“Betsy’s a matron, not a maid,” Nick corrects.
“You calling my wife old?” asks Dunc. “And why isn’t Nicky a best man? What the hell, Simon? If you’re going to break the rules, at least break them all.”
Nick seems totally unfazed. “I’m not a best man, Dunc, I’m the fucking officiant.” He seems to stand even taller after that announcement.
“Yea, real classy, there, Mr. Officiant,” Gavin mocks.
“Let’s get this show on the Goddamn road!” one of Simon’s uncles yells. “I want some cake!”
As though that’s foremost on everyone’s mind, the room quiets down as Simon and Elaine exchange vows. Elaine is crying, I’m crying, and I’m pretty sure Dunc is crying, too. Nick tells Simon he can kiss the bride, and that’s clearly what he’s been waiting for. They embrace and everyone cheers. I take the opportunity to slip out into the hall as Simon and Elaine make their way through the room, collecting well wishes.
“Thought I’d find you here.”
I jump at the sound of Ev’s voice.
“Sorry—I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“No, it’s fine. I just... It was getting crowded in there, so I thought I’d get some air.”
He leads me out onto the deck, and I follow, no clue what I’m going to say once we get outside. The spring air is warm, and I take a deep breath. “So, since your sister just got married, like, five minutes ago, I guess we can cancel our appointment at the winery.” God, that is not what I meant to say. I’m not exactly sure what I did mean to say, but that is definitely not it.
Ev laughs and shakes his head. “Hell no. I had to give up club seats at a Ravens game just to get that appointment. We are going, and we are drinking wine.” He smiles, and I see it for what it is—a truce of sorts.
“You won’t get any complaints from me. I’m happy to day-drink, if I must.”
“Good. I’ll pick you up? You can drive. Betty misses you.”
“No way. You did not name that fine-ass car, Betty.”
“I didn’t?”
“No. That’s the most generic car name ever. She deserves something special, something unique.”
“Portia?” he offers.
“Portia the Porsche? Think again.”
“Alright, I’ll borrow a baby name book from my sister, and you can help me choose. How does that sound?”
“Pretty weird, but count me in.”
We laugh lightly, until awkward tension sets in.
“Molly, I need to apologize,” Ev starts, but I stop him, holding my hand up.
“No, you don’t. I completely overreacted. You were right. Balloons and champagne were not sent to victimize me. I took it the wrong way and got all in my head and—”
He stops me with a shake of his head. “I love you, Molly.”
He takes my hands in his, and it just feels so right. And we just witnessed the most beautiful wedding between two of our favorite people. I wish beyond reason that I could just let go and surrender to what he wants. This would be the perfect Hallmark Movie moment—I’d tell him I’m ready for marriage, and he’d get down on one knee.
But that isn’t going to happen. I just can’t take that leap.
“I love you, too, Ev. I just—-”
“I know.” He silences me with a hug, and I hold on tight. I don’t know how long we’re locked in this embrace—a minute? Ten? But Nick opens the sliding door and tells us it’s time for the big reveal. We walk inside together, in time to see Simon and Elaine standing next to a cake that readsJedi or Princess?. It’s surrounded by dozens of cupcakes, all with pink or blue light sabers on top. I’m impressed, Nan.
Simon has shed his tux in favor of jeans and a shirt that reads “I am your father.”
