Page 45 of When Ben Loved Jace (He Loved Him #2)

The weather is perfect, with just enough scattered clouds to stop the sun from being overwhelming.

I’m acutely aware of this because I keep glancing skyward in exasperation.

So far, getting married is nothing like I imagined.

Stories always focus on the ceremony—that sacred moment at the altar where two people enter into the bonds of holy matrimony.

In reality, a wedding is mostly a social occasion to which you’ve foolishly invited everyone you’ve ever known, ensuring that you’re the constant center of attention when all you really want is to be with the person you love most. I can only blame myself—and maybe my future husband—since we planned it this way.

Most brides show up at the church and get escorted down the aisle.

I didn’t want anything so stuffy, or apparently, that efficient.

“We’ll just ask everyone to show up at the park around noon. Once they get there, that’s when we’ll begin.”

I’d craved a relaxed atmosphere, imagining Jace at my side as we made the rounds to graciously greet our favorite people.

That’s where the plan took a wrong turn, because I’ve barely had a chance to exchange a single word with him.

At the moment, he’s elsewhere on the green lawn, engaged in conversation with Bernie and his wife.

Hopefully getting some insider tips on the Hawaiian honeymoon we’re embarking on tomorrow.

I have no way of knowing. I’ve tried to join him three times already, but there’s always someone well-meaning who—

“I’m so proud of you,” my mother says. “You couldn’t have found a sweeter man to spend the rest of your life with.”

“Thanks, Mom,” I say, returning my attention to her. “I got lucky. He really is the most amazing guy.”

“Your grandparents on your mother’s side weren’t as sure about me,” my dad chimes in. “Only because the night that I met them, they had me over for dinner, and I’d eaten some bad fish during lunch—”

“Maybe not the best story to trot out today,” my mom chimes in.

“—and I was sick to my stomach,” my father continues unabashed.

“Your grandmother made her famous green bean casserole, and your grandfather had grilled some steaks. I didn’t want to offend either of them by refusing to eat.

Or by barfing, but eventually, I didn’t really have a choice, and when I rushed to the restroom—”

“You mean the coat closet?” my mother interjects.

“I’d never been to their house before! Anyway, my advice to you is, if you feel like throwing up, get it out of the way now, before the ceremony.”

“Thanks, Dad,” I say, shaking my head while laughing. “Luckily, I was too nervous to eat anything this morning. But I did bring a toothbrush, in case I felt like freshening up.”

“Good call, Son.”

“Are those Jace’s parents?” my mother asks, peering elsewhere.

I follow her gaze. “Yeah! I’ll introduce you.”

“That’s okay, sweetheart,” she says with a knowing smile. “We’ll go say hello to them. I know where you’d rather be.”

She always could read me like a book.

I begin striding across the lawn toward Jace and make it three whole paces.

Allison’s father steps into my path and offers his arm, which is charming, like he intends to walk me down the aisle himself.

“My daughter asked me to inform you that the caterers are running late. She also wants me to remind you that today is about two people making a life-long commitment, not a bunch of moochers who want a free meal. Her words, not mine.”

I grin as we walk together. “Lucky for me, my anxiety level is already maxed out.”

“I remember the feeling. The cure is simple enough.”

“Oh?”

He nods. “Whiskey.”

“You drank before getting married?” I ask in shock.

“ I didn’t,” he says with a wry smile, “but Allison’s mother did. Believe it or not, she was something of a bad influence on me.”

I laugh. “Your daughter is the opposite. She’s always steered me right.”

He nods, his face growing thoughtful. “You’ve been good for her as well.

Alli needed someone who wasn’t afraid to engage with her emotionally, especially during those years when I tried so hard to suppress what I was feeling.

She wouldn’t have weathered that period near as well if not for you. It’s just too bad that you’re gay.”

“Hey now!” I say in mock offense. I know he accepts me .

“I only say that for selfish reasons. I wouldn’t mind seeing her get married to you today. You’d make one hell of a son-in-law.”

“Aww!” I squeeze his arm affectionately. “I like to think that we’re family anyway.”

“As do I,” he says warmly. “Speaking of which, I meant to offer your folks a place to stay tonight, if they haven’t already made arrangements. Or any time they’re out here visiting. I’ll go speak to them. See you after the ceremony, when you’re a married man.”

I love the sound of that! I reorient on my future husband, intent on joining him. I don’t make it far.

“This is ridiculous.” Adrien intercepts me, led by a cat on a leash.

Jace has been working for months to get Samson trained, wanting him to attend the wedding.

