THE REST OF OUR REHEARSAL goes off without a hitch. We devour the food, and I don’t even worry about how my dress will fit tomorrow because the baked ziti is just that good. We laugh, talk, and relish the good company of those gathered around us. My parents and Tate’s get along well for not having spent much time together, and we end up staying long after dessert to enjoy them recounting tales from our youths. When it’s time to part ways, Tate walks me to my parents’ car and kisses me a chaste goodnight. He’s surprisingly superstitious about not seeing me on the day of our wedding until I meet him down the aisle, so we made the decision to sleep apart for this one night.
Belly full and worries forgotten now that everything is right with my sister and Drew, I fall asleep the minute my head hits the pillow in my childhood bedroom. Exhaustion lulls me under but the morning arrives all too soon.
“Wakey, wakey! I brought bakey!” Kate’s sing song voice startles me from my slumber.
“What time is it?” I grumble and pull the sheets over my head.
“Time to get the hell up! You’re getting married and I get to play beauty salon!”
I toss the sheets off my body and sit up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. I don’t normally do makeup, but I gave my BFF full rein today. Her excitement scares me, but she’s the only one I trust to make me look every bit as beautiful as I feel. “How exactly are we best friends?”
She shrugs, holding out the colorful Dutch Brothers cup clenched in her hand. “I don’t really know, but it’s been working for us since seventh grade, so relax and let me in.”
I accept the proffered coffee and inhale the aromatic goodness. “That’s what he said.”
“Oh, sex jokes. That’s why we’re friends.”
“And you brought me coffee.”
“Well, duh. You’d be a total bitch without it.”
“And I think you promised me bacon with your beautiful song.”
“Correction. I said bakey . . . a word I regrettably made up to rhyme. But your mom has a full spread of food in the kitchen. Let’s go eat before I get to fix your face.” Kate’s smile grows with her enthusiasm.
I shake my head and laugh as I climb out of bed. “Kate.”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you. For the coffee. For knowing how to do makeup when I can’t. For always accepting me as I am. I’m so proud to have you as my maid of honor.”
“Ditto.” She nods and I think she might cry. Instead she squeezes my hand and screams. “OH MY GOD YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED TODAY!”
I chuckle, shaking my head. “That’s been the plan all along.”
“But it’s finally happening! I’m so damn excited!”
“I can tell. Come on, I need food to survive the next few hours.” I pull her out of my room and down the hallway.
“Why aren’t you freaking out? You’re like the most chill bride. You’re supposed to be stressed and barking orders and shit. I watch the shows.”
The truth . . . “I am so ready to marry that man.”
All day I wasn’t nervous. True story. Hair. Makeup. Pictures with my bridesmaids. All good. Dress on and ride over to The Farm. Not one bit rattled. But when they shuffle us into a room to wait, and music plays while the guests arrive, I get a little antsy.
“Is it go time yet?” I whine even though I hate whining.
“Almost there, sis. You ready?” Melissa reaches out to take my hand but I can’t hold still.
“So ready! God, I’m glad I didn’t wear heels.” I pace the ten-by-ten-foot space. Kate, Melissa, and Carly sit on the oversized couch as I attempt to walk a trail into the stone floor.
“Well, I’m not. It’s a travesty to fashion that you’re pairing Chucks with such a gorgeous gown. You could’ve at least had them bedazzled,” Kate complains.
“How much longer?” I ask again, because really, what gives? How long does it take to seat a few dozen people?
“I guarantee, as hyped up as you feel now, my brother’s got to be a hundred times worse. I think he was still hoping you’d call him to elope this morning!” Carly laughs and shakes her head.
“It’s probably too late for that now.” I huff, and sit on the empty chair facing my friends. They all look lovely in their blue gowns of different shades and styles. Carly’s sea blue bodice shows off her figure, but the tulle skirt brings a flirty feel to her knee length gown. Kate’s bright sea blue satin fabric hugs every inch of her almost nine-month belly. I don’t know exactly how she does it, but she’s as sexy with all her pregnant curves as without. Her toned and tan legs are on display through the slit up one side, and of course she’s rocking killer pumps I could never walk in without taking a nosedive.
Melissa’s sky blue empire waist gown, along with her height, makes her appear much less pregnant than she is, but my favorite thing about her dress is the matching one we found for Claire. She’s absolutely adorable, and I’m glad the photographer was able to capture poses of the three of them before Claire got fussy and Drew took her to play in the pecan grove.
