“Bentley. When I was five years old, you were my knight in shining armor. You offered a shy little girl a helping hand, and I’m not sure you knew in that moment what you were getting yourself into. For years I watched you from afar, wishing you’d look at me differently. You didn’t.” Ben shifts his feet uncomfortably, but I squeeze his hand reassuringly.
“And, I’m so grateful. I wouldn’t change a single moment we’ve had together. Even if my teenage self wished we had been together most of our lives, I’m glad we weren’t. If I’ve learned anything in this last year, it’s that being loved by you is the greatest gift I have ever been given. I would never have appreciated the depths of true love before now. Thank you for coming home. Not only home to Lexington, but to me. You, Bentley James Sullivan, are my home. In your heart is where I belong, and I will never take that for granted. I vow to honor and cherish the love you give me and bestow the same upon you and our children. And, as you wished for a smaller version of me, I wish upon every star in the night’s sky for a little Bentley who treats every person in his life with love and respect just like his daddy.”
I’m sobbing by the time I say the word “daddy” and Ben unclasps our hands and pulls me toward him, his left hand on my waist while his right wipes the tears from my cheek. He looks to the pastor and whispers “Can we move this along, Pastor?”
Pastor Timmons smiles and nods. He says a few words I don’t really hear. Everything I’ve needed to hear and everything I’ve needed to say having been said, I stare at Ben. The rest of the world fades away as I hold his gaze. I know the minute the pastor has pronounced us husband and wife because the biggest grin takes over Ben’s face and he tugs me to him in a passionate kiss.
His kiss speaks of forever and always. It holds promises for today and all the tomorrows that follow. It is a kiss that evokes every emotion and feeling we share, and I succumb to it naturally. My hands loop around his neck as he lifts me from the ground. Okay, so maybe this kiss is a little more than feelings because the way he’s kissing me, he’s about ready to make those future babies we talked about right now.
The sounds of claps, whistles, and clearing throats finally filter through my love-filled haze and we pull apart. Ben is still holding me off the ground and now we’re both laughing. Once he sets me down, we turn to face our guests as Pastor Timmons announces us as Mr. and Mrs. Bentley James Sullivan. The speakers crackle as the first chords of “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure begin. I look at Ben, and we both start laughing as I reach for my bouquet from Ashton and turn to make our way back down the aisle. Sure, it’s not the most common recessional song, but it’s fun and upbeat.
As we approach the end of the aisle, Laurel is there with an awaiting golf cart and a huge smile on her face. Happiness radiates off her. She’s happy for us.
“You guys are amazing. And screw you both for making me cry. Now, go up to the house, freshen up, knock one out, whatever you need to do,” she says, shooing us to the golf cart. She knows as much as we do that there will be no “knocking one out” when we get to the house. The next cart will house the bridal party and Pastor Timmons so we can sign the marriage certificate and freshen up for photos. The photographer has already staged an area for us to take the photos but the actual signatures will be done in the kitchen, the license placed in a waiting envelope and put in my mother-in-law’s bag for mailing.
Ben and I head straight for our bedroom, where we kiss and relish in the quiet for a few moments. I quickly freshen up while he uses the restroom and sends Ashton up to help me with my dress while I use the restroom. We may be married but I’m not quite ready for Ben to hold my dress while I pee.
Once everyone has relieved themselves, taken a celebratory shot of whiskey, and the marriage license is signed, we head outside for the photographs. The photographer has a list of the photos I hoped to capture and is, thankfully, quick with the process. Laurel appears halfway through the picture taking to bring us snacks and demands we all eat something to keep from getting “college level wasted” tonight. We all laugh, but she does know us well. Everyone willingly takes the food offered, and sure, another shot of whiskey, before going back to picture taking. That’s when I stop Laurel and ask the photographer to add a few unplanned shots to the list. Pulling Laurel into a hug I force her to take a few pictures with Ben and me.
As soon as the pictures are done, the girls and I make another bathroom stop before meeting the guys outside. Before we exit the kitchen, I look at the clock and confirm we are on schedule. I want to get all this official wedding business done quickly so we can have a good time.
