Page 85 of Make it Real
* * *
The only downside to having a wedding on a pretty piece of land in the center of Ty’s property was that someone had to ferry guests out to the ceremony site. And by someone, I meant Wade and me.
They’d rented two six-seater golf carts for the occasion. While the primary wedding players got ready in the house, we shuttled back and forth as guests arrived. I would have much rather sat next to the stream waiting with Callie—would have much ratheranythingwith Callie—but I’d accepted my duties.
Once all the guests were accounted for, I drove Ty, Booker, and the pastor across the property. In a few more minutes, Wade would bring June, Eden, Pop, and Marilyn, and then the big show would begin.
“How are you holding up?” I asked. Ty sat in the front with me, the only sign he was headed to his wedding the fancy suit he wore and the way his knee hadn’t stopped bouncing. “Nervous?”
He shook his head. “I’m ready for June to be my wife.”
I admit, the guy was adorable. Totally gone for my sister and not afraid to show it. Didn’t mean I had to spare him a little teasing on his big day.
I parked the golf cart off to the side of the ceremony site and twisted around to face Booker. “Is there a betting pool for him crying when she walks down the aisle?”
Ty sighed and climbed out of the cart, brushing his hands down his gray suit to clear the wrinkles.
Booker leaned closer, his grin shining out. “Even he’s not willing to bet he won’t.”
They walked up the aisle to take their places in front, and I took mine at Callie’s side. Her hand slipped into mine automatically as she shone a look of pure happiness my way. Soft guitar music wrapped around us from somewhere, a sweet soundtrack to the peaceful place. Gathered together with family in this gorgeous spot with my woman right next to me—wasn’t sure I’d ever had a more perfect day.
I knew better than to expect more, but today, I wanted endless days like this.
Eventually, Wade showed up with the bridal party, and the little assembly hushed. Marilyn made her way up the aisle to sit next to me and briefly squeezed my arm. Then Eden slowly walked up the aisle in a full-length sky blue dress, her eyes stuck on Booker who stood at the front keeping Ty’s morale up as Best Man.
Finally, everyone rose. The crowd hushed, and the guitar music changed to a slow rendition of a country song. And there came June on Pop’s arm. I couldn’t have described her lacy dress any better than I’d done Callie’s, I only knew it suited her. But the thing that suited her best was the huge grin she wore. Her love made her glow.
I snuck a peek at Ty and was pleased to see his eyes looked suspiciously shiny. He watched June with a raw look of love and longing, like his chest had been busted open and he had his heart on display for everyone to see. No shame, just a bald-faced need for her.
Had a feeling if someone pried my heart open, they’d find a similar sight.
Wasn’t much to their ceremony. The pastor gave a blessedly short speech, and June and Ty said their vows. But out here in nature, that sounded just right. They didn’t need anything more than each other.
The pastor declared them husband and wife, and Ty tugged June into his arms.
“Boom, done,” he said, making them both grin before he gave her a celebratory kiss.
* * *
After dinner and speeches, we moved tables and chairs to the sides of the barn to create room for mingling. Maybe even dancing—music played from somewhere, and Lord knew all the couples here tonight were just itching for a slow dance.
Truth be told, so was I. It’d been a gorgeous ceremony, and I was happy for my sister, but I wanted to hold Callie in my arms. Wanted to know what that dress felt like beneath my hands. Wanted to tell her again how pretty she looked, how special she was. Really, I just wantedher.
She stood on the other side of the barn talking with Harper. Every now and then, she’d glance my way, and my heart pounded harder, urging me to cross the room. I would in another minute, but I liked watching her. She didn’t hold back when she talked, gesturing with her hands and smiling with her whole face. She loved the crap out of life, and it thrilled me just to see.
“Well, we made it.”
Pop appeared beside me, still puffed up from his proud papa moment of walking June down the aisle. His cheeks would be aching for days, he’d been smiling so much.
“It was a good wedding.” Didn’t have a long list of events to compare it to, but it’d fit them just right. The couple of the day stood off to one side, receiving congratulations and stealing moments together whenever they had a chance. Could see the sparkles in their eyes from here.
“I couldn’t have picked out a better man for June, or a better fit for Ty.” Pop’s eyes sparkled, too, and I figured any minute, a tear or two would fall. “I’m happy to see them so in love.”
“No denying that.”
He turned to me, and that glint in his eye sent a strange sensation down my spine. The air suddenly felt dangerous, like I’d walked into unknown territory and couldn’t be sure of my steps.
“I’m happy to seeallmy children so in love.”
