As if on cue, Luke the black Lab barreled through the crowd and found Brooklyn. He sat at her feet while she petted him. “Seriously, Ren. I have to be at your wedding.”
“And you’re saying you and Bowie can’t fly to Vegas?”
“Oh, phew. I thought you wanted to do it by yourself.”
Rennie shook her head. “Oh, hell no. You have to be there. So does Grady.” Rennie nodded toward the area where Grady stood. He wasn’t engaging in conversation unless someone came up to him, which Rennie understood. Most people walked on eggshells around him, except for her.
“Are you ready for tomorrow?”
Brooklyn looked into Rennie’s eyes and nodded. “I am. I’m so ready. I love Bowie with my whole heart. I love the life we have together and how he’s this amazing dad to Brystol. Everything is so perfect, I just—”
“Stop,” Rennie interrupted. “Stop thinking the other shoe is going to fall. Both are planted firmly on the ground. It’s taken both of us a long time to get our princes. I say get because we found them when we were teens but were too wild and rambunctious to see that we had a good thing . . . well, you weren’t, but whatever. What I’m saying is, Bowie is the right man for you, and you need to put whatever lingering thoughts about Austin away and keep them there.”
“You’re right.”
“I know I am. I’m going to talk to Grady and then try and convince Graham to take me to bed. I’m tired.”
“Liar,” Brooklyn said with a laugh.
“I know, but it sounded good.” Rennie hugged Brooklyn and told her she’d see her in the morning. Even though Rennie and Graham could walk back to their houseboat, they were staying at the inn, along with everyone else. Rennie wasn’t exactly keen on the idea, but it was what Brooklyn wanted, and as maid of honor, Rennie would do anything for her friend.
Rennie avoided everyone on her way over to Grady. He stood on the outskirts, holding a water bottle. As soon as he saw her, he held it out for her.
Only she refused to take it. “I trust you.” She looked forward to the day when Grady wouldn’t feel like he had to prove he wasn’t drinking anymore.
“Thanks.”
“Is someone giving you shit?”
He nodded toward the crowd. There were so many people she had no idea who in their right mind would say something to Grady about his sobriety. Rennie had firsthand knowledge of the efforts he put in. Grady met with his probation officer, passed every surprise test, never missed a therapy appointment, and went to AA twice, if not three times, a week.
“I’m going to need a name, Grady.”
“It’s Mila, but I think she’s drunk.”
Everyone in their close-knit group of friends refused to drink around Grady. They were all trying to do their part to help him out, and Grady stayed away from the Whale Spout, and the staff there knew not to serve him alcohol if he did come in. There were times when he’d come in to see Graham. He’d sit at the bar and drink pop or water, never once asking for a drink. On those days or nights, Graham would come home and tell Rennie how proud he was of his brother.
“Eh, gotta look at who is saying crap and ignore. You know you’re doing awesome. I’m proud of you. Jefferson tells me all the time when he gets reports from your PO how well you’re doing.”
Grady raised his water bottle and took a sip. “I know I’ve thanked you before, but I’m really appreciative of everything you’ve done for me. I know you’ve helped Brooklyn out with the contract and stuff she wants me to sign, so thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Grady. Next summer will be an exciting time. Do you know what you’re going to name your boat yet?”
“No, not yet. Everyone tells me I have to name it after Austin—”
Rennie cut him off. “No, you name it after whatever you want to. Austin’s gone. He has been for a long time. It’s time everyone bury him and move on. You could call your boat the Jo or Johanna. I bet your mom would love that.”
Grady laughed. “I think I might try for something comical. I don’t know. Once I get through winter, I’ll start thinking.”
“Hey, are you trying to steal my woman?” Graham hollered as he strode toward Rennie and Grady.
“I think she pays more attention to me than you anyway,” Grady teased his brother.
Graham leaned down and kissed Rennie. When she stood between the two of them, she felt like a shrimp among giants. The Chamberlain twins were tall men with piercing green eyes, and both were currently wearing their hair a bit shaggier than she was used to. From afar, very few people could tell them apart. But up close, Graham carried himself with confidence, while Grady slouched most of the time. The years of alcohol and drug use had done a number on Grady’s skin, but he was slowly healing and looking more and more like Graham every day. He was a work in progress.
“I’m glad you’re here. I’m ready to go inside. Are you?” Rennie asked Graham. She would never take him away from his friends or brother and was more than willing to head in by herself.
