by Rayne, Piper
Wyatt looks at me for a second. “No, I didn’t.”
A floating sensation rises in my stomach, so I place my hand to cover it. One day at a time, I remind myself.
“Come on, I’ll take you to the bride’s side.” Ian turns to square his shoulders toward the aisle and holds his arm out to me.
“Thank you.” I eye Wyatt as I’m sliding my arm through Ian’s.
“My pleasure. It’s an excuse to disappear for a second.”
I ignore him mostly because when we step into the room, I’m awe-stricken. Cherry blossom trees are planted on either side of us, the branches positioned to make an archway. Both sides of the aisle are filled with hydrangeas in white, pale pink and even a periwinkle one every now and then. It’s breathtaking and as Ian shifts our direction away from the aisle, my body protests wanting to walk under the cherry blossom trees.
“This way,” Ian says, and I trip on the edge of the aisle runner, but Wyatt comes up along the other side catching me.
“I’m sorry.” I know my cheeks must be pink.
Once I’m on grounded feet, Wyatt steps back to follow and Ian laughs.
“It’s just so stunning.”
“Yeah, it’s cool. My cousin got married last year and she had some cherry blossoms, but it wasn’t this elaborate, but then again it wasn’t a Whitmore getting married either.”
“I’m sure her wedding was just as beautiful,” I say absentmindedly, still taking it all in.
We round the back row of chairs and I slow my steps wishing I could sit back here.
“Well, the bartender didn’t card, so that was good,” Ian says. He slows down midway up the rows and I think he’s going to deposit me there, but I’m wrong. “Let’s slow down. I’m not into this usher thing. You’re fine, but the old women, they’re touchy.” He glances behind him and leans in. “Wyatt’s great-aunt once removed grabbed my ass.”
I can’t hold in my laughter. “I don’t know what’s funnier. The fact she did that or the fact you know the relation so well.”
He shrugs. “People tell you who they are because they want to be seated as close as possible. Mrs. Whitmore gave all the ushers strict instructions about where each person was to sit though.”
“Are you flirting with my date?” Wyatt asks from behind us.
“Sure am, and she’s going to give me the first dance.” Ian winks at Wyatt.
“As long as I get the last, I’m good with that,” he mumbles. “Hi, Aunt Edith.” He stops as does Ian.
“I’ll just sit here.” I motion toward the free row.
“Sorry, Mrs. Whitmore can be a tyrant, so you’re up front.” He eyes the front where no one is sitting in the first two rows.
“In the second row?” The shock must register on my face.
He laughs. “Sorry, you’re first row, fourth seat in, right next to Wyatt in seat three.”
I inhale a deep breath as nerves make me jittery.
“This is her.” Wyatt’s hand finds mine and he pulls me over to his side. “Brooklyn, this is my aunt Edith.”
The redhead wearing a hat with a large flower hanging off the rim smiles at me but doesn’t offer her hand.
“She’s a pretty one, Wy.” Her eyes skate over me, concentrating on my hips. “She’ll hold a baby just fine.”
Ian busts out laughing behind us.
“Thanks, Ian, we’re good,” Wyatt says.
“Okay, I already told Brooklyn the details, but you’re in the first row, buddy.” He pats him on the back and heads back to the entrance.
“Thanks, Ian,” I say.
“When you get bored of him call me. I’m into older and more experienced women.”
I shake my head with a smile because I’m not that much older than him, but it’s refreshing to have someone make me laugh right now.
“I have to get Brooklyn situated and walk Mom down the aisle,” Wyatt says. “I’ll see you after the ceremony.”
He leans down and kisses her cheek. Aunt Edith’s eyes remain on me the entire time and it’s so unnerving that I look away.
“Nice to meet you,” I say.
“You too, darling.” Again, she eyes my hips. My hands move to cover up her view, but Wyatt’s hand finds mine instead and his footsteps increase speed until we’re at the front row.
“She’s interesting.” I sit in the fourth chair as instructed.
