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My dad asks for her phone, and she shakingly hands it over. Liam rests against the bar while my dad stands at an angle and holds the phone out to take a photo of the three of them.
“My friends are going to flip,” she says as she looks at her phone. “Thank you.”
“What about us?” Noah points to the both of us.
She stares, and it’s like you can see the wheels turning in her mind, trying to place us.
“Ouch,” I mutter and then look at my dad. “I guess being your son carries no weight.”
“Ah, someday you’ll win a Grammy, and everyone will know who you are.”
Noah and I roll our eyes.
“Well, I’m getting married today,” Ben says, breaking up the macho talk.
We laugh.
“Just so you know, no refunds or exchanges,” Dad says to Ben.
“Who would he exchange for?” Noah asks. “I’ve locked the other sister up tight!”
“All right, enough antics,” Liam says. “This is Ben’s day. What are you drinking?”
“Water.”
Liam nods, as if now remembering Ben doesn’t drink. “Well, I’d like to propose a toast.”
We all raise our drinks.
“Ben, you’ve been part of our family for as long as I can remember. And I think I speak for all of us when I say we’re happy to have you. May your days be filled with nothing but happiness, and your nights be filled with nothing but love.”
“Here, here,” Dad says as he raises his bottle. “Damn happy to have you as my son-in-law.”
Ben’s eyes fill with tears. Noah and I aren’t having any of it though and begin jostling him to let him know everything is okay. No, it’s more than okay. Everything’s perfect.
The wedding planner comes to let us know it’s time to take our places. Ben sighs heavily and stands, adjusts the lapels of his tux, and strides forward, leaving us standing there.
“Well, he’s ready,” Noah says as he follows him out.
We’re somewhat shrouded by the grapevines. People have filled the seats and are eagerly waiting. Every member of Sinful Distraction, including Chandler and Evelyn, as well as Plum and Talking Til Dawn, are here, as well as some of our friends from Beaumont.
Something hard nudges my leg. I look down to find Beau and Mack. “Hey,” I say as I bend to pet my sister’s dog. “I didn’t know you were coming.”
“Yep. My dad and Amelia are here too!”
“Excellent.” I give him a high-five and already start mentally planning a surfing excursion with him. Mack’s a fun kid to hang out with.
We’re given the okay to start walking. I go first, trying to move slowly, except I’m eager to get to the end. When I do, I turn and glance at Nola. She’s on her phone and not paying attention to anything around her. I try not to let this bother me, even though she’s smiling.
Behind me, the Pacific Ocean ebbs and flows to the music Elle and Ben have picked out. It’s as if Elle has found a way to bribe Mother Nature.
Noah walks down the aisle next, with Ben following. He looks much better than earlier. When he reaches the altar, we hug.
And then there’s Beau, who’s wearing a bow tie. Mack walks him a little of the way and then lets him go. Everyone laughs when he boops them with his nose. The show-stealer finally makes his way to Ben and sits down.
I look out at everyone; the only part of our family missing are JD, Jenna, and Eden because our Olympic hopeful is off trying to make the team.
My eyes are on Peyton as she comes down the aisle. I guarantee she only sees Noah. Those two are locked in like magnets. It doesn’t matter what’s going on or where they are; they know exactly where the other is in a room. They are proof soulmates exist.