I think back a few months ago to our very first wedding mission and our meeting with Lori, the photographer. And our outrageous requests. So much has happened since then, and, thank goodness, Lori has a sense of humor.
We pull in to the country club, and I hand the keys to the valet, who looks to be just a little older than Winn. I’m not sure I trust him with Priscilla the Porsche, but if I grill him about his driving record and ask to see his license, we’ll be late for lunch.
Ev’s parents are seated at a table by the window, and we join them. We exchange hellos, but no hugs. His family is so different from mine. My dad tackles Ev with a bear hug, each time we get together.
“Everett, Molly, how nice of you to join us.”
“Thanks for inviting us, Mother. As you know, we can’t stay too long. We have an appointment with the photographer at 2:00.”
“Yes, of course. I’d never keep you from something so important as pretend engagement photographs,” she says, the derision clear in every word.
“It’s not a pretend engagement. It’s a non-engagement, Mother. We’ve been through this,” Ev says in a bored tone, as he glances over the menu.
“That’s not a real thing, Everett.”
“It is. It’s on the 20th. You know this,” he says, unfazed by her obstinance.
“Will you be able to join us?” I ask, since they haven’t RSVPed, which seems like it would be a crime in their social circle, but whatever.
“Of course we’ll be there,” Ev’s father cuts in, and frankly, I’m surprised. I figured he was either asleep or sneakily watching a sports show on his phone.
“Really? Because you didn’t make it to Elaine’s wedding,” Ev interjects. “She’s doing really well, by the way. Baby’s healthy and could be here any day now.” His irritation is clear, but I don’t make a move to stop him. These people need to be called on their shit.
“Yes, I spoke with her this morning. Her back is sore, and Simon is hovering like a mother hen, so they decided not to make the drive up today. And I’m truly sorry we couldn’t make it to their wedding, but who plans a surprise wedding? That’s utterly ridiculous.”
“Ridiculous,” Ev echoes.
“Utterly,” I agree.
“Almost as ridiculous as a non-wedding,” he says.
“Nothing’s that ridiculous,” I tell him, “or that perfect.”
THE END
One month later
As promised, there was no wedding, no ceremony, just one hell of a party.
There must be a million twinkle lights out here on the patio of the winery, and, like everything else about today, it’s incredible. And the day is just about to get better.
I feel gorgeous in my dress. It’s this midnight blue number with a plunging neckline. And my heels are so high and pointy that my stilettos could be registered as weapons—that’s always the sign of a good shoe.
I’m surrounded by all of my favorite people. My parents and stepparents and former stepparents are all here, along with most of my step- and half-siblings.
Dunc is playing deejay, and Nick and Trick are out on the dance floor, showing off their moves. I’m not sure where Gavin got to, but he’s around here somewhere, I’m sure.
And, of course, Simon and Elaine are here with baby Emeline. She’s just a month old, so I don’t think they’ll stay too long. But Lori got plenty of pictures of all of us, so that’s good.
Ev’s parents are here, too, but the last I saw, they were sitting in a corner by themselves. I don’t sweat it. They’re probably happy not to have to socialize with ruffians like Winn and my cousins, who are currently arm wrestling at one of the tables.
I survey the dance floor and spot my handsome man dancing with my Aunt Krystal. Before I rescue him from her two left feet, I make my way over to Duncan to request a slow song.
Ed Sheeran’s voice fills the air, and I saunter over to Ev. Aunt Krystal gives me a hug and a kiss, before leaving the dance floor.
“Looks like you lost a dance partner,” I say.
“And gained a better one, no doubt. No sense of rhythm, your Aunt Krystal.”