“Move one over, baby,” he says.
His term of affection throws me for a second. I glance over to him and he smiles waiting for me to move. Does he even realize he said it?
“Ian said I’m seat four and you’re in three.”
“Good thing I’m the rebel in this family. Scoot.”
I slide one over. “But your mom—”
“My mom will be ecstatic that you’re still here with me. Okay, I have to go walk my mom down. You okay?” He sits in the fourth chair.
“Yep. I’m good.”
He nods, but he’s not convinced. “I’ll be back before Ian can steal you away from me.” He kisses my cheek right by my ear. “By the way, I’m the only one you’re dancing with tonight.”
I giggle.
“Did you think I’d share? I’m way too selfish for that.” He kisses me one more time and stands, heading out of the row of chairs.
My stomach flips. I need to bring my beating heart back to a two. Right now, it’s at a ten with the way that Wyatt’s made me feel both last night and today, but he’s been vocal of his reasons for not wanting commitment, and he hasn’t said that I’ve changed his mind. I need to keep my head about this, about us.
Needing something to do while I sit there, I figure I’ll message Rome since he’s the only family member who knows exactly who Wyatt is. My siblings know I’ve left town to go to a wedding in New York with Wyatt, but they don’t know that it’s a wedding of this magnitude.
Me: I’m at the wedding. How is everything in Lake Starlight?
The three dots appear immediately.
Rome: Your favorite brother just used his big muscles and smart brain to install his new fridge.
Rome: How are things there? Without all the girly details.
Me: Good. It’s beautiful. Lots of cherry blossoms.
Rome: Cool. How’s Wyatt? Again. No pervy details.
Me: He’s good. We’re…
Rome: Nope.
Me: Getting along.
I want to ask Rome what I should do but admitting my feelings for Wyatt is akin to admitting I can’t compartmentalize what’s happening between us.
Rome: So why are you texting me?
Me: Wyatt has to walk his mom down the aisle, so I’m by myself in the first row and I don’t know anyone.
Rome: You’re a friendly girl. Make some new friends.
Me: This is not our crowd.
Rome: ??
Me: Uber rich. Like Gossip Girl rich.
Rome, Denver, and I were obsessed with Gossip Girl growing up. It’s one thing we kept up even after Mom and Dad passed.
Rome: Find me a Serena van der Woodsen.
Veronica comes to mind although Serena was much nicer than Veronica.
Me: Do you think you’d want to settle down then?
My thumb hovers over the delete. I can’t ask Rome this.
Someone bumps my back getting into their seat behind me and instead of hitting delete, I press send.
Shit.
I look over my shoulder to find a man holding a woman’s purse that was obviously the culprit that hit me.
“Sorry, sweetie. She carries bricks in here.” His smile reveals a set of perfectly straight and white fake teeth.
“No problem.”
I glance at my phone and see there are three messages from Rome.
Rome: Why would you ask…
Rome: Brooklyn, I was strict with my instructions.
Rome: Rebound. Rebound. Rebound. ONLY for a rebound.
I frown at his response because his thoughts on the subject most likely match Wyatt’s.
The music starts.
Me: It’s starting. Gotta go.
Rome: Just remember Brookie, we’ve got the Buzz Wheel, so we’re pretty important too.
Rome: Gif with the caption ‘Gossip brings people together’
I shake my head and silence my phone, stuffing it into my clutch, tucking it at my side.
Shifting so I can see the doors, I catch Veronica five rows back next to Aunt Edith. The old woman is pinching her skin and saying something that Veronica doesn’t seem very responsive to. At least I’m not the only one being sized up for motherhood.
The doors open and Bradley’s mom walks down with her arm in Ian’s. His floppy hair is such a dramatic contrast to every other male in the room. Wyatt might be the only one with a beard. Other than a few well-groomed mustaches there isn’t a lot of facial hair in this bunch.
