Page 218 of The Friend Situation

“You’re not gonna tell me what we’re doing? What about the time?” Carlee asks, blindfolded. “We cannot be late! Seriously, if I’m late, Easton will complain.”

Lexi bursts into laughter. “He’ll survive.”

My brother shrugs. It’s not a lie.

Laughter bubbles from Emma. Her giggles dance through the church like happy little notes. I glance at Hudson and can see the admiration he has for her.

“Don’t you think the blindfold is a bit much? Don’t you trust me to keep my eyes closed? Where did Mawmaw go?” There’s a hint of uncertainty in her voice. “Do I smell flowers?”

My heart skips a beat when she steps further into view. My gaze rests on the woman I’ll spend forever with.

As the pianist, handpicked by Mawmaw, starts to play “Für Elise,” I see Carlee’s breath hitch. Each note resonates in the sacred space, but it’s a special song only we share. One of many. A smirk appears on her lips as the melody shifts into Canon in D. The notes float lightly through the air.

Lexi carefully removes Carlee’s blindfold, revealing the smiling faces of family and friends.

My gorgeous girl is in awe, her emotions swelling as tears of joy roll down her cheeks. A wave of warmth washes over me, and time stands completely still.

Emma grabs tissues, dabbing at Carlee’s teary eyes. Easton beams at me with pride. Beside him, Brody gives me a nod.

I’m overwhelmed with happiness, overjoyed by what’s to come. For the first time in my life, I’m looking forward to the future and what comes with it.

Colby and the flower girl toss petals along the path, each tiny splash of color marking this moment.

As Carlee is handed her bouquet, I can’t help but notice the jeweled crown I had made for her. She’s my queen, shining withgrace and beauty. Right now, I feel as if I should bow down to her. Tears stream down my face, and I quickly wipe them away. Deep down, I know without a doubt that this is the happiest day of my life.

Carlee greets her uncle, who’s waiting to walk her down the aisle. He leans in, asking her if she’s ready. With a smile that could light up this whole town, Carlee nods. Her excitement matches mine, and it’s ready to bubble over.

When her eyes finally meet mine, visions of our entire life flash before me. Carlee is stunningly beautiful, her presence so captivating that I can’t find the words to fully describe how she makes me feel. We’re locked together, sharing a novel’s worth of unspoken words. Her eyes glimmer, and it tugs at my heartstrings as she moves down the aisle toward me.

“How did you pull this off?” Her voice trembles with disbelief as I take her hands.

“Mawmaw,” I whisper in her ear. “You’re so beautiful.”

Carlee kisses me. “You are too.”

The afternoon sun pours through the stained-glass windows, creating bursts of red, blue, and yellows that dance around us. Our love is a kaleidoscope of colors intermingling together, always changing and shifting.

Her gaze shifts to Hudson. “Oh my goodness,” she says, hugging him.

“Sorry, y’all!” Carlee calls out to everyone in attendance. A blush touches her cheeks. “I wasn’t expecting any of this.”

“It’s fine. Time to get married!” Mawmaw exclaims, clapping her hands. I think she’s growing as impatient as Easton.

“Let’s get married,” I say to Carlee with a smile.

Hudson starts the ceremony, but my focus is on Carlee. Everything else fades away. It’s just us as we exchange a silent conversation.

“The couple has decided to say their own vows,” Hudson says, his voice suddenly formal. It breaks the spell around us.

Carlee’s eyes go wide, her brows shooting up in panic. “I didn’t prepare anything,” she says quietly, a hint of worry creeping into her voice.

“I didn’t either. No script. It’s just us.” I give her a reassuring wink. A warm feeling fills my chest because this isn’t something I expected.

“Weston.” Hudson’s voice brings me back, grounding me.

I take a deep breath, studying her. “No one’s ever looked at me the way you’re looking at me right now. You have so much love and admiration shining in your eyes for me and only me. I don’t think you or anyone in this room understands what you mean to me. You are the love of my life, and I’m so lucky and grateful to have lived at the same time as you. My little Firefly, you were the spark in my heart. You woke me up and freed me. You saw me. And to be seen—to really be seen—is one of the most intimate experiences I’ve ever had with another person. I see you too, gorgeous. I will always take care of you and make you laugh, even when you don’t want to. Loving you is so easy, and I’m ready for our forever. You’re proof that the wrong time is sometimes right.”

Tears stream down Carlee’s face, and I wipe them away, kissing her forehead and then her lips.

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