Ben and Piper are my first friends to get married. I mean, there was Johnny Appleton from high school. Yes, we called him Appleseed. Nobody ever said we were always nice guys. Johnny married the girl he met on spring break during an impromptu trip to Vegas. That marriage lasted long enough for three kids, a mortgage, and a poor decision. By decision I mean, he cheated. Publicly. At The Road. Dumbass.
I didn’t go to Johnny’s wedding for obvious reasons. Well, mostly because I wasn’t invited, but that’s not the point. The point is, this wedding, Ben and Piper—or “Biper” as Ashton keeps referring to them—this is the first real wedding I’ve been to or been in. How we’ve all made it to thirty and never been to a wedding, I’ll never understand.
I thought weddings were like they are on television. Some overly organized woman with a clipboard and a headset telling us all where to go and what to do. Nope. That isn’t how this is going at all. Actually, Ben’s ex-girlfriend, Laurel, is taking the role of organizer and mostly because nobody is crazy enough to tell her no. I guess we should all be surprised to see Laurel here but we’re not. She was there when Ben declared his love to Piper so at this point, none of this is surprising. Laurel and Piper became friends shortly thereafter, and when Piper needed someone neutral to boss us all around, she immediately thought of Laurel.
Tonight, we’re rehearsing the ceremony. I’m not quite sure why we need to do this and none of the guys seem to have an answer. I mean, Piper told me our job was simple—get Ben to the altar, don’t get too drunk, and smile for pictures.
Done.
But now, Laurel is standing here talking about posture, pace, and where to put our hands when we’re standing. I want to put my hands on Minnie’s tits as I watch her walk down the fake aisle in the Sullivans’ backyard. I don’t think that’s where Laurel meant for me to put them, so I’m refraining. It sucks because they look amazing in the dress she’s wearing. Minnie, not Laurel. My eyes are only on Minnie as she walks toward me and veers to her left. I wink at her and enjoy the blush that lights up her face. Damn I’m a lucky guy.
“Stop eye fucking her, man,” Landon teases from my left. Dick.
“Don’t be jealous,” I tease before we’re hushed and side-eyed by the drill sergeant, aka Laurel.
The rest of the rehearsal goes by quickly. Ben cries, Piper giggles, Ashton fidgets, and my girl smiles at me like she can’t wait to speed through this night and get naked. Too bad we still have to get through the dinner, make a toast—yeah, me make a toast—and socialize with our parents.
Yep, Ben and Piper invited all our parents and siblings if there are any. Piper wanted this to be all family and friends, peace and love, or whatever. Since she considers our group to be her family, our actual families are an extension of that. My dad and his girlfriend, Barbara, are here. Minnie’s family declined the invitation but were kind enough to send a gift for us to bring in their place.
Tonight, Landon and I will give toasts along with Minnie. Tomorrow at the wedding, the best man, Jameson, and the maid of honor, Ashton, will do the honors. Minnie has been efficient and planned ahead by writing out her speech. I didn’t. I figured I’d wing it. I’ve known both Ben and Piper most of my life. Ben is like a brother to me, and Piper like a little sister. I figure a few stories about each of them to make everyone laugh and causing them to flip me off is perfect.
But after a few beers, a shot, and listening to Minnie give her speech, I don’t think I can be a smart ass. I mean, I’ll be a smart ass because that’s who I am, but I’m not sure the flipping off is in me anymore. Dammit. I had a plan.
Standing and lifting my beer, I take a swig before clearing my throat. I scan the room and see the happiness that surrounds my friends. Their love is obvious not only in how they look at one another but how the group they’ve gathered looks at them. Each person is not only happy for them as a couple but for who they are individually. That’s something to be appreciated.
Minnie gives a sweet and kind speech. She talks about love, happiness, and finding your soul mate. My heart grows a thousand times listening to her. And, yes, so does my dick. I’m not immune, even at a wedding rehearsal dinner. But regardless of what a dog I am, my girl has a way with words. Her kindness, belief in love, and her sweet heart are evident in every word she speaks. When it’s my turn I pause. What the hell do I know about relationships? I’m going to kill Piper for making me do this.
“Well,” I begin, “that’s a tough act to follow. Thanks, babe.” The group laughs and Minnie winks at me. “I didn’t write any notes or give much thought to what I was going to say. I mean, I know everyone in this room, so this can’t come as much of a surprise.” The grumbles from the audience confirm my statement. “I did plan on telling an embarrassing story about each of these two. I figured, if they’re going to make me wear that suit tomorrow, the least I can do is make them a little uncomfortable.” A few people snicker, and my nerves lessen. “But then I sat here watching them. Watching all of you and I realized something, they’re doing a fine job of embarrassing themselves.” I’m greeted with a few chuckles but they tell me nobody knows where I’m going with this speech. Neither do I but I continue.
“What I mean is, these two cannot keep their eyes or hands off each other. It makes the rest of us feel a little uncomfortable, you guys. Save some of it for the honeymoon.” That gets me more laughs and a napkin to the face from Piper. I wink at her before saying more. “Pipe, I’ve known you for most of my life. You were a royal pain when we were kids. The way you chased after this guy,” I say, pointing my beer toward Ben, “was embarrassing. I mean, have you no dignity?”
“Nope. None whatsoever!” Piper shouts, and the room erupts in laughter.
“And you, Bentley James Sullivan. What the fuck took you so long? Sorry for swearing ladies, but Patty,” I say, looking Ben’s mom directly in the eye, “what’s with your son?”
Patty shrugs but sends a sympathetic look to Laurel, who is laughing and shrugging her shoulders in equal confusion. It’s all in good fun, and they know it. We all do. Yeah, Ben spent years with Laurel when he left for college and the years that followed. But, his heart and his life are with Piper. That was evident the first night he kissed her at the bar without realizing who she was.
“Y’all know I’m teasing. I love you guys and nothing has made all of us happier than watching you find your way to one another. Your love is evident in everything you say and each word you speak. I, for one, hope I give my lady a smidgen of what you give each other. May your days be filled with laughter, your nights filled with passion, and your lives be forever in love. To Ben and Piper!” I raise my beer in toast as everyone clanks glasses and Piper mouths “thank you” and I catch Minnie looking at me through glistening eyes.
I hold Minnie’s gaze for a split second before we both mouth the most important words I’ll ever speak to her, “I love you.”