Before Ashton hops in the golf cart, I stop her to make sure she’s doing okay before singing. “I’m golden, sister. I have Jameson here, and while the song is for you guys, he’ll be the one I sing to. It grounds me. Don’t worry.”
“I’m not worried, I just care.” I hope she knows I mean that. If she chose not to sing, I would be okay with that, too.
Laurel stops our golf carts just a few feet from the tent where the reception is taking place. I hear music playing and the guests laughing and talking. I love that everyone here knows one another and they are enjoying themselves.
“Laurel, you need some of this,” Landon declares, shoving a flask in Laurel’s face. I half expected her to wave it off, but instead she grabs the offering and throws back a hearty swig.
“Thanks, Landon. I did need that. This coordinator job is not the cakewalk I had expected. Someone has us on a tight-ass schedule.” She’s teasing but everyone agrees just the same. Brats.
“Y’all ready to do this?” Laurel asks, and everyone agrees. Since I only have two bridesmaids, Landon is going to walk out with Hope. I felt horrible but he offered and said the two of them have a plan. I have no idea what that is, but I can’t wait to see it.
The DJ’s voice fills the air as he gets the crowd going with some party music before the song we chose to walk into the reception begins to play. One of my favorite party songs of all time is “Celebration” by Kool and the Gang. Sure, it was popular before I was even born, but it’s iconic and exactly how we want to kick off our reception. Landon and Hope are first to enter, and I peek around a corner to find them doing a dance routine. Hope is shimmying along with her hands in the air and spinning. Landon is doing an awkward shuffle with his hands tucked like he’s preparing for a boxing match. It’s adorable and hilarious. We all laugh and Jameson’s sister, Julia, is up and out of her seat with her phone poised in Hope’s direction. No doubt she’s documenting this for future blackmail in Hope’s teenage years.
The couples follow Landon and Hope leaving Ben and me alone for a moment. “This may be the last time we have a minute alone for the rest of the night,” Ben says, pulling me to him. As he does, the song we’ve chosen to walk in to fills the air and everyone is clapping and laughing. “Brick House” by the Commodores, another surprise song but perfect for the party that’s about to take place.
“Kiss me then, I’d hate to sacrifice these minutes talking.” I no sooner finish my statement than Ben is kissing me passionately. Suddenly, we’re pulled apart by Laurel and shoved into the tent where everyone is laughing. We look at each other and shrug. Dancing our way to the head table, it isn’t long before the rest of the room is dancing along to the song and I couldn’t be happier.
This is how I always envisioned my wedding - a night with our closest friends and family, full of laughs and love with Bentley Sullivan next to me. This day simply proves dreams do come true, and if you really believe, the good guy does get the girl.
I am grateful for Piper’s demand that all wedding festivities move along at a quick pace. I will be singing for the first dance in about fifteen minutes. She wanted to do speeches and the dance before dinner was served because once those are out of the way it’s just partying and cake. Everyone in this tent will stop what they’re doing for cake. But, I’m mostly grateful because I think if I ate any more than the snacks Laurel gave us earlier, I’d be tossing my cookies right now
.
Stress and nerve-induced anxiety are part of my life. I’ve worked hard these last few months to find coping tools to deal with it. I’ve been doing okay, but today I’m beyond stressed. It’s more than the fact that almost every person in this room is either related to me or has known me most of my life. I suppose this is what happens when your brother is the groom; every aunt, uncle, cousin, and distant relative shows up in one room, or tent in this case.
My mom is thrilled to have most of our family together and for that reason I’m happy for her. But the cousin I haven’t seen since our family reunion fifteen years ago is side-eyeing me like I killed her puppy. I didn’t. She needs to get over it.
“Babe,” Jameson whispers in my ear. His breath sends shivers down my spine, and I send up a little prayer that this feeling never goes away. I hope and pray his voice and the feeling of his breath on my skin never stop sending bursts of lust and desire through my body. As much as I’m enjoying the pooling of lust in my core, I’m looking forward to this night ending. A few days ago, while searching his desk for paper, I found the printout from the hotel he booked in Nashville. My guy is planning a getaway for us, and it includes my bucket list item number five—the Country Music Hall of Fame. I’m so excited. At least, I hope it’s the Hall of Fame. What if he doesn’t know that’s on my bucket list? I’ll be happy with whatever he plans, but hopefully he listens when I ramble about my bucket list items.