The longer I sit, the more anxious I become. Soon I can’t control the bouncing of my feet. Kate rolls her eyes—probably still disappointed in my footwear regardless of how cute they are, while Carly’s lips pull into a knowing smirk. Melissa just stares.
“What?” I ask my sister because maybe I inadvertently messed my hair or makeup in my impatience.
“Nothing.” She blinks and sniffles before pushing herself up off the couch. “I’m just so happy. For you. For me. There’s so much love in this room. I can’t believe I get to watch my little sister walk down the aisle.” She blinks rapidly and Carly rises to fetch the box of much needed tissues.
“Aww, Melissa.” I stand to meet my big sister and hold her hand. “Don’t cry.”
“I can’t help it!” she wails, taking a handful of tissues and blotting her face. “Damn these hormones!”
I laugh because it’s really true. I never see her cry until she’s expecting.
“Get your laughs in now. Won’t be so funny when it’s your turn.”
“One step at a time. I’m not even married yet.” I pretend to be put off, though that’s not entirely true. With both my best friend and my sister expecting, there’s nothing I’d love more than to have a child with Tate. Even though we agreed early on to wait until we got married before making plans for that.
“Didn’t stop me.” Kate grins, her hands rubbing over her swollen belly.
“Take your time.” Carly chimes in. “Don’t rush it. Believe me. I love my boys, but they can be the worst when it comes to sexy time.”
We all laugh, and Carly smiles as she adds, “Not even kidding. Derek calls them cock blockers.”
“Funny, that’s what Tate calls Kate,” I add in and Kate gasps.
“Not fair! I can’t help if he’s all over you all the time. I have needs too, and that includes texting my best friend whenever I need her.”
“Yeah, he knows.” I open my mouth again to give her a hard time, but a knock at the door interrupts. The wedding coordinator peeks her head inside.
“You ladies ready? It’s time to line up.” She holds the door wide, and we each gather our bouquets, a handful of wildflowers with one large sunflower at the center.
With those words my nerves rush forward, but this time they’re not laced with anything other than excitement for marrying my man. I hardly notice any details that come next. All the time and planning it took to make this day unique and special aren’t on my brain as each bridesmaid disappears one by one. The music changes to a familiar tune—one Tate and I selected for this part of the procession, and I know it’s go time.
“She Is Love” by Parachute pipes through the speakers as I step into the sunlight. It’s a warm Arizona afternoon and perspiration gathers under the lace-covered fabric of my dress. I blink against the glare as my dad takes my hand and weaves it through his arm. It’s all surreal as we follow the same path we practiced on last night. But this time it’s more. Meaningful. Significant. Life changing.
We turn left at the building’s corner and everything comes into view. Rows of white chairs. Immense pecan trees shade the lawn all the way to the edge of the property where it hits the desert. The setting sun illuminates the mountains beyond and splashes them with brilliant color. Right here, off the beaten path of the city, it’s our own little oasis. While my mind processes the peace of our surroundings and love and devotion of our friends, my eyes . . . My eyes arrow straight to him.
Returning my stare, Tate stands at the head of the aisle. His gaze never wavers, even though he has to wipe several tears from his cheeks. His smile grows as I draw nearer with each step I take, and my own face stretches with that same joy. The music fades from my consciousness, along with the whispers of those gathered behind us. When we reach the front, Kate is there to take the flowers from my hand. My father places both of my hands into Tate’s and with that gesture my mind, heart, and body know they’re home.
“I love you,” my father says at my ear, his voice choked.
“Love you, Daddy.” I use an endearment I haven’t called him since I was a child, and kiss his cheek. He makes his way to the open seat next to Mom, and even though I didn’t think it possible, my smile broadens when I catch sight of our family and friends as I turn to face Tate.
“We’re getting married!” I whisper shout, my eyes widening with my ever growing excitement.
Tate laughs, his timbre full of happiness. “Finally!”
“You two gonna let me take the lead?” Maggie, the officiant we hired to lead our ceremony jokes, and the crowd murmurs with restrained laughter. She raises her brow and gives us each a mock glare.
“Yeah, take it away. I can’t wait another minute to marry this woman.” Tate dips his chin to brush his lips against mine.
“Kissing is for last!” She laughs.
“Sorry.” Tate grins, only he’s not. Neither am I. God, I love this man.