“Yeah, I’m good. Grady?”
Grady looked over Graham’s shoulder and nodded. Rennie tried to see who he looked at, but no one stood out. The three of them walked up the wooden stairs to the inn. Once inside, Rennie insisted they take the stairs to the third floor because she still didn’t trust the elevator. More so with the twins inside.
When they reached the third floor, Grady stopped halfway down the hall and wished them good night. “I’m so happy I’m not anywhere near your room. The last thing I want to do is listen to you guys all night long.”
Rennie slapped Grady on his shoulder and rolled her eyes at him.
Graham, on the other hand, asked, “Are you jealous?”
Grady sighed. “Yeah, I am, actually. I’d like to fall in love someday.”
“You will, Grady. It just takes time.” Rennie hugged him and told him they’d see him tomorrow.
In their room, as soon as the door closed, Graham picked Rennie up and set her on the bed. He hovered over her and gazed into her eyes. “I love you, Ren.”
“I love you too, Graham Cracker. Now, show me how much.”
He did exactly as she demanded.
Rennie held her hand out for her niece, Brystol. Together, they twirled in front of Brooklyn and her mother, Bonnie, along with Bowie’s mother, Linda, and Simone. Everyone clapped for the little dance party going on in front of them.
“Those dresses are gorgeous,” Linda said to Brooklyn. Rennie wore a floor-length, modern, short-sleeved A-line gown with thick straps and a slit that she insisted Graham would appreciate and be very thankful for. Brystol wore a simple A-line, knee-length dress that flared when she spun in circles.
“All Brystol,” Brooklyn said, making sure to give her daughter credit for everything. When it came time to plan the wedding, the women in Brooklyn’s life sat around a table for a weekend, scouring bridal magazines for inspiration. It wasn’t until Brystol opened up one of Brooklyn’s paint swatch books that they finally found what they were looking for. An obscure but trending color of blue. Referred to as dusty blue, it was a light navy, which was one of Brooklyn’s favorite colors. From there, they decided the men would wear navy-blue suits, and all the decorations and flowers would be blush colored.
“Okay, ladies. Let’s get the bride into her dress.”
Everyone clapped and took their positions. Rennie stood on a chair and held Brooklyn’s long locks up while the two moms helped her step into her blush-colored boho sweetheart A-line dress. The day the wedding crew went shopping, Brooklyn had her mind set on something simple. No fuss, no lace. She wanted a plain dress. That was until she saw the strapless boho dress on the mannequin with all the embroidery and appliqués, everything she didn’t want, and asked to try it on. As soon as she stepped out of the dressing room, she had tears in her eyes, proclaiming that was the dress.
“I got the zipper,” Simone said. With the zipper up, Rennie let Brooklyn’s hair go. She had chosen to leave her hair down in soft waves
and held the front back with a diamond headband. Brystol wore one to match.
“Oh, Mommy,” Brystol exclaimed. “You’re so beautiful. Can I hug you?” Brooklyn nodded and pulled her daughter into her arms.
“Don’t either of you start crying,” Bonnie warned.
“We won’t, Grandma.”
Linda stood off to the side, dabbing her tears. “My son is one lucky man.”
“We’re the lucky ones,” Brooklyn told her.
“Okay, let’s get this bride down to the beach to marry her groom.” Simone took charge. Someone had to, or the women would’ve stayed in the room and gushed over dresses all day.
One of the valets waited for the bridal party at the end of the staircase. When he saw them coming, he ran off to the back to signal for the music to start. The group walked toward the back and met Brooklyn’s father, David.
“You look . . . Bonnie, help me out.”
Bonnie put her hand on David’s arm and said, “She’s gorgeous, honey.”
“Yes. Yes, she is.”
Bonnie patted her husband’s arm and then followed Linda and Simi out back. As much as Rennie wanted to rush, to get a glimpse of Graham in his navy-blue suit, she waited until the moms were out of sight.
“Come on, Little B, let’s go do our thing.” Rennie took Brystol’s hand and started for the steps. They had practiced going up and down the stairs a few times because Brooklyn and Bowie decided to make their wedding fit their life. At the bottom of the steps, Bowie waited for his daughter, right along with Luke dressed in his own tux. Once she was down, he walked her down the aisle.