Oh, he’s still lingering at my ear. That’s my sweet spot. Damn, that tickles.
“Hmm,” I sigh as I lean into his side.
“Why is that woman giving you dirty looks?”
I look to where he’s motioning and confirm my suspicion as to who might be glaring at me. “That’s my cousin, Molly. She’s pissed because I killed Sparky,” I offer non-committedly while taking a drink of my water.
“Sparky? Who or what is Sparky?” Jameson asks thoroughly confused.
“Her fish. She’s ridiculous.” I look to where Molly is staring and offer her an over-exaggerated wave and smile before turning to Jameson. “When we were kids, she had this damn gold fish she took everywhere. I mean everywhere. Like it was her damn toy. Anyway, we had a family reunion and had to share a room. I swear that fish was starving and one day I’d had enough. So, I may have dumped the container of food in his bowl.” Jameson starts laughing harder than necessary. “Hey, he was starving to death. Molly was a horrible fish mom. I’m sorry Sparky overate, but I was worried about him.”
Jameson pulls me toward him and places a kiss to my temple, still laughing. I nestle in and let him hold me for a few minutes before Laurel motions to us that it’s time for our speeches. Great. I have to do that, too. I pull back from Jameson to allow him space to stand and take the offered microphone. He clears his throat before speaking.
“Good evening everyone. I’m going to keep this short because I know there are three things in this world that scare me. One is my beautiful girlfriend, Ashton Sullivan, whom most of you know. When she’s pissed off, boy howdy, it’s enough to send a man running. Trust me I know.” He turns and winks at me and I fake scowl. It’s true. I am scary. “The second, that’s Laurel. Laurel is the beautiful woman in black who has been keeping this day running. She’s also a very focused task master and if I run over in my speech, she may run me over. And finally, the third person I’m afraid of is our blushing bride, Piper Lawren—Sullivan. Wow, that sure does have a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?” Jameson looks over at Piper, who is beaming. Yep, Sullivan is a perfect fit for her.
“Anyway, as most of you know, I’ve been best friends with Ben since we were little. He’s like a brother to me, and his friendship has been a blessing. And a curse. It’s hard being best friends with the best guy in town, but that’s who he is. Then, there’s Piper. Sweet, smart, and kind Piper. And patient. I mean, we all know how patient she’s been. Twenty years patient.” The crowd laughs and Piper nods her approval as Ben leans in and kisses her temple, pulling her closer to his side.
“Last year Ben called me and told me he was moving home. I was excited to have my best friend come home. We were going to camp, fish, hell maybe even get some hunting in. But then I took him to Country Road, and he spotted a cute little redhead and that plan went to shi . . . we’re all friends here, Hope, earmuffs,” he instructs, looking to his niece who covers her ears. “Shit. It all went to shit the minute he spotted Piper across the bar. Best loss of my plans ever. If ever there were two people who belonged together, it’s Ben and Piper. So, raise your glass with me. To Ben and Piper, may your days be joyful and your nights playful. Cheers!”
The entire room clinks glasses and offers a cheers and Jameson looks down at me before placing his champagne glass on the table and offering me his hand to stand. I take his offered hand and push my chair back a little before standing. Taking the microphone from Jameson, I turn to the crowd and smile.
“Well, that’s a tough act to follow. I mean, there was swearing and everything. Good job, babe. This is my family, way to pull out all the stops,” I joke. My comments are greeted with laughs, my dad’s the loudest. I see he’s also been hitting the whiskey.
“I’m going to keep this short too. Not because I’m scared of anyone, y’all know I can take them both.” Nods from everyone around me fill me with a little pride and my smile widens before I continue. “Piper, when you used to crush on my brother as a kid, I thought you were nuts. He was so annoying, well, he still is, but whatever, he’s your problem now.” The crowd laughs, causing me to pause. My voice changes as I get a little more serious. “Then something changed. You changed. I didn’t see it at first and when I realized the reason for your change was my brother, I was taken aback. Most of you know they kept their relationship from me for months, but looking back I see it all. You two, you’re like a perfect puzzle. Apart you’re just pieces waiting to find their counterpart. But, together you make a beautiful picture. I’m so glad my idiot brother finally gave me the only gift I’ve ever wanted, making you my sister.”