“Dearest friends and family of Evelyn and Tate. We welcome you today to witness this most sacred of commitments. Today we celebrate love, but more than that, we celebrate two people coming together to publicly acknowledge their promises to each other. In getting to know Tate and Evie over these past few months, I’ve seen the love and mutual respect they have for each other. And I can honestly say I’ve never met a groom more anxious to put a ring on it!”
Our friends laugh because they know it’s true. Tate hasn’t exactly been secretive about his thoughts on the matter.
“So, on this beautiful evening, just before the sunset lights this gorgeous sky behind us, we will begin with the vows this couple has written to express their promises and commitment for their future together. Evie, I believe you’re up first.”
Taking my flowers from Kate, I sift through the arrangement until I find what I’m looking for and hand them back. Unfolding the tiny square of paper tucked inside the bouquet until it’s once again a full sized sheet, I glance at the vows I penned over the course of this past month. “I have a few things to say,” I tease, which earns a few chuckles.
Lifting my gaze, I meet his familiar green eyes and the two dimples that pop with his inviting smile. We haven’t shared these yet. Deciding to write our own vows was my idea originally, but now nerves prickle my belly as words aren’t enough to capture my exact emotions for this man. I clear my throat and glance down at my words.
“Tate, today as I take your hand and our lives are forever intertwined, I want to first thank you, for letting me in, for loving me, and for helping me to become a better version of myself. I promise to do my very best as your wife, to always stay true to these vows, and if I ever fall short, we have plenty of witnesses to set me straight.” I cast a glance toward my bridesmaids, Kate, Melissa, and Carly, and reflect on all the sound advice they’ve given me over the past year. Over Tate’s shoulder, Jon, my other best friend, gives me a wink. My heart is so full in this moment that my nerves evaporate.
“I promise not to hold it against you that you exercise and eat healthy more than enough for both of us when I’d rather live on pizza and food trucks.”
“Not that there’s anything wrong with that,” he shares our standing joke with a goofy grin I can’t help but return.
“There’s nothing wrong with that.” My cheeks hurt because I swear to God I’ve never smiled this wide before. “I promise to always give you my truth, if you give me yours; that I’ll love you through all the troubles that come our way. I’ll always pick you, Tate. You’re my number one draft selection.” Tears sneak through my smile with emotion that clogs my throat. Maybe I was wrong before; maybe words are enough.
My voice breaks but I push through what I’ve written anyway, my eyes locked with his. “And I’ll keep choosing you, every year that I’m blessed with life on this earth. Always and forever.”
I refold the paper until it is once again small and press it into my palm, where I feel the words linked directly to my heart.
“Tate.” Maggie urges.
He nods, still blinking as he retrieves a note the size of a cocktail napkin. He shakes his head and when his gaze lands back to me there are a few tears on his cheeks. “Sorry,” He brushes the backs of his palms across his skin to sweep them away and shakes his head with another smile. “I didn’t think I’d be so emotional.”
“It’s okay,” I whisper, reaching out to hold his free hand.
His other holds up the tiny paper filled with chicken scratch. He takes a deep breath when I squeeze his hand. “I’m not a writer and my words feel inadequate compared to the love I feel for you. I’ve been the luckiest man since the day you walked into my life, Evelyn Harper. Do you remember the exact moment? My eyes found yours in that crowd of people as if they already knew you were my home.”
I nod and mash my lips together. My eyes fill with more happy tears.
“You’re the person I’ve been searching for my whole life, except I didn’t even know it yet. Fate brought us together; or rather . . . a little meddling from Kate.” At that, everyone chuckles and he waits for their amusement to die down before he continues. He doesn’t need to steal a glance at the paper for the rest of his vows. “I promise to never forget how precious your heart is, to always treat you with the respect and generosity you give to me. I’ll be strong for you when you feel weak. Support your career. Encourage you to pursue the things your heart desires. I promise to give you everything you need, the best that I can.”
“I only need you,” I whisper, because it’s true.
“You deserve the world.”
Except he is my world. He really is.
“I will love you with my very last breath. Always and forever.”
The sniffles at my back, undoubtedly my pregnant friends, join Claire’s babbles and fill this moment until Maggie interrupts. “The rings?” Tate turns to Jon, who’s already holding them out.
“These rings, a symbol and physical representation to the world of your unending love and commitment to each other, serve to always remind you of today’s blessings, promises, and truths, even in the face of challenge.” Her voice rings boldly as we each take the other’s band.
Tate holds his ring for me between his thumb and forefinger, and slips it partially up my finger before he pauses to recite, “I, Tate Reynolds, offer this ring to you, Evelyn Harper, as a symbol of my love, and with it I join my life to yours.” He slides the metal further along my finger, aligning it with the diamond solitaire already in place.
