by Ellie Wade
“I didn’t,” Landon says simply.
“You didn’t? Then, why is your phone buzzing like crazy right now? Let me see it.” I hold my hand out, palm up.
“Listen, I didn’t text them to tell them we’re engaged. Well, I guess that part is kind of implied because I invited them to our wedding.”
“What?” I shriek. “Tell me you didn’t.” Emotion wells up in my chest, and I feel my eyes filling with tears.
“Amy, stop.” Landon pulls me into a hug in an attempt to comfort me.
I push away from him. “I didn’t want my parents to find out their daughter was engaged through a text. That’s horrible, Landon. You shouldn’t have done that!” I groan in frustration. “They didn’t even know we were dating. That’s not fair to them.”
“Calm down, babe, and hear me out.”
I cross my arms in front of my chest. I’m positive I resemble a petulant child at the moment, but I’m so furious that I don’t even care.
“Amy, I’ve wanted to tell our families for a very long time. You’ve kept putting it off for all these different reasons. You’ve agreed to marry me next weekend, and I didn’t want you to have to deal with the anxiety and stress that you’d feel about finally revealing our big secret to our families. It’s done now. Everyone has time to process the information before we see them. It’s like ripping off a Band-Aid. The initial sting is a little shocking, but then you just feel relieved that it’s over.”
He rubs his hands up and down my waist. An endearing smirk shines across his face, and my anger fades.
“Like a Band-Aid, huh?” I question.
“Exactly.”
“Can I please see the text?”
“Of course.” He hands me his phone.
I take a deep breath before reading it.
Hey, fam. Landon and Amy here.
Fun fact: We started dating eight years ago, and after a bit of a hiatus, we have been together for the last year. We’re madly in love and getting married. Sorry we’re just telling you now. We were waiting for the perfect time to tell everyone, but there was always something. We hope you can join us in Las Vegas next weekend to celebrate our marriage.
On a side note: Amy has no idea I’m sending this text. She is a way classier message-giver than this, but she loves me, so she’ll forgive me.
Vegas anyone?
I read the message several times, absorbing every word. I shake my head, stifling my laughter. “You’re unbelievable. I seriously can’t believe you did that.” I hand his phone back to him.
“But?” he questions with a grin.
“But at least it’s out there. Now, let’s go talk to my parents.”
“See?”
I poke his chest. “Don’t you get all gloaty. I still wouldn’t have chosen to tell our family about our relationship via text. But what’s done is done.”
“Admit it. You’re glad I broke the ice.”
I bend and pick up Tucker before turning my attention back to Landon. “You didn’t just break the ice, babe. You threw our whole family in the freezing water.” I laugh. “Come on. We have some damage control to do.”
“Great. Then, we can head home and start planning our nuptials.”
“You’re insane.” I chuckle. “But I love you.”
I’m realizing that I’m not a huge fan of Landon’s Band-Aid theory. I’m quite sure that the last thirty minutes have been worse than they would’ve been had we broken the news gently—or at least any other way besides a group text.
“I know, and I’m sorry,” I tell my mom after she makes it known how much it hurts her that we’re just now telling her about our relationship.
Luck would have it that all of the members of both of our families are in one place—at my parents’ house, watching Michigan college football. One can count on our families being together every Saturday during the autumn months.
I’m feeling awkward and stupid, having to explain ourselves to everyone at once. Though I suppose, as uncomfortable as this is, at least it’s done—or it will be as soon as my mom stops crying.
“We weren’t trying to hurt anyone,” Landon says. “It’s just that”—
I stop him before he continues to take more unwarranted blame. “It’s my fault really. Landon wanted to tell everyone from the start. I’m the one who wanted to keep it to ourselves.”
“No, we did this together,” he says, his constant support of me unwavering.
Lily speaks, “Amy, don’t think that we’re not all happy for you because we are—like, crazy happy. We’re just confused. Did you think we wouldn’t support you?”
“No, it wasn’t that,” I tell her.
“I mean, they are seriously together all the time. We probably should’ve known,” Jax says.
“Yeah, but we’re all together a lot. You and Lily are always together,” Keeley says to Jax.
“Exactly.” He chuckles. “That’s my point.”
Keeley shrugs. “I know, but you know what I mean.”
“So, you’ve been dating for what, eight years? In secret?” my mom asks again, obviously confused since we’ve gone over the timeline already.
