by D. Kelly
“So, how’s Rylee?”
“She’s confused, how’s Nick?”
“He’s in love.” Her face falls much like mine probably did when I realized how deep he really was.
“This is so sad. She cares about Nick a lot but she said she thought she might love Pete. Zack, don’t say anything, but Ry has never before used the L word.”
Now I really need to talk to Pete. Damn.
“Come here.” She walks over and wraps her arms around me. “They should have followed our lead and followed their hearts. I feel bad for them, especially for Pete, but this mess is one of Nick and Rylee’s making and they are going to have to figure it out themselves.”
“I know,” she says as she kisses me lovingly. “And with Rylee moving here Nick doesn’t exactly have home court advantage.”
“True, but just like me he can get licensed here and move his practice.” Nick is also an attorney, a divorce attorney.
“True.”
“Is Rylee asleep?”
Please say yes.
“She’s out like a light.”
“Good, come to bed with me. We’ll take an upstairs guest room so if anything happens, we’ll hear it.”
I’m already up and guiding her to the stairs. I won’t take no for an answer.
“I don’t know, Zack. She was worried about Nick trying to push her right now.”
“He won’t. He’s passed out, drunk as hell. It will be midafternoon before he wakes up.”
She follows behind me into the room and leaves the door cracked. “Just in case,” she whispers as she crawls into bed. Getting in behind her I pull her into a tight embrace.
“Goodnight, Cassidy. I love you and I can’t wait to make you mine tomorrow.” She releases a yawn and then giggles.
“Sorry, I’m just so sleepy suddenly. I love you, too, and I can’t wait to say yes. Goodnight.”
As usual, I wake with the sunrise. I’m tired but there’s no use trying to go back to sleep; I’m way too excited. Cassidy is knocked out so I carefully climb out of bed and go downstairs to make some coffee.
Pete is already out back, unloading supplies. He’s a good man and a hard worker and he’s not a manwhore like Nick. After making two cups of coffee, I take them outside and close the doors behind me.
“Coffee?” I call out to him across the yard and he puts down the lights he was carrying and comes over.
“Thanks,” he replies appreciatively.
“Long night?”
“It wasn’t too bad. We finished up the job about two am. How did things go here?” I know what he’s asking and there’s no point beating around the bush.
“Rylee and Cassidy had a pre-wedding sleepover. Nick passed out drunk, and I hijacked my bride back to my bed after her late night snack.”
“Did your sister and Nick talk?”
“Don’t you think you should be asking her that?”
“I will, but I just thought I’d ask you if there’s anything I ought to know first.” His features give nothing away but I know him well enough that I can tell he’s anxious.
“Let’s just cut the shit. Be honest with me, Pete. How do you feel about my sister?”
His appraising eyes scour my expression but I’ve got a poker face just about as good as his. He places his coffee back on the table and holds my gaze.
“I like your sister, Zack. As a matter of fact, I’m not sure I’ve ever met anyone I’ve liked more. But I don’t do casual dating, you know that. I’m all in or nothing. My feelings for her are strong but I can’t be all in if she and Nick are still trying to figure out what is or isn’t there.”
Why in the world can’t anything be easy when it comes to Rylee?
“Have you ever been in love?”
With a cocked eyebrow, he answers cautiously, “Once, and she shattered me. Why?”
“Would you say you like Rylee more already than you liked her at first?”
“I would.”
“So. it’s safe to assume you could fall in love with my sister. Perhaps, very easily.”
“Am I being crossed examined? You’ve got your lawyer tactics flowing this morning.” Cassidy always accuses me of that, too. It’s usually when I’m passionate about something.
“No, we’re just two friends talking. Nothing you say will be held against you. I’m just trying to figure something out.”
“Considering how you just presented it to me, I suppose the answer would be yes. I could very easily fall in love with your sister.”
It’s do or die time.
“Do you want to?”
Damn, I feel like such a fucking chick. The things I’ll go through for my sister amaze me sometimes.
“Why do you want to know? What is this really about? I won’t say anything to her but I need to know why you’re leading me down this path. I’ve already told you I don’t do the whole love triangle thing.”
Forgive me, girls.
“Rylee told Cassidy she thinks she could love you. My sister is tough, she doesn’t get attached, and never has she ever used the L word when talking about a man. She was never one of those girls who drew hearts and flowers on her school binders. And even though her feelings for Nick are undetermined at the present time, she’s never used the L word when talking about him. Which could be because they hid what was going on for so long, but I don’t really think that’s why.”
Pete picks his cup back up and takes a drink, letting his focus move to the ocean instead of on me. I follow suit, giving him some time since what I said is a lot to take in.
“Do you believe in love at first sight?” he asks nonchalantly.
“Maybe. I believe there’s a moment when you just know you are in love with someone. It could happen in the first few minutes, months, years, or not for decades. And I don’t think there’s anything you can do to escape it. It’s pre-destined by fate.”
“So you had one of these moments with Cassidy?”
“When we were eight years old I had my moment. I’m not sure when she had hers. I’ve never asked, ironically enough. I should ask her, I’d really like to know.”