I inhale a shaky breath, practicing the memorized vow in my mind as I twist the simple tungsten band for him around my thumb.
“Evie?” Maggie invites.
“I, Evelyn Harper, offer this ring to you, Tate Reynolds, as a symbol of my love. With it I join my life to yours.” I slide the band over his finger. He’s mine. Really mine.
“While marriage is a sacred commitment of love, it’s also a legal ceremony. At this time I’d like to invite the maid of honor and best man to join us for the signing of the marriage license.”
With my hand clenched in Tate’s, we follow Maggie to a small table off to the side, and Kate and Jon trail behind. Our DJ strikes up a tune that croons about promises and love as Maggie opens a folder and hands me a pen.
“Last chance to run!” Kate whispers, a teasing smile on her pink painted lips, but it catches Maggie’s mic, amplifies over the music, and causes our guests to laugh.
“Not running,” I say to Tate as my fingers fly with my signature and I hand him the pen. When the document is signed and tucked safely back in the folder, we return to our spots. No longer nervous, I’m able to finally look around and see how beautiful everything turned out. Beyond this area, picnic tables are covered in white linens and centerpieces of mason jars filled with wildflowers and tied with colorful ribbon. A line-up of four food trucks is ready for the party to begin, and the aromas of my favorite foods meld together and waft overhead with the slight breeze. My stomach rumbles with hunger as the song comes to an end. I’m even more appreciative that we opted for a short and sweet ceremony.
Maggie clears her throat, drawing the attention back to her. Tate squeezes both of my hands in his as we face each other. His smile and the dimples that appear every time it widens make my heart melt a little more. You’d think it’d be impossible. That I’d be a puddle of goo after he’s looked at me like this all these months together. But I’m not. It’s a curious combustion, what that smile does to my body, heart, and mind. I’d be lost without him, yet his unselfish love transforms me into a stronger, bolder, brighter version of myself.
“Now, by the power vested in me by the state of Arizona, it is my delight to declare you husband and wife. You may seal this declaration with a kiss.”
Cheers erupt around us but I don’t hear a sound. No. I’m flying high as my husband—my Tate Reynolds—takes me in his arms and kisses me with all the love in the world. I gladly kiss him back.
After pictures, we hit the food trucks and I have no shame or fear at scarfing down a loaded hotdog in my pristine gown.
“I can’t believe you. First the shoes. Now this?” Kate glares, her judgmental stare conveying all her disappointment.
“Oh, yeah? You’re saying you’d do your wedding differently?” I challenge sweetly, catching Jon’s gaze over her shoulder. He steps closer as Kate rolls her eyes.
“Obviously. Sure, this is totally you and Tate so I get the food truck thing, but come on. Hotdogs?”
“You think about our wedding?” Jon interrupts.
Kate whips her gaze in his direction. “Oh, um . . .” Her attention flips back to me and she narrows her glare. My wide smile gives away the fact I knew he was eavesdropping. “Nice.” She mouths but I only shrug, shoving the remaining bite of food in my mouth before turning to go find Tate.
He’s standing a few feet away chatting with his parents so I step across the lawn to join them. My smile widens at seeing our close friends and family enjoying all the different food truck cuisine, Waffle Love, Queso Good, Rock A Belly, and of course Short Leash. Say what they will, it’s not formal by any means, but no one is leaving our party hungry.
“Evie, you are absolutely stunning.” Tate’s mom wraps me in a hug.
“You two lovebirds did good. We still seeing you next week?” His dad asks.
“That’s the plan.” Tate holds my hand, as he’s been doing all day. It’s as if he can’t stand to be apart. “We’re not heading out until Monday, but we should reach Portland by Friday.”
Our honeymoon adventure is only the beginning of things I’m looking forward to doing with this man.
“You all packed?” his mom asks and we both laugh. Tate shakes his head.
“No. Haven’t even started.”
I smile and nod, but when my gaze catches sight of a certain blonde from his past heading our way, it’s a challenge to maintain politeness. “Babe, can I steal you for a second?” I say, but it’s not really a request as I tug him away from his family and behind one of the food trucks for privacy.
“Evie?”
“Seriously? You invited your ex to our wedding?” I’m incredulous that he could be this stupid.
“What?” At his confused frown I lean around the truck and point. His gaze follows my finger, and his lips pull up with a grin when he notices her. “I didn’t, but it looks like Jerry did.”
