“Mom—” My throat closes with emotion, but Kristy pulls us away.
“Okay! We’re all happy.” My sister tries to patronize us, but by the way her misty eyes shine, she’s not fooling anyone. “Come on, Mom, it’s time. Don’t ruin your makeup, or Rose’s.” She leads Mom to the backyard where the wedding ceremony will take place.
Minutes later, beautiful piano notes flow, and that’s our cue. Dad puts my hand over his arm. “I’m so proud of you, my baby.”
My throat constricts at his words. I never imagined my wedding day would be filled with this much love—a doting mom, a dependable sister, and an affectionate father. And the man waiting for me beyond these doors.
A teardrop rolls down my cheek, and Dad quickly takes his handkerchief out. “Time for tears is over. There are only smiles from now on.”
He leads me to the backyard, where Zander is waiting for me under the gazebo. On his left stand Zach and Zane, his two best men. On my side is Kristy, smiling and holding a bouquet of blue and lavender roses from our garden.
My mom sits at the piano, playing the song that was played at her own wedding. Tears run down her cheeks, but she doesn’t miss a note. Dad’s strong but trembling hand guides me through our guests—Lukas, Oscar, and Clementine, with other members of the Hawthorne family; my previous landlord, Mr. Hart, and his wife; and a few of Zander’s acquaintances.
Everyone greets us with smiles as we reach the altar.
Reverend Marsh says something, but I only have eyes for my groom. Warmth spreads from my heart through every part of my body at the sight of the most handsome man. My man.
Zander blinks rapidly as if he can’t believe it’s me. That makes two of us.
His hand rises, and he brings it closer to his heart. But as soon as he realizes we aren’t alone but in front of guests who are eagerly looking at us, his demeanor changes. He stands tall before fixing his cherry-colored bowtie. Tilting his head to the side, he grins at me and whispers, “I love you, Mrs. Teager.”
“Yes, Mr. Teager, we are all very aware of that fact. Let’s get you and Ms. Marlin-Miller married so that she can officially hold that title.”
Loud chuckles fill the space after hearing Reverend Marsh’s words.
In a daze, we say our “I do’s,” as we already decided to forego vows. Zander has promised and done so much for me since we met, that today, on our wedding day, I don’t want any new vows. We have a lifetime to say and fulfill our promises. I don’t need the presence of a reverend to know that Zander will hold on to his every word.
* * *
“How are you feeling, Mrs. Teager?” Zander whispers in my ear as he sways me in his arms.
“Amazing!” My head rests over his chest, and I look around the dance floor. Most of the guests are gone, and we’re left with just family.
Kristy is trying hard to dance with Charlie, but it’s a struggle due to their height difference and her swollen belly.
Mom’s head rests on Dad’s chest as they sway to the music like us. She blows me a kiss, and I smile.
In the center of the dance floor, Zach and Zane exhibit a perfect waltz. My lips pull up, and my insides shake as I suppress my growing laughter. But they dance effortlessly, their stoic gazes never leaving each other’s faces.
“I’m just waiting for them to crack.” Zander chuckles, watching his brothers’ theatrics.
“I don’t know. They look pretty serious to me.” I clamp my lips tight, swallowing my laugh.
Zander’s hands stroke my arms, pulling me closer. “I love your dress.”
I look down at the perfection Clementine made for me. Pink embroidered roses adorn my mom’s wedding dress, altered to fit me and my taste.
“Shall we go inside?” Zander whispers in my ear.
“But we still have company!”
“They’ll all understand. Come on.” He pulls me toward the house, and when I look back, Kristy waves at me before giving me a thumbs-up.
Zander grabs my waist, halting my steps from walking inside through the back door of the house. Before I can ask him why, he throws me over his shoulder. “Time to officially walk my bride over the threshold.”
“Yeah, you don’t sound like a caveman at all!” I giggle as he passes by our living room and takes the stairs with me still over his shoulder.
Throwing me on the bed, Zander smirks. “I’m one hundred percent okay being a caveman, Mrs. Teager.”