Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 68882 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 276(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68882 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 344(@200wpm)___ 276(@250wpm)___ 230(@300wpm)
“Your family is all so friendly,” Ike comments as we approach the chairs, probably half-full so far. “It’s like none of them knows a stranger.”
“They are,” I agree. “They’re good people. I mean, don’t get me wrong, they can be scary if they’re crossed or if someone we love is threatened. But all in all, you’ll never meet a more inclusive bunch. Let’s sit over there by my parents, if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind, sweetheart.”
God, I love it when he calls me sweetheart. With that slight hint of a southern drawl still hanging on to his voice, it’s just so…Ike.
Mom waves us over and hugs me, then lets out a little wistful sigh. “Your dad is going to cover you up with his coat.”
“No, I’m not,” Dad replies, but he doesn’t look happy as he leans in to kiss my cheek. “Really? Did you have to wear this?”
“There’s nothing wrong with it,” I reply simply.
“I think you left part of it at home,” he grumbles, but then greets Ike, and that’s all that’s said on the matter.
“Dad’s loosening up in his old age,” I comment as I sit next to Mom.
“Who are you calling old, kiddo?” she asks, and we both laugh. “I think it only took your father this long to realize that you’re an adult and not a little girl.”
“There’s nothing about this dress that says little girl.”
“You’re absolutely right about that,” she says with a grin. “It’s something your aunt Jules would have worn back in the day. Hell, she might still wear it, knowing her.”
“I think all of you could pull this off.”
“And that’s why you’re my favorite daughter.”
“I’m your only daughter.”
Before long, more people arrive, and the seats fill in. Our entire family is here, and we’re not choosing sides, which is nice. We’re spread out, talking and laughing and mingling with the other guests, making everyone feel welcome.
When I glance back and to the right, I almost swallow my tongue.
“Mom.”
“Hmm?”
“I think Christian Wolfe is here with Jenna.”
She frowns at me, shakes her head, and looks to where I indicate, and then she almost swallows her tongue. “Holy shit, I think you’re right. Oh, it’s so nice that they were able to make it. You know how close Christian is to both Luke and Vaughn.”
“You know, I was raised with celebrities.” I fidget with my dress and feel my face flush. “I don’t get nervous around them very often. But he’s always been my favorite.”
“The star power at this wedding is impressive.” Ike shifts in his seat as he turns back to me after chatting with my cousin, Hudson. “I just saw Jennifer Lopez walk in. And Leo Nash.”
“Leo’s my uncle,” I inform him and watch as his eyes widen. “I know, it’s a lot. I’ll make you a family tree sometime.”
The ushers make their way down the aisle with our grandparents, and soon, Aunt Natalie is escorted to her seat by my cousin, Keaton, who looks so handsome in his tux.
Keaton is never out of jeans and a T-shirt, so it’s a treat to see him all dressed up.
And then, the music changes, and the bridal party walks down the aisle.
The bridal party is tiny. Liv just had Stella as her maid of honor, which totally makes sense because they’re so close. And Vaughn asked Gray to be his best man.
Stella is just so pretty in her black slip dress, holding white flowers. I’m already getting teary-eyed.
The music changes again, and we all stand as Uncle Luke walks down the aisle with Liv on his arm.
“My God, there’s never been a more beautiful bride.”
I look back at Vaughn, whose eyes are shiny, and he has such a goofy look on his face; it just fills my heart with happiness.
If a man doesn’t look at his bride like that, there’s something wrong.
When I glance back to the bride and her daddy, they’ve stopped right in the middle of the aisle, and Luke frames her face with his hands. He leans in and kisses her forehead, and I can see him whisper, I love you so much, baby girl.
“Oh geez, Uncle Luke is the sweetest ever.”
“Since the day he met Natalie,” Mom confirms and wipes a tear off her cheek.
After a tender moment between father and daughter, Uncle Luke and Liv reach the front, and the officiate asks, “Who gives this woman to this man?”
“Her mother and I do,” he replies, then kisses Olivia’s cheeks. His eyes are full of tears when he offers Liv’s hand to Vaughn, but before he can turn away, Vaughn pulls him in for a hug.
And we all sigh.
“You know, I’ve never really liked weddings,” Ike says an hour later, as we eat salmon and drink truly excellent wine from Uncle Dom’s cellars.
“Really? How come?”
“I think they’re boring.” He shrugs and munches on some broccoli. “They’re always the same. But this one is definitely not boring.”