Piper’s eyes glisten as she mouths “I love you” before I continue, “Piper, thank you for loving my brother. For seeing the wonderful man he is and showing him love in its truest form.” I pause as the threat of tears is imminent. “The two of you are what fairy tales are made of, and I wish you countless years of happiness. Cheers.”
Piper takes a sip of her champagne before standing and walking around the guys to hug me. She’s sniffling, and that’s my undoing. I begin crying. I’ve done so well. It’s been at least six hours since I’ve cried last. I thought it was behind me. I know it’s not. I know it’s only the beginning. These overwhelming emotions are exhausting.
“Thank you, Ash.”
“Don’t thank me yet. I still have to get through this song. I love you, Pipe. Never doubt that. Sisters for life, now.” I pull back and smile at her. She’s laughing, and I join her for a few seconds before nudging her back toward her seat.
Instead of handing the microphone back to the DJ, I turn it off and set it on the table as I take my seat. I drink more of my water and sit back for a minute contemplating whether a bathroom stop is necessary before the first dance song. If I go this will mark the tenth time today and the fourth time in this dress. A dress, I may add, that isn’t the easiest for so many potty breaks. I shrug off the idea and look up to find Laurel with the DJ. I know she’s ensuring he has the music cued for the dance. Once they finish speaking she motions for me to join them. The DJ is up on a bit of a mini stage. There isn’t much room but plenty for me to stand up higher than the floor and out of the way.
I kiss Jameson on the lips and linger for the briefest moment before pulling away. His eyes are open, watching me. His eyebrows shoot up like he’s realized something, but I see Laurel walking towards us. He opens his mouth to say something, but Laurel speaks before he has a chance.
“Ashton, are you ready?” Laurel asks. I nod in response but look back at Jameson. He looks pale.
“Are you okay? Y
ou don’t look good. Maybe lay off the whiskey until after dinner.” He’s not speaking but his mouth is opening and closing as if he is. “Hey,” I say more urgently, “What’s wrong?”
“You didn’t drink your shots.”
“No, I didn’t. It’s no biggie. I need to go sing. Please stand over there.” I point to the end of the long table we’re sitting at. “I need to be able to look at you. I’m calm on the outside, but it’s like a damn hurricane of emotions inside.”
“You’re not drinking your champagne.”
“What is wrong with you? Babe, please stay with me for five minutes. Once the song is done, we’ll eat and you’ll feel better. I promise,” I say, placing a chaste kiss on his lips before grabbing the microphone and heading to the spot next to the DJ designated for me.
“Ladies and gentlemen. While the servers are bringing around your salads, we invite you to help us welcome Mr. and Mrs. Bentley Sullivan to the dance floor for their first dance. Tonight, the maid of honor, Ashton Sullivan, will be singing.”
A round of applause welcomes Ben and Piper to the dance floor. Ben dramatically spins Piper as the opening chords of “When You Say Nothing At All” begin. I take a deep breath and seek out Jameson. I need him to ground me. I never realized how much until now. There’s so much change going on in all our lives, and I think it’s hitting me like a ton of bricks. This feels like more than nerves from singing in front of everyone.
My voice is quiet as I begin singing. Thankfully, that isn’t far off from the Alison Krauss version of the song which is Piper’s favorite. I look to Ben and Piper as they embrace one another, whispering and smiling. Piper has one hand on Ben’s shoulder, pulling him into her as her other hand is linked with Ben’s behind her back. Dancing like this, they look like one person, perfectly molded together. My thoughts go to Jameson as I seek him out.
He’s standing where I asked him to, but the look on his face is perplexing. I come to a pause in the lyrics and look at him quizzically. He looks from my face to my stomach, and I instinctively drop my hand protectively to my lower abdomen.
Champagne & Forever Page 10