Page 45

CALEB

I’m in a suit and tie, feeling all suave when I walk into Amir’s room as he gets ready for the big day. “Tia’s a lucky woman.” I tease, walking up to him and fix his tie.

“Man, I’ve been waiting for this moment forever,” Amir says, shaking his head with a laugh.

“Yeah, it’s been a long time coming. Feels like yesterday you were trying to date my damn sister,” I say as I smooth down his tie.

“Braces and all,” he says with a grin, patting my shoulder.

“How did you know she was the one?” Marcus asks, adjusting his collar in the mirror.

“Well, there was this one time we went to that karaoke place downtown. She was singing her little heart out.” His eyes soften, like he’s reliving the memory. “She just looked so happy, so full of life, and it hit me… if I never got to witness that again… I don’t think life would be worth it.”

That’s exactly how I feel about Amelia.

“Damn. That’s cute.” Marcus chuckles.

Amir’s lucky to be with my sister, she’s one of the best women I know. But Tia’s lucky too, because I know he’d drop everything for her in a drop of a dime.

After my talk with Amir, I walk outside to the vineyard to get myself situated.

“Caleb!” Tia shouts, her flowy white dress billowing around her.

“What the hell are you doing walking around here, he might see you,” I groan, jogging toward her.

“Hi to you too,” she beams.

“You look beautiful.” I chuckle. “But seriously you can’t be out here wandering around.”

“Thanks… I just needed to talk to you,” she peeks over my shoulder before dragging me into the empty corner tucked away.

“About what?”

“I want you to know that whatever you decide to do with Amelia after this, I’m 100% on board. I mean, my opinion doesn’t really matter, but I know how you are, always trying to look out for my feelings and all that blah blah blah.”

“Oh, about that?—”

“Like, I literally don’t care at all. I don’t know how Amelia hasn’t picked up on the signs, but we all see it. She’s also extraaa happy today, so…maybe shoot your shot.”

I bet she is. After the night we had, I’m fucking ecstatic.

“Well—” I try to tell my sister but she won’t stop talking.

“Lately, you have been so obvious. It’s like you’re her little puppy dog,” she laughs, ruffling my hair. “It’s cute seeing you in love.”

“Well, thanks for that.” I mumble, brushing my hair back into place. “Your wedding photos are gonna look like shit with me in them.”

She rolls her eyes. “Seriously, you need to stop being so scared all the time about the what if’s.”

“Amelia and I?—”

She pulls me into a hug, cutting me off for the umpteenth time. I hold her tightly, resting my chin on her head.

“Tia! Get your butt over here,” Maya scolds, holding Tia’s veil. “Amelia’s ready to do your hair!”

“Okay, I gotta go before she kills me before I can walk down the aisle. Love you lots!”

“I love you too.” I laugh to myself as she rushes off.

They’re a handful.

The outdoor speaker begins playing the harmonies of Here Comes The Bride.

White and saffron flowers are splayed along the grass, perfectly aligning with the pathway.

Our family and friends…along with Jared are seated in the white chairs, the gentle breeze blowing through, carrying the scent of the ocean.

It’s such a beautiful day, and that’s when my eyes lock onto the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid my eyes on.

Her curls are defined all the way down to her waist, a small yellow flower tucked behind her ear, wearing a yellow silk bridesmaid dress. I can’t take my eyes off of her.

The sun beams down on her, warming her complexion even more, and the heat sneaks up to the back of my neck. I tug a finger into my collar, feeling it tighten as if it’s suddenly too small.

Tia starts slowly walking down the aisle in her wedding gown, the delicate fabric trailing behind her, and she looks absolutely stunning. She catches my eye, flashing me a warm smile and my eyes begin welling up.

Seeing my baby sister marry the man of her dreams is an overwhelming feeling I wasn’t expecting. I glance over at Amir waiting for her, and he’s already tearing up, never once taking his eyes off of her.

“You may all be seated,” the officiant announces. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the beautiful love between Amir Anderson and Tia Hayes.”

Amir and Tia take each other's hands, gazing deeply into each other's eyes while I keep sneaking glances at Amelia. Her gaze softens as she watches the ceremony.

As they exchange their formal vows, my sister's eyes begin to water. She turns around, reaching out to Amelia, who gently hands her a folded piece of paper.

“Amir, you’ve been the light in my life for many years now,” she sniffs, looking back and forth between him and the paper. “I honestly don’t know what I’d do without you by my side.”

Amir inhales deeply along with her, rubbing the back of her hand.

“I’ll always love you and you’ve taught me what it means to be truly happy,” she smiles, a tear gliding down her cheek. Amir quickly swipes it away with his thumb before he begins to share his vows.

“Tia, you are my entire world. There’s never a dull moment with us, and I can’t thank you enough for sticking by my side through medical school and putting up with my crazy schedule.”

“Just like how we have a flight to another conference in a few weeks,” she teases.

We all chuckle.

“Exactly. You make everyday worth it,” he adds, finishing his vows. “’I’ll forever love you and I promise to keep your heart safe.”

Their voices fade into the background as my gaze lands on Amelia again. She’s standing not even five feet away from me but even then, it doesn’t feel close enough.

Hours pass as we all mingle, celebrating and dancing. Tia and Amir booked the reception at the Grand Salon which is a fancy theater styled room. It has white and grey walls, glittering chandeliers, and more than enough space to dance and frolic.

Marcus is in the middle of the dance floor, jamming to “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston. A classic.

“Now this is a wedding reception!” Tia shouts, raising her champagne glass in the air as she sways to the music with Amir and Maya.

“Alright, I wanna slow this down for all my couples out there. This one’s for you,” The DJ says as he types in his computer. “Congratulations Amir and Tia.”

“I Gotta Be” by Jagged Edge begins playing.

“May I have this dance, beautiful?” I ask, offering my hand.

“Always.” She smiles, intertwining our fingers. I bring her hand close to my chest as I lead her to the dance floor.

I rest my forehead against hers, as I wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her in. Our bodies sway to the music in perfect rhythm.

“I love you,” she whispers.

My heart is in her hands, it always has been. She owns me in ways she may never fully understand. In this lifetime, and the next, it’s her. There will never be anyone else.

“I love you more.”