Page 9

As that thought comes to mind, I glance at my fiancée again. She’s sitting there but completely checked out, not even looking in my direction.
Liam and my mom walk down the aisle next. She looks so damn pretty. I’ll be forever grateful she chose me and my dad. She comes to me and cups my cheek before sitting down.
The music shifts and everyone stands. The melody is something that came to mind one day, and I started playing. My sister caught me strumming it on my guitar one day and recorded me. She played it for me and said she wanted to use it to walk down the aisle to. The quality was horrible, so I listened, took some notes, and rerecorded it for her.
If my sister could’ve scripted her wedding any better, she’d be up for an Oscar.
My dad holds his arm out for Elle. She rests her hand in the crook of his elbow and begins walking toward Ben.
“Holy shit.” Ben lets out a low whistle.
“Yep,” I mutter.
The sun is low enough in the sky to make Elle glow without having to squint to see her. Her long dark hair is down in loose waves, and her dress hides her growing bump.
Finding out I’m going to be an uncle has to be one of the best things in my life, aside from being a part of this family. The twins mean everything to me.
Dad and Elle finally reach me. I clear my throat and nod for everyone to sit down.
“We are gathered here today, among the grapes, the ocean, and the birds, to witness the vow renewal of Elle and Ben. For those who don’t know, I already married these two once before. However, anyone who knows my sister knows she likes presents and being the center of attention, so here we are.”
“Very funny, Quinny,” Elle says while everyone around her laughs.
Quinny.
She’s the only one I’ll ever allow to call me Quinny.
I clear my throat again. “All jokes aside, I’m happy to stand here and guide my sister and one of my best friends toward their happily ever after. I do so with honor and privilege, and I thank them for choosing me.” I look out at everyone, as if I’m a professional officiant. “Who stands for Elle as she takes the next steps in renewing her vows to Ben?”
“Her mother and I do,” Dad says as he gives Elle’s hand to Ben.
“Thank you, Daddy.” Elle kisses him on the cheek and then steps next to me, facing Ben. He dabs at his eyes, and Noah hands him a handkerchief.
I look at Elle and Ben and then smile. I open my lyric book and read what I put down about why we’re here today. “Love is what brings us together, but family is what makes us whole. In love, we find a partner for life’s greatest adventures. In family, we find the strength to face challenges, the comfort of belonging, and the joy of shared memories. May your love always remind you that home is not a place but the people who stand beside you, today and always."
“That’s so beautiful, Quinny,” Elle whispers to me. I wink at her.
“Elle and Ben will now exchange the vows they wrote.” I nod at Ben to start.
He takes a deep inhale, cracks his neck, and rolls his shoulders. Elle laughs and shakes her head.
"I promise to be your best friend, your biggest supporter, and your lifelong partner. I vow to cherish every moment we share, to lift you up when you need strength, and to walk beside you in all of life’s adventures. You are my love, my joy, and my greatest gift, and I promise to love you today, tomorrow, and always."
“I love you,” Elle says. She clears her throat. “I choose you today and every day. I promise to love you, respect you, and stand beside you, no matter what life brings. You are my heart, my home, and my forever."
“Words fail me,” Ben says as he starts to lean forward to kiss her.
“Not yet!” I admonish, and everyone laughs.
With a big, happy inhale, I look at my sister and her husband. “Ben, you may now kiss my sister.”
Again, everyone laughs—except Nola. She’s not even paying attention because she’s still on her phone.
FOUR
Watching my sister and brother-in-law walk down the aisle, with their linked hands raised in the air, gives me so much joy. Beau follows them, meeting Mack at the end of the aisle. Peyton and Noah walk next, and just looking at the two of them makes me realize I want this kind of love.
I thought I had it with Nola, but as of late, I’m not so sure. We’re disconnected, and I’m not sure how to fix it.