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Strains of organ music drift beneath the ancient wood, halting the chatter that was previously echoing. The older man introduces himself to me and Hallie as Sandra’s father, and the two of them take their place at the back of the line. The music swells and transitions to a melody even I recognize.
The doors in front of me open, and Hallie starts walking. I count to ten and then follow her down the aisle.
A hush fell as soon as Wagner began to play, but there’s a low hum of voices filled with excited energy as we walk forward. I reach the end of the aisle and take my place beside Hallie at the foot of the altar. Sally takes the next spot, and then I watch the whole congregation rise as the music reaches its crescendo, perfectly coordinated with Sandra’s arrival.
She’s beaming, her smile giddy as she floats down the aisle on her father’s arm. She doesn’t look like someone who’s done this twice before.
Everyone’s focused on the bride’s arrival. I’m the only one who glances at my dad, taking in his expression. His smile is soft and a little stunned. A reaction I might have made fun of, once upon a time. Before I saw that same look on Beck’s face, aimed at me.
My mom took a lot when she left, just like Hallie said. She stole my belief that everything will be okay. Taught me that things don’t work out. Since I was five years old, I’ve reserved trust and faith in anyone except myself. You can’t let yourself down.
And then I met Beck, and that changed. I’m realizing it changed, right now, as Sandra reaches my dad’s side and the ceremony begins. I’m not assuming my father’s second marriage will fail, that the love and happiness on his face will fade over time.
I’m cynical, but I’m not certain of collapse.
Because of Beck.
Because…he makes me believe happy endings might be real.
And I wish he was here, instead of so far away, so I could tell him that.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
The country club where the reception is being held is only one block away from the church, but Hallie insists on driving. I don’t protest; mostly because my feet are killing me from standing in heels. I stare out the window, smushed in the back next to the carseat, as Matt and Hallie talk about how smoothly the ceremony went.
We pass the small downtown area—library, post office, general store, and high school—before arriving at the country club. It’s not nearly as posh as it sounds. It’s simply an oversized building set behind an ornate gate and before the golf course.
The front lobby is minimalistic, flawless floor and muted colors. The ballroom is located just past a double set of doors. It overlooks a stone patio surrounded by the lush grass of the golf course, and the entire room is decorated in creams and golds that make me feel like I’m stuck inside a giant wedding cake. Round tables dot the hardwood floor, decorated with dishes and floral arrangements I recognize from the ends of the pews. Guests are milling about, claiming seats with wraps and clutches. I head toward the first empty one I see.
“Where are you going?” Hallie asks, grabbing my arm.
“To get a table,” I reply.
“We’re sitting up there.” She nods to a long rectangular table next to the dance floor, positioned as the center of attention.
I sigh but follow her over to it. My grandparents and Sandra’s parents are already seated. I take the chair at the farthest end, next to the highchair that’s been set up for Matthew Jr.
“When is dinner?” I ask Hallie. I’m starving.
She rolls her eyes. “It’s drinks and appetizers first. Then the first dance. Then dinner. Then cake…”
“Okay, okay,” I reply. “No dinner yet. Got it.”
There’s a round of applause, and I turn to see my dad and Sandra are entering the room. They’re quickly swallowed into the crowd. On cue, servers start to spread through the room with trays. Twinkling lights turn on out on the patio as dusk begins to fall.
“I’m headed to get sustenance,” I inform Hallie.
“Alcohol or food?”
“Both.” I stand but only get a dozen feet before I run into my Great Aunt Eloise.
“Saylor! So wonderful to see you, darling. How is school?”
I learned my lesson on this question last night. “It’s great.”
“And you’re still playing soccer?”
“Yes.”
