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.
