Page 216 of The Friend Situation

“Oh my God. We totally should. Now”—she lifts my hair and places it over my shoulder—“let’s get you ready to marry the love of your life.”

34

WESTON

Istand in front of the little white church perched on the hill. Its bright white siding shines under the afternoon sun. The large windows on each wall allow natural light to flood inside.

This morning, over coffee, Mawmaw explained why a courthouse wedding wouldn’t cut it for her precious granddaughter. With a sparkle in her eye, she transformed into a wedding planner, as if she’d been waiting her entire life for this. The budget was unlimited, and Mawmaw took care of everything. This woman had a whole wedding planned before Carlee even woke up. Mawmaw isn’t her grandmother; she’s Carlee’s fairy godmother.

Hudson, dressed in a crisp tuxedo, takes the steps to greet me. We exchange a firm handshake, but he gives me a warm smile. “Nice friendship bracelet.”

I glance at it, smiling. “My bestie gave it to me. Thanks for officiating.”

“It’s an honor. Truly,” he says, guiding me inside.

The church is decked out with a stunning display of yellow and white roses. Their sweet, flowery aroma fills the room. Each flower seems to glow in the sunrays. White pews line both sides,and dark hardwood floor covers the room. It’s beautiful. I see why Carlee dreamed of being married here as a little girl.

“Son, come here,” Hudson says, and a miniature version of him runs toward us. “Colby, this is Weston. He’s marrying Leelee today.”

“Hello, sir,” he says, holding out his hand to shake mine. “Welcome to the family. My dad got married a few weeks ago! Where is Emma?”

I chuckle and check my watch. “Emma’s helping Carlee. She’ll be here in about ten minutes.”

“Okay!” He jumps, then runs away to meet up with his friends.

“Kids,” Hudson says.

“Do you enjoy being a dad?” I ask.

“Love it. While it’s not always easy, it’s rewarding.” Hudson watches his son fondly.

When I turn my head, I see Easton enter with Brody.

“You know, Mawmaw has already talked to me about the two of you choosing a plot of land on the farm.”

I grin. “I’m leaving it up to Carlee.”

“The property next door to my place is vacant. Would be nice to have you as a neighbor, even if only temporarily throughout the year. Could watch things while you’re in the city.”

“Thanks for the offer,” I say, giving him a firm handshake. “That would be amazing. Merryville seems like a good place to escape to.”

He laughs. “There’s a reason why Claire and Emma never went back.”

“Why’s that?” I ask.

“The magic of Merryville, of course.” He gives me a pat on the back and moves to the front of the church.

I shake my head, making a mental note to ask Carlee what he means by that.

As I glance at the time, Billie approaches me. She’s wearing agray dress that matches my tie. Not a single hair is out of place. I meet her blue eyes that are the same color as mine and Easton’s.

“Are you nervous?” she asks, adjusting the tie.

Thankfully, my brother arrived with everything I’d possibly need to get married.

“I’m excited,” I reply truthfully.

Anticipation crackles around us.

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