next.”
My heart skipped a beat. He would be. Jesus Cristo, what would I do then? “They’re not engaged yet.”
“No, but look at them…”
Tiago bent in for a kiss, the love between him and Cas palpable. “Weddings bring out the cheesy romantic stuff,” I said with a sigh.
“You’re telling me those two aren’t always like that?”
He was right, as usual. “Not something I want to think about too much.”
Marnin opened his mouth, but he must’ve seen the silent warning on my face not to push it, and he closed it again.
When it was my turn, I hugged Auden. “I’m so, so happy for you.”
I meant every word. No matter the mixed feelings it stirred up in me, seeing him this happy brought me joy, and I’d never begrudge him finding love.
“Thank you. And thank you again for the beautiful suit. Keaton looks so good.”
I patted his shoulder. “So do you.”
He flexed his arm, grinning. “I can even move in this thing.”
“One of the many joys of having a bespoke suit. I wish you a life filled with joy and happiness, my friend.”
On impulse, I hugged Keaton as well. He was Auden’s husband now, so that made him my friend too. “Thank you for making Auden happy.”
Keaton blushed. “My pleasure?” He let out a cute giggle. “It’s not like it’s a hardship, being married to this man.”
No, it wouldn’t be. He wasn’t my type—aside from the fact that we’d all thought he was straight until he’d fallen for Keaton—but Auden was a good man. A solid one, all about serving his community and taking care of his family. His roots here in Forestville were deep, and while I couldn’t imagine myself being content under those circumstances, he was.
