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by Adriana Locke

  “I didn’t know this,” Graham looks down at me, a look of intrigue on his face. “When did you do that?”

  “That’s why I stayed late the other day,” I remind him. “Remember?”

  Mr. Landry clasps Graham’s shoulder as he heads towards the house. “Pictures in a few minutes, son.”

  “I’ll be there,” Graham says, still looking at me. He turns his body to face mine, a little smile trying to break across his face. “Why didn’t you mention Lincoln’s contracts to me?”

  “You were busy,” I explain. “You had all of Ford’s things on your desk and Lincoln’s contracts were something I could handle quickly without your involvement. There were no decisions to be made, just a shuffling of information.” When he smiles, I return it as my heart flutters in my chest. “I was just trying to take a few things off your plate, Graham. I hope that’s okay.”

  He bends down and presses the simplest kiss against my lips. I see it coming, but it’s quick enough that there’s no time to prepare. When he pulls away, I’m breathless.

  “Thank you,” he whispers almost reverently.

  “For what?” I say, my voice sounding shakier than I’d like. “For doing my job?”

  He just smiles. “For so many things.”

  “That sounds like a cop-out,” I laugh.

  “It is, in a way. I . . .”

  “Graham!” We turn to see Sienna standing on the back porch. “Mom is freaking out. We never, ever wait on you. She’s certain the world is falling apart today.”

  Graham chuckles and indicates for her that he needs one second. His gaze returns to me as he forces a swallow. “I don’t want to be here long tonight. I’ll make my speech, watch them cut the cake or whatever, but we’re leaving as soon as the opportunity presents itself.”

  “Your sisters warned me you do this,” I laugh.

  “I probably do,” he sighs. “But tonight . . . it’s different.”

  “Okay.”

  He walks towards his sister. There’s something about his posture that strikes me. It’s not his usual purposeful walk, like he had somewhere to be ten minutes ago. Today, his hands are in his pockets, his posture easy.

  As he reaches the steps, he hesitates, looking back at me. When he catches me watching him, his face breaks out in a huge smile. I return it, feeling my heart nearly burst in my chest. He simply shakes his head before disappearing inside.

  The smell of fresh flowers drifts through the air. A fairly small group of people, maybe thirty or forty, sit in white chairs with yellow tulle tied in a bow on the backs. The pastor reads from his script while everyone watches Danielle and Lincoln.

  They’re beautiful, magazine-like, as they hold hands and face one another in front of their friends and family. I’m not sure Lincoln is listening to the words being spoken. He’s just gazing at his bride like she’s the only person here. It’s fun to watch, and I understand why the woman beside me elbowed her husband in the side and told him to take notes.

  My gaze, however, is affixed to the man right behind the groom. The one slightly taller, slightly darker, much broodier. The one out of the group of brothers that seems slightly frustrated by having all of this attention on him, the only one that didn’t mug for pictures before the wedding started. Barrett teased him that he was too uptight, but I have a feeling it was because he would have had to look somewhere other than at me.

  Because that’s all he has done—looked at me like he’s never seen me before. Sometimes it’s like we’re sharing an inside joke, but other times it’s like he’s completely perplexed at me sitting here amidst his family. All the time, however, he’s looking like he wants to jump off the step someone built for this occasion and whisk me away.

  “Lincoln?” The pastor nudges the groom and he laughs.

  “Sorry, Pastor Frank.”

  “That’s fine,” he says to a bubble of laughter from everyone. “It’s time for your vows.”

  Lincoln turns and takes the ring from Graham and hovers it over Danielle’s finger. “I, Lincoln Harrison Landry, take you, Ryan Danielle Ashley, to be my wife. I promise to keep coffee creamer in the fridge, chocolate donuts on the counter, and ice water by the bed.” He winks at Danielle, who blushes. “I promise to listen when you’re mad, hug you when you’re sad, and put your needs and desires before mine, even when you ruin my favorite shirts.”

  He clears his throat and looks at the sky. Graham steps forward and puts a hand on his shoulder. It’s then we see a single tear trickle down Lincoln’s cheek.