Finally, he turns back to me and looks me in the face. “When I picked your sister up from the airport, she got off the plane, lifted her sunglasses up, and looked me up and down. Then she smiled as big as any I’d ever seen and said ‘You might be the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen and if your conversational skills are as good as your looks, you might as well just marry me now.’
That’s hilarious and completely Rylee for you.
“So I laughed, but I was intrigued, and we talked all the way to the hotel. Once she effectively dismissed your mom, I have to say, I was taken. When we pulled into the driveway and I was getting ready to walk her inside, she linked her arm in mine and said ‘About that marriage, if you can fuck half as good as you talk we’ll need to set a date soon. Make sure you notice I said half as good. I want you to know that your mind is more important than your body. But in order to marry me, you’ve got to give me your heart, too. If not, that’s a deal breaker.’ Then she bounced into the house and left me standing outside in shock.”
He laughs when I cringe; I hate thinking about Ry’s sex life.
“If I had to pick a moment where I was completely intrigued with someone, it would be her first comment. But if I had to pick a moment when I realized, without a doubt, I wanted to give my heart to someone, it was the second. Now I wouldn’t say I’m in love with your sister, Zack, it’s only been a few days. What I would say, is that I haven’t wanted to fall in love with someone the way I hope I can with her, ever before.”
“Shit, Pete.”
“She’s got to figure it out on her own, Zack. I’m not going to fall in love with her just to have her go back to an unrequited childhood love.”
“Fair enough. I’m sure when she leaves the island and goes home to pack, she’ll figure out whatever it is with Nick. It might be a month or two. If she comes back and wants to try, is that something you’d
do?”
“I would and I’ll tell her, too. I’m not going to hide anything from her, that’s not my style. We’ve got plans to go to my place after the wedding so as long as she doesn’t change her mind, I’ll tell her there.”
“I’m sure that’s not all you’ll do to her there,” I mutter under my breath and he laughs loudly.
“Probably not, but I know that’s not a conversation you want to have.”
Hell no, it isn’t.
“Alright, we’ve got about eleven hours until the wedding. I’m going to assume you’re getting Nick’s pansy ass out here to help with this.”
“You don’t need him, you’ve got me,” Rylee says, yawning as she walks outside.
“And don’t think for a minute I didn’t realize you stole my cuddle buddy last night, big brother.” She plops down in Pete’s lap and takes his coffee as if it’s hers and he doesn’t seem to mind one bit. In fact, he wraps his arms around her and kisses her neck.
“I didn’t steal anything, Ry. I let you borrow something of mine and I decided I wanted her back.”
“Whatever.” She flips me the bird and looks out at the mess in the yard.
“This isn’t going to be difficult. There are only seven people at this event. We’ll set up the big round table and chairs and have the caterers decorate it. They’ll keep all the food and the cake in the house and bring it out as needed. Really it’s just the lights, flowers, and the archway that need to be done. It will take two hours, tops, and that’s only because of the lights.”
She smiles smugly and leans back against Pete.
“Alright, so how about breakfast first and then we’ll get it all done. That should still give you plenty of time for the crew of manicurists, massage therapists, and hairstylists so you and Cassidy can have your day of pampering.”
“Sound good. I’m starving and you know preggo is going to wake up hungry.”
“Be nice,” Pete chastises her sweetly. “One day you will wake up hungry and preggo, too.”
“Something I should know about? You planning on knocking my sister up?” I’m just fucking with him, more to see Ry’s reaction than anything.
“Maybe someday, if she’ll let me.” The words flow from his mouth smoothly and Ry blushes like crazy.
“I’d let you do just about anything if you asked nicely enough,” she answers softly.
“Okay, I’m going to go make breakfast. You two enjoy some alone time. But not too much, I can still see you from the kitchen.”
Other than breakfast, I haven’t seen Cassidy at all today. The wedding starts in less than an hour and I’m nervous as hell. Rylee is, too, I think, because she’s been texting me all day to let me know everything is still on track.
I don’t think she would run. Actually, I know she won’t but once you’re left at the altar, I guess it’s something that will linger in the back of your mind.
The caterers are here, the cake is here, the photographer and minister have both arrived, and everything outside is perfect. My parents and Pete are getting to know each other better and Nick and I are dressed and ready to go.
One good thing about a non-fancy wedding is that it’s casual. Rylee has us in matching khaki pants, white button-down shirts which are rolled up at the sleeves and top button open. Not to mention barefoot, which is why she made us both get pedicures.
“Stop pacing. You’re going to wreck you’re new feet,” Nick spits out impatiently. He’s in a shitty-ass mood because of Pete and Rylee.
“You might feel better if you talk to her.”
“I was hoping to talk to her tonight but I hear she has plans after the wedding.” I feel bad for him but he needs to snap out of it.
“Look, man, you need to put a smile on your face and get through the day. Ry’s going home on Wednesday. She has to because she has two big events this weekend. Let her have this time with Pete and talk to her when you guys get home.”
Immediately, he perks up. “Thanks, Zack, I’ll do that. I’m going home tomorrow so it will give me a chance to figure things out.”
“You nervous?”