“Jerry? The Jerry. The guy from your gym that Jon set up last year? I take it things didn’t work out with him and Stacey.” My eyes widen and I cringe, remembering that witch of a woman.
Tate chuckles. “One and the same. Yeah, Stacey only lasted as long as he could block out her personality. Surprised he didn’t run when I made the suggestion to hook him up again. He’s honestly such a good guy.”
“That’s what Jon says. They still meet up to lift weights sometimes. At least I think they do.” Tate laughs and pulls me back out to rejoin our reception. “What’s so funny?”
“Jerry’s my friend, too. We all meet up once a week to lift.”
“Oh, right.” I shake my head and Tate squeezes my hand. I’m not sure exactly why until he turns us so we almost run into Jerry and Lindsay.
“Tate, congrats. Evie, you look absolutely stunning,” Lindsay gushes and Jerry offers a similar compliment. As much as I don’t want it to be true, it still irks me that this woman continues to insert herself into my life. Logically, I know it’s not her fault she met Tate years ago, or that they dated. I have nothing to be worried about. Hell, if the rock on my left hand isn’t proof enough, the man’s complete devotion to me should be reason to not give this woman another thought. But as the guys joke back and forth, I find it difficult to paste a polite smile in place.
Lindsay grips a bottle of Heineken and twists it in her hands, chancing a glance at me while the guys get lost on a tangent about next year’s NFL draft. “Thank you,” she says, stepping closer to my side.
I tilt my head, confused as to what exactly she’s referring.
“Not only for allowing me to be here today.” She takes a deep breath, and I don’t have it in me to inform her I had no clue she would be. If I had a choice in the matter, she wouldn’t. “It’s just that moving here has been difficult. Work’s great! It’s just that I don’t know anyone. When I found out Tate taught at the gym near my apartment, it was like the universe was offering a sign that I wasn’t alone. Not many women I know would be okay with me being friends with their fiancé . . . or now, husband. Not after we dated. But he’s a great trainer and now . . .” She leans in conspiratorially. Her gaze flicks to Jerry, and it’s there, in her trace of a smile, in the adoration in her eyes, I see it. She’s totally smitten. “We’ve only been on three dates, but I can’t help but think—just know—he’s the one.”
“Oh, well. Yeah.” I blubber because I start to feel badly. All this time I thought she had corrupt intentions.
“Was it like that with you and Tate? Did you just know? Like, I don’t want to be unrealistic or get my hopes up, but Jerry . . . he’s so attentive. God, he wears a suit well. Time in the gym well spent. And fuck. I’ve always had a thing for redheads.” She giggles and I can’t help but smile along with her. She lowers her voice so only I can hear, “Girl, I need some advice!”
I glance over and Tate lifts one brow, probably wondering if he needs to rescue me or Lindsay. My gaze stays trained on him when I answer. “I’ll give you the same advice my sister-in-law gave me after I met Tate. Love doesn’t come around every day. If there’s even a possibility it’s real—something lasting between you two—don’t let it pass you by. Hold on to it with everything you’ve got. Who knows, maybe you’ll be taking your own walk down the aisle in a year.”
“A year! No way. That’s so soon. I don’t think I could make a major life decision like that,” she says, but her eyes find Jerry’s and I call bullshit.
“Mmm.” I shrug. “Never say never.”
The DJ’s voice rings out across the courtyard. “Tate and Evie, we need you on the dance floor. Someone help a brother track down those newlyweds!”
“I think we’re being summoned.” Tate winks and drops a chaste kiss on my lips as he snakes his arm around my waist.
“Yes, go, go!” Lindsay shoos us away, smiles, and glances over at Jerry from under her lashes. Wow. She’s really into him. By the way he’s returning her stare, I think the feeling is mutual.
“That went okay?” Tate asks, his voice low as we wind our way through the tables and onto the tent covered dance floor.
“Yeah.” I still can’t believe I read her so wrong. I think back over the few interactions I had with her and how my opinion was swayed by all the crap going down with Melissa and Drew. “She’s actually really nice, like you said. I think she’s got it bad for Jerry.”
“Good. Because he can’t stop talking about her. It’s driving Jon nuts.” Tate laughs and shakes his head. “Hell, who knows? Maybe in another year we’ll be dancing at their wedding.”
“Funny, I said the exact thing.”
Tate pulls me into his arms. “For now, can I have the first dance?”
“You can have them all.”