“I think it’s adorable!” I say, squatting to pet him.

“I don’t mean that,” Adrien snaps. “Okay, I do, but I was also referring to me being here at all.”

I stand again, my expression sympathetic. “Is it super awkward?”

“To watch you marry the perfect man who just barely escaped my clutches? No! Not at all. I couldn’t be more thrilled!”

Samson rubs up against his leg. Like all cats, he seems especially drawn to people who don’t like him. Although I know Adrien a lot better now and am able to read between the lines. Somewhere inside his Grinch heart, he loves the little guy.

“I’m glad you’re here,” I say, before adding, “In case I feel the need to gloat.”

A smile tugs at his lips. “I certainly would have, if our situations were reversed.”

“I’m sure you’ll find the person you’re supposed to be with soon. There’s someone out there for everyone.”

“So where are they then?” Adrien demands. “If you’re so sure of yourself, point me in the right direction.” His head swivels back and forth theatrically. Then he does a doubletake before gasping. “Did you see who else is here?” he asks, nodding across the park.

I turn and see a large guy with sun-kissed skin and dark brown hair. And when I say large, I mean it, because the suit he’s wearing looks like it would explode into shreds if he sneezed .

“That’s Caleb,” Adrien whispers. “He was in our social circle back in college. He always had a thing for me, but I never gave him the time of day, because he was a complete marshmallow. Now look at him! He’s firmed up nicely. Like a bowling ball made of muscle.”

I do my best not to laugh. Adrien certainly has a way with words.

“So why don’t you go talk to him?”

“He probably hates me. I know this is hard to believe, but I wasn’t always the well-disposed person who stands before you.

Then again, if he wanted to take out any previous grievances on me, I certainly wouldn’t mind, as long as the bedroom is our arena.

Or the backseat of his car. Hell, even those bushes over there would do. ”

“This is why we wanted you here,” I tell him. “You really add to the romantic ambience.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Oh my god,” my sister says, walking over to join us. “I can’t believe you brought the cat. Is it your plus one?” She sizes up Adrien. “You look ridiculous.”

“That’s what I was just telling him!” Adrien responds.

They both purse their lips at me, as if it’s all my fault.

Karen sighs. “Did you really have to get married in the same month that I’m getting a divorce?”

“Who the hell are you?” Adrien asks, sounding defensive.

“I’m his sister!”

He turns to me again. “She’s right. That’s hateful.” Adrien cocks an eyebrow at her. “What’s your name anyway?”

“Karen.”

“Oh my god, that’s too perfect. I was promised booze. Come get drunk with me.”

“Deal.”

Adrien thrusts out the leash, so I’ll take it.

“I love you guys too!” I shout after them as they head for tables loaded with drinks and not much else, increasing the likelihood that my sister will get sloshed and embarrass herself. I can hardly wait!

“Meow?”

I look down at Samson. Then I pick him up and bump my nose against his. “I agree. Let’s go see Daddy. ”

This time I make it ten paces. The longest strides I can manage on my short little legs, but that doesn’t even get me close.

“Hey!” Greg says, blocking my path. “We need to talk.”

He rubs Samson’s head, making me wonder who he’s addressing.

“First of all, congratulations.”

That would be me then. “Thanks! We’re not married yet though. Speaking of which, is everyone here?”

“I dunno,” Greg says, glancing around conspiringly, “but I’ve gotta ask you something.”

Samson squirms in my arms, having noticed a bug or something, so I set him down again. “What’s up?”

“I think I wanna do it. Today.”

“I’m flattered, but you missed your chance.”

He blinks at me. Then he guffaws. “You wish! Jace hasn’t told you yet?”

I start to shake my head. “Oh wait… You mean the proposal?”

Greg grins. “Yeah! What if I asked her here? I figure nothing is more romantic than a wedding. She’s gotta be thinking about when ours is gonna happen.”

“Do you have the ring with you?”

“Uh-huh. I’ve been carrying it around with me for weeks.”

I’m starting to see why Jace and Greg are best friends. “If you stick that ring in our wedding cake, I’ll never forgive you.” I can already imagine having to ask everyone to dissect their slice so it can be found again.

Greg laughs. “Nah, I’ll keep it in the box. But I wanted to make sure it’s okay with you first, because today is about you guys.”

“Are you kidding? I’m super cool with it. This will make us family!”

Greg blinks. “I guess it will! If she says yes.”

“I wouldn’t worry too much. Michelle loves you.”

How could she not? Greg is a real catch. He’s got everything going for him. The body, the career, and most important of all, that great big heart of his.