“Hey,” she said softly once she reached me, her green eyes sparkling.
“Hey,” I said back, giving her a smile. One that reached upwards and I felt all over my face. “You look gorgeous.”
Whitney’s cheeks flushed, and she looked down at the knee-length cream-colored dress that flowed around her thighs. It had thin straps and a scooped neckline. I noticed she was wearing a simple white gold necklace with a single pearl. Her thick red hair was held back in clips and flowed down her back. She wore heels, so that made her tall enough that her head would tuck perfectly beneath my chin.
“Thanks. You look pretty amazing yourself.” She pulled on the hem of her dress. “Sorry we’re late. Mom decided to impart some parental wisdom before leaving the house. It took longer than expected.” She cringed.
“It seems there’s a lot of that going around.” I glanced at my parents, who were deeply engrossed in a conversation with Whitney’s mom. All three looked our way, and I knew they were discussing us.
“You guys look wonderful! Let me get some pictures.” Meg stood up and got out her phone, snapping some candid shots. “Come on, get in close together.” She waved her hand. “This is supposed to be the happiest day of your life, remember.”
I put my arm around Whitney’s slim waist, and she pressed herself into my side, leaning her head close. I could smell the heady fruity scent of her shampoo. Her hair brushed against my cheek. “Thank you,” I murmured into her ear.
She looked up at me, her expression a strange mixture of things I couldn’t quite read. “Don’t thank me, Kyle. Please,” she whispered. I didn’t understand what she meant. Maybe I should have asked her, but then I forgot about all that. She was standing so close to me, and I could smell her and feel her, and it was like being back there in her apartment all those years ago when I was crazy in love with her and hoping for something magical to happen between us.
I briefly thought of my mom’s words from earlier. “This will blow up in your face if you’re not careful.”
“Okay, perfect,” Meg called out, breaking whatever spell we had been under. I blinked and pulled my arm away.
“Dada!” Katie called out, running over to us. Whitney immediately went down onto her haunches, so she was eye level with my girl.
“Hey there, Katie Boo.” She smiled. “I like your dress.”
Katie did a twirl and then threw her arms around Whitney’s neck, hugging her tightly. Whitney didn’t hesitate to hug her back, squeezing her close, holding her to her chest. And that was how I knew Whitney was the right one for this plan. Because of the way she hugged my daughter.
“Webber and Galloway. The judge is ready,” the clerk said.
“Okay, guys, let's do this.” I grinned at our family and friends. Whitney stood up and took my hand. My mom ushered Katie to the front, and we all laughed as she started dumping the fake flower petals on the floor.
“She’s adorable! I love that she’s our flower girl.” Whitney watched Katie with a tender look on her face.
“I just feel sorry for whoever has to clean all that up,” I said with a laugh.
Whitney elbowed me. “Don’t be such a killjoy. She’s loving it!”
I stopped her before we reached the judge’s desk. “Actually, I want to give you something before we get up there.” I pulled out the velvet box and opened it, taking out Grandma Webber’s ring.
Whitney gasped. “Oh, Kyle, it’s gorgeous!”
I rolled it between my fingers nervously. “I wanted you to have a ring. A real ring. One that means something to me. Because I’m so thankful you’re doing this for me. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to express to you what you’re doing for my family.” I took a deep breath. “This is my grandma’s ring, and I’d be honored if you’d wear it.”
Whitney sniffed, and I was pretty sure she was trying not to cry. “I can’t take this, Kyle.” Her voice wobbled.
I took her hand and slid the ring onto her finger. It fit perfectly—as if it were a sign or something. “Please, Whitney. Wear this ring for me.”
She stared down at my grandma’s ring. It looked just right on her hand. Like it was meant to be there. She nodded. I took her hand again, and we made our way to where Judge Tucker was standing, waiting for us.
The entire ceremony lasted all of fifteen minutes. Truthfully, afterward, I barely remembered anything the judge said. It was a blur. I recalled Whitney and I exchanging rings, and Meg and Adam signing the witness declaration. Then Katie was tossing the rest of the flower petals on the floor, and my mother was hastily trying to sweep them into piles, so they were easier to clean up.