  I dab at my eyes, watching Danielle’s Maid of Honor hand her a tissue and Lincoln get himself together.

  “I love you, Dani. I love you more than I ever thought I could love anyone,” he says, his tone heavy with emotion. “You make me a better version of me, even though I didn’t think that was possible.”

  Everyone laughs as Lincoln shrugs, his swagger back. “I promise to make this season the best one of our lives.”

  He leans in to kiss Danielle, but the pastor puts his hand on Lincoln’s chest. “Not yet, Lincoln.”

  Everyone laughs again as Danielle gets Lincoln’s ring and begins to place it on his finger. “I, Ryan Danielle Ashley, take you, Lincoln Harrison Landry, to be my husband. I promise to not only love you, but cherish you forever because I want you to know each and every day how much I adore you. I promise to support you in everything you do and be your partner in all your endeavors. I’ll keep fake cheese in the pantry,” she says, her voice cracking, “and do the cooking so you don’t burn the house down. I . . .”

  Tears run down her face too quickly for her to finish her sentence. As I soak up mine, I feel Graham looking at me. Flipping my sight to him, his brows are pulled together.

  When our eyes meet, his features soften as his eyes widen and he takes a step back, like he’s seen an apparition.

  “You okay?” I mouth, feeling my heartbeat pick up.

  He nods, a slow smile spreading across his face. Our little moment is halted by a burst of cheers and applause from the crowd.

  “I now give you Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln Landry!” the pastor announces. “You may now kiss the bride.”

  This is usually my favorite part of a wedding. The first few moments of the union, the kiss that seals the deal. But today, all I can do is return Graham’s grin.

  Graham

  MY ENTIRE FAMILY SITS AT a huge rectangular table eating, drinking, and laughing. Some of our friends sit at smaller tables around us or under the tents put up to extend the space.

  The stone columns are wound with clear lights, the fireplace that my siblings and I have sat around and told stories on more nights than I can count growing up is lit, giving the area a very intimate touch. Flowers dot the centers of each table, along with remnants of dinner and wine. Lots of wine.

  “Come here,” Mallory says from beside me. She reaches up and loosens my tie. She’s done this before and it’s one of my favorite quirks of hers. “There. Is that better?”

  “Yes.” I smile at her, the softness of her features made even more beautiful in the soft light of the candle in the center of our table. It occurs to me that I didn’t know it was bothering me to begin with. “It is, actually.”

  Her grin widens. “You had that look in your eye.”

  “Which one is that?”

  “The one that looks like you’re ready to stand up and leave. I figured if you were more comfortable, maybe you would stick around.” She leans in closer. “I think your family would appreciate that.”

  I’m sure they would, but I’m antsy. My foot is tapping on the floor, my fingers itching to grab my fork, pick up my glass, smooth my tie. I can’t sit still. I want to get out of here, take Mallory home, and talk to her.

  The event planner comes up behind me and taps me on the shoulder, letting me know it’s time to make my speech. I grab Mallory’s hand and give it a gentle squeeze beneath the table and then stand. Within a few seconds, everyone is quiet and watching me.

  “May
I have your attention for a few minutes?” I ask the gathering of our loved ones. “As the Best Man, I’d like to say a few words. First of all, I’d like to thank you all, on behalf of my entire family, for coming tonight. This was put together in a complete rush, but we all have come to expect that from Lincoln, haven’t we?”

  Everyone laughs as Lincoln voices his objection.

  “Even so, it was put together beautifully and I know I speak on behalf of everyone, Danielle, when I say we’re honored to welcome you into our family.”

  She raises a glass as Lincoln nestles her under his arm to shouts of celebration.

  “Growing up, I got stuck with Linc a lot. Barrett was older and Ford and Linc were oil and water for a bit. That left me to pick him up from practice or drop him off at the field. Because that’s where he always was—playing ball.

  “To see him give that up for someone is pretty incredible. It speaks volumes about how he feels about you, Danielle. Thank you for making him happy and straightening him out. And for taking responsibility for his antics now that you’re his wife.”