I take a seat on the arm of the sofa beside her. “We dated for two months or so when I first got to college, and then we broke up for seven years and were just friends. Then, we got back together around the time of the wedding.”
I don’t have to specify which one because we’re all very aware. There’s an uncomfortable silence in the room for a heartbeat.
I continue, “That was obviously a hard time for some here, and we didn’t want to make it harder. So, we waited until things calmed down a little. Then, there was the funeral, and again, things were difficult, so we waited some more. It was never our plan to keep anything from anyone. You know me.” Everyone’s attention is directed toward me. “I had a plan for how I wanted to tell you all, and I wanted it be perfect. So, I kept waiting for the right time, but that time never came.” My lips turn into a smile as I turn to face Landon. “Thankfully, Landon here got tired of waiting.”
I look around the living room at the people who mean so much to me, and though I know there are still lingering feelings of confusion, mostly, I simply see love. It hits me that Landon and I are finally official. For the first time ever, I truly know, deep within my heart, that he’s my happily ever after.
There’s been a piece of me that’s always been waiting for the shoe to drop, for my luck to turn, for me to lose him. Fear that I’d somehow lose myself again to the darkness that I was so ineffective at conquering before.
Depression, the gut-wrenching despair that I couldn’t even fully see at the time, made me someone I wasn’t. Loss turned to sadness, which morphed to the gloom that took over my life. My strength was replaced with despair and the inability to fight for the woman who deserved so much more than she allowed herself to have.
My eyes fill with tears. “You know, this family has gone through so much. Yet Landon and I …”
My watery gaze finds his as he stands across from me, next to his father. He looks to me with immense devotion.
My chest aches.
I just love him.
I swallow the sob that threatens to escape. “We’ve been through a lot, too. He and I have been each other’s rock for a long time. And maybe there was a part of me that didn’t want the happiness he brings me to be dimmed in any way. So, I kept him—us—to myself for as long as I could.”
My mom places her hand against my leg, gently squeezing my knee. She leans her head against my side. “I love you, Amy. I’m absolutely thrilled that you found a love like the one the two of you obviously share. We love Landon, of course. We’re so happy. I’m sorry I was upset. As your mom, I would’ve loved to be a part of your beginning, too. I would’ve enjoyed hearing all about your love as it grew into something more. But it’s okay. I’m delighted to be a part of it now. Every one of us has to walk our own path the way that works for us. It’s not fair for me to make you feel gui
lty about your choices.”
I rest my head to the side, atop hers. “It’s okay, Mom.”
My mom gasps suddenly, and her body stiffens. I lift my head to look at her.
Realization dawns in her widened eyes. “Is Landon … George?”
I nod, tasting the tears that fall freely now.
“Landon is George?” she asks again in bewilderment.
I swallow the lump in my throat. “Yes, he is.” Tears sting the backs of my eyes. I think back to eight years ago and the conversation that I had with my mom after my miscarriage when I told her about the father, “George,” who was no longer in the picture.
She brings her hands to her mouth, covering her cries. She stands and pulls me up with her before waving Landon over. In a few steps, he’s at our side, and my mom wraps us in a hug. I cry along with her, years of secrecy and heartache breaking free. She knew about the miscarriage, of course, but now realizing that it was Landon’s loss, too, adds a whole other level of emotion.
“Who the hell is George?” Jax questions.
“Apparently, Landon,” Keeley answers.
“But what does that even mean? I’m so confused,” Lily replies.
“I have a feeling that’s another story for another day,” my dad says from behind me as he joins our three-person embrace. “I’m happy for you guys,” he tells us before he kisses my cheek.
We all step back from the hug huddle, and my mom and I wipe our eyes.
Jax’s booming voice cuts the tension in the room, and it’s a welcome distraction. “So, Vegas?” he says with a clap of his hands.
“Yes, Vegas,” Landon responds. “Man, I’m just ready to be married to her.” He scans the space, making eye contact with everyone in the room. “I get that this is new to you all, but I’ve loved Amy for a long time, and I want her to be my wife. Like, now.” He huffs out a laugh.
“Same,” I say. “Neither of is interested in a fancy wedding. We only want to be married.”
“Vegas sounds fun and romantic,” Susie, Landon’s mom, says.
“So, everyone can be free next weekend to make a trip out west?” Landon asks.
A variety of nods and affirmative replies sounds out, causing a rush of giddiness to fill me up.
Landon’s stare holds mine as we smile wide.
“Then, it’s a date.” I beam at my fiancé.
