Damien

Standing in front of the mirror, I struggle with my tie. I hate these damn things, but Dahlia told me I couldn’t wear a clip-on to my own wedding…like anyone would know the difference. I’m sure Tinsley couldn’t care less what kind of tie I had on as long as I was wearing one. Her stipulations were a black suit, white shirt, and a purple tie. Not once did she say I couldn’t wear a clip on.

“Looks like that tie is kicking your ass, buddy,” Noah jokes. “Turn around. I’ll get it.” I do as he says. Within seconds, he has it tied perfectly. I shake my head and laugh. He gives me that cocky grin of his. “One of these days, you may be as awesome as I am.” What an ass. I flip him off. “Are you nervous?” he asks, and I stop to think about that for a minute.

“Actually, I’m not. Is that weird?”

“Considering you’ve been waiting over ten years for this? No, it’s not weird,” he assures me. “Not to get all mushy and girly, but I’m really happy for you.”

“Thanks, man. When are you going to finally settle your ass down?” I joke. He throws his head back and chuckles.

“I don’t see that happening any time soon. I’m having too much fun being single,” Noah says, and I shake my head. Single my ass. He and Kassidy might as well make it official. They spend enough time together. I know it’s more than friends with benefits. They are both too stubborn to admit they have real feelings for each other. A knock sounds on the bedroom door and I go to open it. Standing on the other side is my wedding gift to Tinsley.

“Hey, John. It’s good to see you,” I greet him while opening the door wider, allowing him to come into the room. John is Tinsley’s stepdad. Even though he and her mom were never married, he treated her like a daughter and she loves him.

“It’s good to see you too. I’m so glad you called me,” he says, stretching his arm out to shake. I know Tin wanted him here. He’s the only family she has left.

“Tinsley is going to be so surprised to see you.”

“Why didn’t she call me?”

“She didn’t want to hassle you on short notice. You know how she is,” I tell him, and he nods his head knowingly. She’s never been one to ask anyone for anything; always worried she’ll put someone out. Yet another reason I love her. Kassidy bursts into the room, her eyes immediately moving to John, a shocked expression crossing her face. She looks over at me and smiles.

“Does she know?” Kassidy asks me, and I shake my head no. “She’s going to be blown away.” She steps over to John and he wraps her in a hug.

“How have you been, sassy pants?” Noah snickers at John’s pet name for Kas.

“Great. How about you?”

“Can’t complain,” John responds.

“We can catch up later. Right now, we need to finally get these two married,” she says, looking around at the three of us. Noah salutes her and she salutes back with her middle finger. Taking John by the hand, she leads him out of the room. I wish I could see Tin’s face when she sees John.

“Okay, man, it’s time. You ready for this?” Noah asks.

“Hell yes.” I state. I have never been more ready for anything in my life. This is like my dream come true. Noah and I walk out to the backyard. Dahlia and Kassidy did an amazing job decorating. It’s minimal, but eloquent. A path is lit from the porch to the dock with lanterns. White lights are strung along both sides of the dock. The sun is just beginning to set, painting the sky a beautiful pink and purple hue. We take our place at the end of the dock next to the pastor.

I watch the back door, anxious to see Tinsley. My hands begin to sweat and my heart races. I’m starting to get nervous, but it’s not because I’m afraid to get married, it’s because I want to marry her so badly. It’s like I’m a kid on Christmas morning and know all the presents are waiting downstairs under the tree. The back door opens and Dahlia steps out, followed by Kassidy. They both look stunning in their deep purple dresses. My eyes begin to tear up when I see Sami. She’s wearing a beautiful white lace princess dress—her words, not mine. Her hair is curled into blonde ringlets with her birthday tiara perched on top. When did my baby get so big? It seems like only yesterday she was a tiny baby in my arms needing me for everything. Lately, she’s become so independent. Sami’s smile is wide as she reaches into her satin lined basket. With great care, she grabs a handful of rose petals and sprinkles them along the pathway. She looks at me and waves her tiny little hand. I wave back and give her a thumbs up. When she gets to the end of the dock, she diligently takes her place between Kassidy and Dahlia.

When the back doors open again, my breath catches and my throat goes dry. I have never seen anything so beautiful in my life. John leads Tinsley out and my knees weaken. Her brown hair is down and curled in large ringlets while a larger version of Sami’s tiara sits atop her head. The white dress she’s wearing is simple, but elegant. It reminds me of the ball gown from Sami’s Cinderella book. I’m guessing Sami had a lot of pull on the dress decision. The sleeves are short and poufy. The bodice is tight and low cut, and the skirt is full. Beautiful is the only word I can think of in this moment. Noah nudges me as I look over at him. Smiling, he winks, and mouths, “Gorgeous”. Tinsley’s smile is wide when our eyes meet. At that moment I know that I will love this woman for the rest of my life and that I am by far the luckiest man on earth. The closer they get, the harder my heart pounds in my chest.