Rennie came down the stairs and paused. She took in the scene in front of her. The white chairs, tulle occasionally blowing with the breeze, and the lanterns with their fake candles glowing. Blush-colored roses marked the aisle, and at the end of it, standing next to the groom, was her man.
Soon, we will have our day, she thought as she took each step toward the altar. When she was close enough, Graham winked at her, and she blew him a kiss. Sometimes, he made her feel like a teenager all over again.
The music changed, and everyone stood. It took a moment before Brooklyn came into view, but when she did, Rennie watched Bowie. He dabbed at his eyes and rocked back and forth on his heels. Her eyes went back and forth between him and her best friend and her niece. Everyone was crying.
When the music stopped, the minister stepped forward and spoke. “Who gives this woman to this man?”
Brystol came out from behind Rennie and said, “Luke and I do.”
Everyone laughed, but it made sense, especially to Bowie and Brooklyn.
Brooklyn stood next to Bowie, holding her blush-colored peony bouquet, which she’d had specially made for her wedding. Rennie wanted to catch it at the end of the night, even though she was already engaged—she was in love with the flowers and wanted them for the houseboat. She had visions of fighting all the other single women at the reception for it, which was ridiculous because she could order her own. But that wasn’t the point, at least not to her.
When Brooklyn handed Rennie her bouquet, it dawned on her she might want to pay attention to the ceremony instead of imagining a battle royal later on.
“When I look at you, it’s hard to remember what my life was like a year ago. I was lost, barely surviving, and then you were here, and it was like everything was right in my world. Once I saw you, I knew I wasn’t going to let you go again. You are the absolute best of me, Brooklyn, and you have given me the best gift I could ever ask for in our daughter. I love you both so much.”
Rennie dabbed her eyes. She couldn’t even think about what Graham would say to her when they had their turn. The minister directed Brooklyn to give her vows.
“Bowie, you’ve seen me at my best and loved me at my worst. When I pushed, you pulled. When I asked you to forget about me, you told me memories never went away. You reminded me what love was and showed me how to live. You’ve guided me through heartache and were there when I was adamant I didn’t need anyone. You’re the best dad, both human and dog; the most amazing partner; and the love of my life. I’m so happy you want to continue to make memories with me. I love you.”
“I love you too, Dad,” Brystol yelled out, causing everyone to laugh.
After Brooklyn and Bowie exchanged rings and promised to love each other no matter what, the minister pronounced them husband and wife. “Bowie, you may kiss your bride.” Bowie took Brooklyn in his arms and kissed her. It took ten seconds until everyone started clapping. Rennie handed Brooklyn her bouquet; she and Bowie turned and held their hands up in the air. All their family and friends stood and clapped as they made their way down the aisle. Once they reached the end, Graham and Rennie stepped forward and linked arms.
“What do you think? Still want to go to Vegas?” he asked her.
“Nah, I want a wedding. I want my parents there. Your parents. Grady. Brooklyn and Bowie. I want our friends there to celebrate.”
They came to the end of the aisle, and Graham stopped. He placed his hands on Rennie’s cheeks and kissed her. Judging by the hooting and hollering going on behind them, everyone approved. When they parted, he looked into her eyes.
“A wedding we will have. I don’t care where or when, just as long as I become your husband.” They stood there until Luke barked, reminding them it was time to party.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thank you to everyone in the Beaumont Daily for the everyday encouragement, laughs, and support. The Whale Spout crew—your conspiracy theories about Austin are the best! I can never thank you enough for your support, encouragement, and love for Cape Harbor. You ladies are the OG crew and will always have first dibs at the bar.
To Lauren Plude, I absolutely adore you. Thank you so much for the opportunity to work with you. Many thanks to the amazing team at Montlake, and Holly Ingram, whose red pen makes everything prettier.
To my agent, Marisa, for encouraging all my harebrained ideas.
And finally, to Madison and Kassidy. I love how brilliant, creative, and giving you are. You girls are my reason for everything. I can’t wait to follow the path you blaze in the future.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Heidi McLaughlin is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of the Beaumont Series, the Boys of Summer, and the Archers. Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career in 2012 and now has more than twenty novels to her name. The acclaimed Forever My Girl, McLaughlin’s first novel, was adapted into a motion picture by LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe. It opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, McLaughlin now lives in picturesque Vermont with her husband, two daughters, and their three dogs.
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