Ian smiles and walks up the aisle with more swagger than needed for an event like this and I realize this is likely why he ended up on usher duties. Stopping them by the end of the front pew, his mother sits next to Bradley’s dad who shoots a warning glare to Ian.
Once the three of them are seated, the music changes and Wyatt and his mom wait in the archway. Through the crowd of people, our eyes find each other, and he winks, spurring the same reaction of my stomach flipping and flopping like there’s a circus performing in there.
He steps out and as Eva wipes tears with a tissue using her free hand, he says something in her ear that brings a smile to her face and a small laugh bubbles up out of her. They’re amazing to watch together and knowing what I do after last night, I see their bond more clearly. It must have been traumatic for a little boy to witness his father cheating on the woman he holds up on a pedestal. Especially when she was fighting for her life.
I find my own tears welling up as I remember how I’d planned around moments like this for my own wedding because there was no mother or father of the bride. I blink back the tears and remember that I’m okay without Jeff in my life. It was for the best that we didn’t marry. When I open my eyes, they catch someone staring at me in my peripheral vision. I turn my head to find Veronica’s dead eyes on me.
Ignoring her, I watch as Wyatt kisses his mom on the cheek and waits for her to sit before taking his seat next to me. Eva squeezes my hands and looks over at me with pure excitement on her face. Wyatt places his arm on the top of my chair and slides as close as he can get.
Bradley and his groomsmen come out and stand at the makeshift altar. He’s sweating but smiling. I’m guessing my groom would have thrown up all over the floor or passed out entirely.
We all watch a small ring bearer and flower girl walk down the aisle.
“Kids of Bradley’s friends,” Wyatt whispers in my ear.
The bridesmaids come down.
“All her sorority sisters except the matron of honor, she is or was our nanny’s daughter.”
I look over my shoulder and he chuckles. “We don’t only associate with rich people.”
I lean back into his strong chest. “I didn’t say that.”
His one hand crosses over and lightly grasps at my hand. “You’re making this more tolerable. Thank you for coming.”
I return his squeeze and look back. He bends down and kisses me briefly. Lucky everyone’s eyes are on the doors to see if the bride has shown her face.
The music changes course and I find all the bridesmaids have made their way down the aisle as Wyatt and I stole a moment for ourselves.
We rise and Eva takes my hand in hers. Wyatt witnesses the action and smiles at me. As all three of us turn to the doors, it’s then I catch Veronica’s eyes on me once again.
Haylee and Bruce stand in the doorway for a moment, her eyes only on Bradley. I glance over to the groom and find the biggest smile I’ve ever witnessed on a groom’s face as she steps onto the carpeted path. It’s then that I realize I’m thankful my wedding was canceled because I want a guy who looks at me the same way when I’m walking down the aisle.
From the corner of my eye, I sneak a peek at Wyatt, finding his attention on me. When I turn to look into his eyes, he bends down. “You okay?” he asks.
“Perfect. Everything is perfect.”
Thirty-Eight
Wyatt
No one in the room feels the shift, but I do. Something is brewing between Brooklyn and me. I can’t even explain it, but in this room full of people I only see her. The way she smiles and talks with everyone after I introduce her. She’s ventured to topics far away from weather and occupations. She’s growing comfortable in a world I never felt at ease in.
We’ve had dinner, watched my dad dance with Haylee, Bradley with his mom and then Haylee and Bradley.
“Let’s go,” I step up and whisper in her ear, distracting her from a conversation with some guy who works or went to graduate school with Bradley. He’s been chatting with her for the past fifteen minutes and I’ve watched from across the room.
“This is my…” She looks at me.
“Her boyfriend. Wyatt Whitmore,” I introduce myself and put my hand out for the guy. “Sorry to interrupt.”
Brooklyn sips her champagne with a small smile on her lips. Does that mean she likes that I referred to myself as her boyfriend? It was a bold move and I hate that I did it out of jealousy, but the word felt good coming out of my mouth, at least when it’s Brooklyn I’m talking about.
