And now Mackenzie has to give her vows, and I vow to myself at that moment to be the one to go first when it’s my wedding. I don’t want to have to cry through my groom’s vows and then have to try to make my voice come out normal. Mackenzie does a much better job of speaking after emotion, though, than I think I ever would.
“Jace. You are the calm in chaos, the logic in my spirals, and the best thing that’s ever happened because of a blind date gone wrong.”
Jace smiles. I’m so glad I got to be on both comms and cameras for that one.
“I promise to keep things exciting—whether it’s spy-movie marathons, Outside the Bubble Club activities, or just spontaneous cart races in the grocery store parking lot. I vow to remind you, daily, that you are not alone in this world—even when you feel the weight of it on your shoulders.
“I promise to trust you, challenge you, support you, and occasionally distract you with some really fabulous shoes.”
Jace chuckles.
“You’ve taught me that safety doesn’t always come from predictability—it comes from being with someone who would go to any length to protect you,body and heart. Even if things get tough—no,especiallywhen things get tough—I’m all in, forever, Jace.”
They exchange rings, and as they are kissing, I look out at the crowd, and my eyes find Owen’s. He’s giving me that look that makes me feel like he’s seeing right into my soul. I’m giving him a look, too, but I’m not even sure what it is. All I know is that no matter how much I’ve planned not to, I have thoroughly fallen for this man.
CHAPTER 19
TRIAL BY LANCASTER
OWEN
Iknow that not every guy enjoys going to weddings, but I do. I love them. The excitement in the air, a new future being born, the declarations of love, watching two different extended families interact, and how even the most grumpy relatives loosen up. I love the bad dancing. The bold dancing. The “shoulder injury in the making” dancing. I love all the sincere, the cheesy, the heartfelt, the funny, and the unexpected parts.
This wedding? This is a good one. And not just because Charlie was at the front during the ceremony, so I got to see her reactions to watching the first of her brothers get married. Fun music is playing, the weather is great, and it’s not quite time for the meal yet, so everyone is in the open space, chatting and sipping on wedding-themed drinks.
This is definitely not a reception where we’re going to hear classical music. The ambiance is fun and lively. The bride and groom are beaming as they move between the clumps of people, chatting and welcoming everyone. It’s definitely a vibe of celebration.
Charlie has already led me around to introduce me to so many of her relatives. (Her great aunt, Sissy, did in fact pat my cheek. The one on my face. But she did look like she was considering which one for a moment.) And yes, Charlie’s mom, Evelyn Lancaster is easily the most gracious person I’ve ever met, especially for someone with such a commanding presence. If I was told that she was the president of a country, I wouldn’t question it.
The only way into this outdoor part of the venue was through the building, and security was there, checking as everyone came in. I nod to one of the three guards I’ve noticed out here, and say to Charlie, “I was surprised to see all the security. I don’t think I ever have at a wedding before.”
“Oh, yeah. This venue really likes that. Oh, come here—I want you to meet Abraham!” She pulls me over to a man in his fifties who’s standing next to a woman who I find out is Reese’s mom. Charlie tells me that Abraham works with her, that he was her dad’s best friend before he passed away, and that he’s kind of her substitutedad now.
Abraham shakes my hand and says, “So… you’re the one who’s been putting sticky notes on Charlie’s wall. She’s kept them, you know. You’re either very charming or very doomed.”
“Well, I was aiming for charming, but I guess I’ll keep my calendar open for my doom, just in case.”
Abraham chuckles, and we chat with him for a few moments. Then his face drops into something more serious. “If Rick were still alive, I’d have to arm-wrestle him for the right to give you the protective dad speech. Since he isn’t, I’m doing it for both of us. I assume you’ve been briefed on the consequences if you ever hurt Charlie?”
“Not yet,” Charlie answers for me, glancing over her shoulder to where I assume her brothers are. “But I’m sure it’s coming.”
I put on a brave smile.
“Charlie deserves someone solid.” Abraham claps me on the shoulder. “So far, you seem more granite than gravel. Keep it that way.”
As we’re walking away, I say in a low voice, “Does that mean I passed?”
Charlie grins. “You passed.”
With the exception of Jace, all of Charlie’s brothers have gravitated back to one another, and before long, we are there, too. Why do I feel like I’m heading into a big game against a team that is much more formidable?
Charlie introduces me to her oldest brother, Emerson, who seems like a thinker. A very smart thinker. I’ve already forgotten the name of his date because Charlie introduces me to her next brother, Blake, who is a bear of a man, his date, and his three-year-old adopted daughter, Heidi, who was also the flower girl. I already know both Miles and his date, Reese, of course. I’ve heard the two of them talking through the wall enough to not be surprised that they’re here together.
I meet Zoe next, whom I saw the first night our wall was down, even if I didn’t meet her. Then Charlie introduces me to Ledger, who is dating Zoe and is apparently Miles’s twin. The two of them probably look the least alike of any of the brothers. I thought Miles was intimidating when I thought he was an intruder. But he’s nothing compared to both Ledger and Blake. But unlike Blake, Ledger is wearing a smile that looks like it’s always there.
“It’s good to see you again,” Miles says as he shakes my hand.
I nod. “Especially in a well-lit area, since I didn’t bring my drill with me.”
