Page 74 of Accidentally Falling For My Best Friend
He lifts our joined hands before casually asking, “Have you guys met my boyfriend?”
The room erupts in a chorus of questions and congratulations, and people claiming to have always known that we should be together. In all of the chaos, Oakley and I are pulled apart into different hugs. My mom manages to find me in the Caldwell commotion and we step off to the side.
“I’m so happy for you, honey. It’s always been him, hasn’t it?” she asks, pulling me in for a warm embrace.
“Yeah.” I nod, laughing at how we seemed to be the last to figure that out. “It has been.”
“Your dad loved him, you know,” she adds, and suddenly my vision is blurring at the edges. “He was always saying how good Oakley was for you. How glad he was that we moved here because you’d finally found a home.” My throat is tight, and tears are silently spilling down my face as I hold her even closer as she continues. “I’ve always tried to look for the light that manages to shine through life’s darkest moments. Whenever I wanted to regret moving here, wondering if things would be different, if we would still have him, I would see you with Oakley. I've always wondered what would have happened if we hadn't moved before you were diagnosed, if you were alone when you lost consciousness. He saved you that day, but it was more than that. I would hear you both laughing from the next room, see how much happier you were because of him, and I would know that your dad wouldn't have changed a thing. I know that you haven’t had the easiest life, but Oakley has always been your light. And I see how he looks at you, like you’re the center of his universe. I’ll always be so grateful that you two found each other.”
We’re both attempting to wipe the tears from our eyes whenOakley comes over to wrap his arms around us both. The rest of the Caldwells continue to joke around and talk as the three of us enjoy our quiet moment. Just as we suspected, no one cared that we aren’t straight; they’re just all happy to see us together, even if they’re probably going to tease us about how we were the last to know for the rest of our lives.
I’ve always felt so privileged to be included in this big, supportive family, and I love that I’ll no longer have to be an unofficial member.
In just a few months, I’ll be married to a Caldwell, and I can’t wait.
EPILOGUE ONE-OAKLEY
March
Sure, most people might assume I’m the more spontaneous and “fun” one in our relationship, but Parker has also been my best friend for over twenty years now, so I think he’s learned exactly what sort of elaborate, over-the-top displays bring me the most joy.
And really, making each other happy is all that we've ever cared about. Now we just get to do it as partners, and soon publicly ashusbands.
We’re finally in Bora Bora for the resort launch. Our guests, aka our friends, family, and coworkers, are all here, though Parker and I got here a few days before everyone else. We wanted to get here first to work with the resort’s event coordinator, Theodore, in person. We did warn him ahead of time, but I felt better being here early, just in case. He’s gladly signed an NDA, so we’re confident he’s kept quiet that the soft launch is no longer just a party to celebrate the opening, but our wedding.
Our surprise wedding that no one but him knows about yet, even though it’s going to happen any minute now.
Back in Chicago, we couldn’t go the very next day to get married like I had hoped because you need to get a marriage license the day before going to the courthouse. When we filed for the marriage license, we realized it would be public record, so after some debate we decided to warn our heads of HR and PR. We assumed they might have search engine alerts for our names, and figured it would be better to hear from us. We scheduled an emergency video meeting to explain our plan and see if they might agree to hold off on telling anyone else. Neither of them are on the board of directors, and they loved our plan.
After getting the license, we agreed to wait the couple of days until NYE so that we could have an excuse to celebrate that night without telling everyone about exactly what we were celebrating. We both put on our nicest suits and waited in line to be married. It was perfect.
I probably could have bribed our way through the process more quickly, but there was something really nice about going through it without drawing any extra attention. Just two men in love who finally got their shit together enough to get married. Especially when our commitment ceremony today has the exact opposite vibe, with everyone we know in attendance on a very difficult to get to island resort, with every flower and seating chart meticulously planned by Theodore and I.
Everything looks absolutely gorgeous. The huge all-glass indoor reception area is arranged with tables for dinner, a dance floor, and DJ for later in the evening. The outdoor deck is set up with open bars, and cocktail tables are spread out through the space while appetizers are being passed around. Elaborate local greenery mixed with flowers and candles compliment the romantic island vibe, and there’s torches surrounding the space as live local music plays.
All of the guests are showing up in their bestisland formal wear, and everyone seems very impressed by the resort and with how their accommodations have turned out.
“Is everyone here yet?” I ask Parker as I look around the room one more time. I’ve confirmed that all of our relatives are outside on the deck, along with all our friends, and even Aspen and Sage made it. We were only waiting on a few coworkers for the last headcount we did, but I think they’ve all arrived.
“Yeah, I think Bob from the board was the last one we were waiting for,” he confirms.
“Okay, I’ve got the microphone. Are you ready?”
“As long as you do the talking,” he mutters, making me laugh.
“Obviously,” I agree with a wink.
We both approach a small stage that has the band on it, asking them to please pause their playing. They also know there will be a ceremony today, but not who it’s for. “First of all, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone for joining us all the way out here to celebrate the latest resort to join the Caldwell Hotel family! This really is a family company through and through, and I am honored to continue the legacy my great-grandparents started many years ago.”
I pause for the polite clapping from the audience and look at Parker beside me before continuing. “I do have a slight confession to make, though. This isn’t just a launch party to help prepare the staff for opening to the public, and the photographers aren’t just here to take pictures for our website…”
I pause again because I can’t help it. I love building the suspense as people begin to murmur amongst themselves. Parker laughs next to me, raising a brow and motioning for me to get on with it.
“Today will also be the first wedding at this new venue!” I announce dramatically, and the whispered murmurs grow louder as people look around in confusion, probably looking forsomeone in a wedding dress. As hot as I’m sure Parker or I would look in one, we’ve opted for tan linen suits.
“Who’s getting married?” someone finally asks loudly enough for me to clearly hear them.
I plaster on my biggest, brightest smile before answering, “I am.”
