So, we put our phone numbers into each other’s phones. Then, Owen’s eyes fall on mine, and he reaches out and gently caresses my cheek with his fingertips as he brushes a lock of hair behind my ear, sending tingling all down my back.
“Then, neighbor, I will see you on Saturday.”
He opens my door and leaves, and I’m left standing in my entry, too stunned by that sweet mega-dose of Owen to even move.
CHAPTER 18
AISLE BE THERE
CHARLIE
Mackenzie, Livi, my mom, Mackenzie’s mom, and I all head back toward the bride’s room after walking laps around where the reception would’ve been if today wasn’t the most perfect weather ever. It was a nice way to start off what is surely going to be several hectic hours. Mackenzie is coming up on her two-thousandth day of walking for at least twenty minutes a day without skipping a single day, no matter what’s going on. Apparently, even on her wedding day.
Over the next hour, all of the bridesmaids show up. With both moms, Livi, Mackenzie’s three sisters, Zoe, and me, there are nine of us in the bride’s room. It’s a good thing the room is meant for big wedding parties like this.
I have a unique buzz set for when a text comes infrom Owen, and my ears are already attuned to it. The moment I hear it, I pull out my phone.
Owen: This was my to-do list song for the day. (Sung to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. Don’t judge—it’s what the tune gods wanted.) I’ve now checked everything off.
Wake happy to see Charlie
Try to make missing her flee
Ignore that her note was cute
Get dressed up in wedding suit
Resist texting all morning
Give up, text ‘I failed’ warning.
Owen: That was your warning, by the way. Hi! Good afternoon. I hope all is going well.
Charlie: WHEW. I didn’t want to have to be the first one to crack today. You liked the “Weddings make me mushy. You make me swoony. Today’s going to be a problem” sticky note on your door, huh?
Charlie: P.S. I’m totally picturing you singing that song while hopping and trying to put on a sock.
Owen: I do my best song rhyming while sock hopping.
Why did we wait so long to exchange phone numbers? We could’ve been texting like this all along! And why did we wait so long to start dating? Today is technically our very first date, yet already, I have been missing him like crazy. Ever since our wall came down, I’ve seen him daily. But I’m going on a day and a half now without seeing him, and it feels as if it’s been ages.
Owen: Is there anything I should know about your family before showing up?
Owen: And are all your brothers as intimidating as your brother Miles?
Charlie: Oh, they most definitely are. And they WILL grill you, so be prepared.
Owen: Gulp.
Charlie: As far as the rest of my family, know that my mom, Evelyn, is the most intimidating and gracious person you’ll ever meet. But don’t worry—her default is gracious. If she ever aims intimidating in yourdirection, run.
Charlie: Don’t try to out-compliment my cousin, Frederick. He once complimented a 3-bean casserole so sincerely that the dish cried.
Charlie: Note that my great aunt Sissy will pat your cheek if she likes you. She has dementia, though, and you look enough like a younger version of her late husband that I can’t guarantee which cheek she’ll pat.
Charlie: Seek out my uncle, Dale. He’s a fellow history buff. Just know that if you do, you’re committing to chatting for at least twenty minutes.
Charlie: Someone will likely say at some point, “Do you know what you’re getting yourself into?” Your only acceptable response is: “No, but I’m excited to find out.”