  Everyone laughs again, but I’m distracted by Mallory’s hand on the back of my leg. When I look, my breath is almost whisked away. In the sparkling lights, surrounded by everyone I love, having her look up at me with the sweetest smile on her face hits me in a place I can’t comprehend. It’s a stillness, a satisfied feeling washing over me that I’ve never felt before.

  “Congrats, Lincoln and Danielle. Everyone, raise your glass to the bride and groom,” I say, taking my seat as the guests toast the newlyweds. Immediately, I’m grasping under the table for her hand. Once her palm is lying in mine, I find that stillness again.

  “You did great,” she whispers in my ear.

  Before I can respond, Ford rises from his seat in between our sisters. “I may not be the Best Man, technically, but I’d still like to say a few words.”

  “Oh, God,” Linc jokes. “I didn’t pick you, Ford. You don’t get a speech.”

  “Yes, you do, Ford,” Danielle laughs. “Don’t listen to him.”

  “See? You’re already losing your manhood, Linc,” Barrett points out to everyone’s amusement. Lincoln just shakes his head, but the grin on his face gives him away.

  “So, Graham was right. Lincoln and I would fight to the death over a video game or who got the last piece of Mom’s apple pie,” Ford laughs. “But God help the poor soul that messed with one of us.”

  “Like Nate Caster. Remember that?” Lincoln bursts out laughing.

  “Yeah,” Ford chuckles.

  “You boys swore you didn’t do that!” Mom interjects, her mouth falling open. We all laugh as the truth hits her. “You little rascals. I don’t care if you’re married or not. We’re going to talk about this!” She tries to sound authoritative, but can’t quite keep the amusement out of her tone.

  Once we’ve all quieted down, Ford continues. “That’s how we roll, Dani. We’re a family in every sense of the word. We’d do anything for each other. I hope you’re ready for that.” He turns his sight on Lincoln again, his face sobering. “Lincoln, my brother, it’s an honor to be here tonight to see you start this next phase of your life. I can’t tell you how proud I am of you. For going after what you want and not letting her walk away. To Dani and Lincoln.”

  With a gentle nod and a lump obvious in his throat, he sits down as we all raise our glasses again. Camilla pats his arm as his eyes drop to the floor.

  “Is Ford okay?” Mallory whispers in my ear.

  “He’ll be fine.” I turn to see the concerned look on her face. “He let a girl go once, before he went overseas. I’m not sure he’s ever gotten over her.”

  She starts to respond, but stops when everyone starts laughing. Barrett is rising out of his seat now, a huge grin on his face.

  “My turn,” he laughs. “I’ve done a few things in my life that have made me proud. Things I think have made my parents happy.”

  “This isn’t about you!” Lincoln shouts. “Keep the focus over here.”

  “Give me a second,” Barrett sighs as the wedding planner stands near the fireplace, looking helpless.

  “Don’t worry,” I call to her. “I’ll make sure you get a great tip.”

  “Thanks,” she says weakly.

  The chaos that is the Landry’s is in full effect, everyone talking amongst themselves. A few servers come around with more wine as others cart in a tall wedding cake.

  “As I was saying,” Barrett says, quieting everyone, “I think we’ve all made our parents proud. When I won the election last year, or when Ford enlisted in the military. Graham, the golden boy that he is, makes them proud every day.”

  Mallory squeezes my hand as I shoot Barrett a look.

  “But none of those things make them any prouder than they are right now with Linc choosing a bright, respectable, beautiful woman to be his wife,” Barrett says. “Danielle, you are a wonderful addition to our family. You make our brother happy in ways nothing else ever has.”

  “Lincoln,” Barrett continues, “we give you a lot of shit. We tease you and make fun of you and generally try to make your life hell,” he winks. “But I want you to know, watching you over these past few months, I’ve learned more from you than I have from almost anyone. Except Dad. And maybe Graham,” he laughs. “You’ve shown me what it means to go for what you want, how to have courage to jump with both feet and not look back. I’m honored to be your brother and Dani’s now too. Congratulations.”

  Barrett tosses a wink at Lincoln who just smirks.