“No, I’m excited.” I’m beyond excited. If I could, I’d go up there right now and walk her down the aisle my damn self and straight to the minister.
“Good, you should be. She loves you.”
There’s a knock at the door and since Nick is right next to it, he opens it. It’s my dad and he’s smiling from ear to ear.
“Your mother said it’s time for you two to take your places.” Nick pats his shoulder and excuses himself.
“I’ll see you out there.”
“Don’t kill Pete,” I call out to him.
“It hasn’t even crossed my mind. At least not in the last five minutes or so.”
“What’s wrong with Pete?”
“Rylee.” A look of recognition dawns on his face.
“Of course. Nothing causes tension between two men like a woman. I hope your sister knows what she’s doing.”
“She’ll figure it out.”
“This trip has been good for your mother and me, Zack. We’re all very blessed that Cassidy has such a forgiving heart. She’s going to be an excellent mother to your children. You’re very lucky.”
The emotion between us is palpable.
“I know I am, and I’ll never forget it. I’m really glad you and Mom worked things out.”
“Me, too. Don’t keep your mother waiting, I think she’d like to talk to you. I’ve got a beautiful bride to fetch.”
Outside, Pete is standing at the far edge of the yard, looking out over the ocean. My mom is flittering around, making sure everything is perfect, and Nick is in his place at the arch we set up with the minister. All the lights are twinkling brightly, rose petals line the walkway, and the tiki torches Ry insisted on are lit and glowing.
It’s beautiful and simple, just like Cassidy always dreamed of.
“Zachary, you look very handsome. I have to admit, even though this isn’t the wedding I’d pictured for you, I couldn’t imagine the two of you getting married any other way. To this day, I’m still amazed you found each other as children. I’m convinced your souls were heartbroken being apart and managed to find their way back to each other sooner than normal.”
I love seeing this side of her. She’s being genuine and she’s emotional. This woman right here is the one I want my kids to know.
“Mom, I like you like this, you’re happy. Please, stay this way. My kids need this version of you in their lives. I need this version of you in my life.”
“I do, too, Zachary. Your father and I are having a great time getting to know each other again. Things are going to be good from here on out, I just know it. Now, if only your sister would put one of these men out of their misery we could all be happy.”
The music begins and after kissing me on the cheek, my mother takes her seat. Pete sits on her left, leaving the spot on her right for my dad. Rylee is the first to step outside; she’s adorably petite without her shoes on. Both Nick and Pete can’t take their eyes off of her. As she takes her place on the opposite side of the archway, my dad and Cassidy appear.
My heart is immediately in my chest and I’m fighting hard to swallow over the lump in my throat. She’s absolutely breathtaking and her smile is the most relaxed and natural I’ve ever seen. Her hair is in beautiful curls, which cascade down her back, and her dress shows off just enough of her beautiful legs. I can’t even think about the way her breasts look in that dress or I might embarrass myself up here.
I asked the minister to skip the part where he asks who gives her to me. It’s really an archaic part of the vows. We are giving ourselves to each other and always have. My dad kisses her on the cheek and places her hand in mine. I catch Rylee out of the corner of my eye, wondering if she might be a little upset, but she’s already crying tears of joy. She’s loved Cassidy like a sister since we were kids, so this is dream come true for her, too.
“You’re beautiful,” I mouth to her an
d the first tear falls from her eyes. Her hand clutches mine and the minister begins. My eyes are locked onto hers, soaking in every second of this important moment of our lives. When the minister clears his throat, I realize we were both lost in each other and missed a question.
“You two have expressed you’d like to say your own vows. Zachary, please begin your solemn vow to Cassidy.” I’m nervous but I know exactly what I want to say.
“Cassidy, whenever I think of how our love came to be, I know without a doubt there is a power out there greater than us which brought us together. When we met at six years old, I knew I needed you in my life and you instantly became one of my best friends. There was a particular moment when I was eight years old when I just inexplicably knew… you would be my wife one day. But I was eight, and that didn’t mean a whole lot then. It was just something I knew and I carried inside of me and held on to. It was my moment.”
The tears are falling generously down her cheeks and I brush them away as I continue.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to call you my friend, my girlfriend, my true love, and after today, my wife and the mother of my children. I’ve grown up with you and watched you blossom into this amazing person who loves with all she has to give. Your obstacles haven’t always been easy but you’ve never handled them with anything less than grace. Knowing you had such a difficult time with love and yet, you not only loved me, but you let me love you, made me feel as if I had a real life super power.
“This is just the beginning of our story. Each passing day is a chance for our love to continually grow and multiply. Thank you for letting me into your life and for saving me in my moment. I am so blessed to be your husband for life. I vow to love, honor, and cherish you for all the days of my life.”
Her grip on my hand tightens as the minister turns his gaze to her.
“Cassidy, please begin your solemn vow to Zachary.”
She sniffs adorably and for now, her tears have stopped as she locks her blue eyes onto mine.
“There was not much opportunity in my life to give any consideration to the meaning of love unless I was with you. Your entire family knows how to love regardless of circumstance. Growing up with you was the greatest gift I could have ever been given. In the darkest of my days, your love was constantly lifting me up and pulling me free from the abyss.”