“Jake Reynolds.” He shakes my hand firmly. “It’s okay. I should find my buddies anyway. We have a prank planned for Bradley.”
I smile.
“It was nice talking with you, Brooklyn, and if you’re ever in Brooklyn, look me up.” He winks.
What a tool.
“Nice meeting you, Wyatt.” He waves, downing his drink, disposing of it on the nearby table and heading through the crowd.
“That’s cute the whole Brooklyn when you’re in Brooklyn thing.” I welcome myself to her champagne and her arms wrap around my waist, her chin resting on my chest.
“Is that jealousy? And the boyfriend bit? Really?”
“What can I say, if you’re not mine you’re nobody’s.” I down the champagne and place it on the table next to Jake’s empty tumbler.
She giggles but doesn’t let me go. “I’m not sure I’ll ever understand you.”
She has no idea how true that statement is.
The music shifts from a fast beat to a slow song.
“Dance with me?” I ask, watching her eyes switch to dreamy.
“Love to.”
I escort her to the dance floor, finding a space between some other couples because I don’t want to be a spectacle. If my mom sees us, she’ll be requesting to talk to the banquet manager to nail down a date. I can hear her now, “they book up fast.”
“Jake’s comment got me thinking. Why did your parents name you Brooklyn?”
She wraps one arm over my shoulder, and I hold her other one between us.
“I never told you?” Her eyebrows raise.
I shake my head.
“I’m going to name all my siblings and you tell me what they have in common.”
“Okay…”
“Austin, Savannah, Rome, Denver, Juno, Kingston, Phoenix, Sedona…” Her eyes widen waiting for me to catch on.
“City names?”
She nods. “My mom was a travel writer so as disgusting as I used to find it, it’s where we were all conceived.”
I tilt my head. “But Rome and Denver?”
Her shoulders wiggle. “They had a layover in Denver on their way to Rome.”
“Ah.” My head falls back, and I spin her around quickly.
“So, when Jake said if you ever get to Brooklyn…you’ve never?”
She shakes her head. “This is my first time east.”
What an idiot I am. I never even thought it might be her first time here and all we’ve done is wedding stuff. “Well, we’re not leaving New York before you see the city you’re named after.”
She smiles and puts her face on
my chest. “I’m happy right here though.”
We sway and she allows me to lead. As “Dance With Me” by Morgan Evans plays through the speakers, the lyrics can’t help but mean something to me. The feeling inside of me that says I’d be a fool to lose her is so strong, but we live on opposite sides of the world. Maybe I’m enough for her to move out of Lake Starlight. I shake off that absurd thought, because everyone who knows Brooklyn, knows she’s meant to live the rest of her life there.
“Tomorrow, before we fly out,” I assure her, but she never looks at me, content with where she is right now. Right now, I envy her ability to live in the moment.
* * *
We wait for the bouquet and the garter toss which neither Brooklyn nor I caught, thank God. My mom would have shuffled the preacher over and told him to marry us then.
Brooklyn is at the table and I’m at the bar getting another drink when my phone buzzes in my pocket. I set down the drinks and pull it from my inside pocket.
Rome?
“Hey, Rome.”
“We still need to talk.” My dad comes alongside me.
I plug my other ear with my finger so I can hear him over the music.
“Wyatt, thank God. Brooklyn isn’t answering her phone.”
“Sorry. We’re at the wedding.” I walk away from my dad which he probably doesn’t even realize since he joins a different conversation while waiting for the bartender to make his drink.
“It’s probably better that I got you anyway. I’ve got some bad news.”
My entire body stiffens. “What happened?”
“Denver was on a flight with some guy who wanted to do a survival excursion. The plane went down. No one can find the plane or Denver. We were going to wait until we had more information before we told Brooklyn, but I got outvoted. What do you think is best? I tell her or you?”
The phone hangs in my hand. He should be telling me what’s best. He’s known her his entire life, I’ve known her for four months.