  “Huxley?” Barrett says, looking around. “Will you come here for a minute?”

  Hux appears next to Barrett wearing a miniature tux just like ours.

  “Hey,” Barrett says.

  “Hi.”

  “Have you had fun today?”

  “Yes.”

  Barrett smiles at the boy. “Have you been listening to what my brothers have been saying tonight? I mean, I know I tell you not to listen to them usually . . .”

  Huxley laughs. “Yes. I’ve been listening.”

  “Good.” Barrett ruffles Huxley’s hair. “I’ve been thinking. You know I’d do anything for you and your mother, right?”

  “Yes.”

  Mallory gasps beside me, her hand falling to my thigh. I don’t want her to move it, so I place my hand on top of hers as we watch my older brother put into play the plan we made earlier this week.

  I watch her out of the corner of my eye. Her eyes fill with tears, a sweet smile on her beautiful lips. The lights hanging behind her head make her look like she’s glowing, and for a split second, I can see her and I in place of Barrett and Alison. I can imagine what Barrett is feeling, the nerves I gave him hell for having. The fear she’ll say no. The hope that he can spend the rest of the life with the woman he can’t replace.

  Just like I’m positive I can’t replace Mallory.

  “I’d really like to make you and your mother official members of the Landry family,” Barrett says.

  “Oh my God,” Alison breathes, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.

  Barrett pays her no attention, focused solely on Huxley. “In order to do that, I would have to marry your mother. Do you think it would be okay if I did that? If I married your mom? I need your permission before I ask her.”

  Huxley leaps into Barrett’s arms, burying his head in his chest. They have a muffled conversation that no one can hear but the two of them.

  Something comes over the room, a feeling so heavy that we all feel it. As I look from one face to the next, most dabbing at their eyes, I finally land on Mallory. She’s watching the display in front of her, one hand on her chest.

  I look at this girl, the one that literally fell into my arms, and wonder if I could possibly put her there for good? It’s a crazy possibility, one I’m not sure is even feasible. For good would indicate there’s love there, and while I’m not sure if I’m ready to say that about her and I’m not sure she feels that way about me at all, in
the middle of my family of all things, I’m considering it.

  Barrett sets Huxley back on his feet and turns to Alison. He gets down on one knee to gasps from every female in the room.

  “Alison, there’s not a chance I’m ever going to let you go. Whatever decisions I have to make in my life, wherever I end up, I want to do them with you and Huxley by my side.”

  He extends a small, black box to her and pulls the lid open. She gasps, tears streaming down her cheeks, as she looks at the diamond catching the lights from above.

  “Will you and Huxley be mine forever?” Barrett whispers.

  She doesn’t answer. Instead, she lunges into his arms to the excited cheers from the family.

  “Say yes, Mom!” Huxley shouts, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

  Alison pulls back. “Yes!” she shouts.

  “Let’s party!” Lincoln shouts as the music is turned up and everyone clamors to their feet.

  “Come on,” I say, rising and tugging Mallory’s hand. With a hurried step, I lead her into the night. The air is crisp, the stars shining brightly overhead.

  My heart is thundering away, my thoughts going a million miles per second. Pulling in as much fresh air as I can muster, I try to calm the insanity ricocheting through me.

  Twirling Mallory around, I draw her into my arms. She hesitates for half a beat before melting into me.

  Her head tucked under my chin, I wrap her up and hold her tight. I feel her hands under my suit jacket, pulling me as close to her as she can.

  Neither of us speaks. Neither of us moves. We just stand under the starry sky in each other’s arms.

  “That was incredible,” she says finally, her breath warm against my shirt. “Your family is amazing, Graham.”

  “Yeah, they are.”

  She plants a kiss to the center of my chest and then pulls back, looking at me. “We can’t leave.”

  “And why not?”

  “It’s a wedding. And your brother got engaged,” she whispers, her eyes shining. “Let’s stay for a while.”

  I want to say no, to tell her the plan is we go home. But I can’t say no to that look in her eye. “Okay,” I give in. “We’ll stay. But you have to dance with me.”