“It’s a date,” he agrees.
Amy
Vows in Venice.
Family.
Being Mrs. Porter.
Vegas weddings aren’t given the credit they deserve. I’m amazed with the beauty of my surroundings.
There’s no cheesy chapel with crimson-red carpet that was installed in the eighties. Elvis isn’t marrying us, and we aren’t drunk out of our minds. This moment is nothing like it’s portrayed in the movies. Sure, if we wanted those things, they’re definitely available. This is Vegas after all. But our version is so much better.
My dress is elegant, simple, white, and flowy. I got it right off the rack at a local bridal shop this week, and it couldn’t be more perfect. Lily and Keeley stand beside me in little black dresses.
Landon faces me, more gorgeous than he’s ever been in his tux, his brother standing proudly beside him. The minister is a woman we just met moments before. She has kind eyes, a warm smile, and the qualifications to marry us, which is all we require.
Besides the wedding party, our entire guest list is situated a few feet away—all four of them. Our parents and siblings are who we wanted. I would’ve loved to have my best friend, Bass, but he is on baby watch in California.
Some girls dream of grand weddings, every detail planned out months or years prior. I dream of Landon. I’ve never needed the pomp and circumstance. I’ve only ever needed him. Just him.
That’s not to say that we’re not encircled in beauty. We stand within a stunning terrace. White columns modeled from Italian architecture separate us from the lush Venetian gardens below. Vines of white roses grow up the columns. The greenery creates a picturesque backdrop and smells like spring and happiness.
Landon holds my hands in his. His hazel eyes shine down on me with unquestionable love. His gaze sends a warmth through me that fills my soul with pure joy. “I, Landon, take thee, Amy, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.” His words are strong with conviction and shaky with emotion, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that he means every single one of them.
Landon Porter cherishes me more than any human on this earth could. He was made to love me, and I to love him.
When the minister tells Landon that he can kiss the bride and his lips find mine, I know that his lips will be kissing me forever.
After a photographer takes some wedding pictures for us, the nine of us take a stroll through the streets of The Venetian until we get to the restaurant where we made our dinner reservations.
“I can’t believe how beautiful this place is. It really feels like we’re in Italy,” Lily tells me as we overlook a Venetian town square from the restaurant’s second-story balcony.
“It really does,” I agree.
I’m so glad that we decided to hold our wedding at The Venetian hotel here. It feels as if we’re actually in a fancy Italian restaurant overlooking the city below. Every storefront is authentic in appearance, as is the river that flows through the town center.
“It’s crazy that even the ceilings look like a real sky,” Keeley says.
I look up to the high ceilings above us, which are painted with hues of blue. There are white clouds that appear to be so realistic.
“I know, and look how the sky is getting darker, just like it would if the sun were really setting. It’s surreal,” I say to my sisters as the sky above us gradually turns from daylight to night.
“Yeah, if one wants to get married in Venice without traveling overseas, this is the place,” Lily says.
“I heard the inside of the Paris hotel is just as pretty, only obviously resembling Paris. We should visit there tomorrow. You should see if your husband wants to come.” Keeley shoots me a wink, and we all laugh.
It’s crazy that Landon is officially my husband.
“My ears are ringing. You gorgeous girls talking about me?” Landon says from behind us.
I turn as he hands me a glass of red wine, imported from Italy.
“Thank you,” I say as I take the glass. “Kiki was just saying we should visit Paris tomorrow.”
“Yeah, that sounds fun. We could visit a bunch of the hotels,” he says.
“Ooh, we should gamble! I saw the Deal or No Deal and the Wheel of Fortune slot machines earlier. They look like fun,” Kiki says as Jax steps out onto the balcony to join us.
He hands a glass to Lily and kisses her on the cheek. “I could go for some blackjack,” Jax agrees.
“Are you feeling lucky?” Lily asks Jax with a seductive giggle, which is our cue to head back in to our table for dinner.
“Are you feeling lucky, Mrs. Porter?” Landon whispers in my ear as we make our way inside the restaurant.
I turn to face him. I wrap an arm around his neck. “I don’t need luck. I already have you.”
Dinner is just like any other family meal, except I’m in a wedding dress and we’re pretending we’re in Venice. Tonight is exactly what I wanted.
The conversation flows freely, and there’s no underlying worry or secrets. Everyone is perfectly content. Today’s a gift that I’ll always cherish.
Keeley and Jax throw lighthearted insults toward one another, as they often do.
Jax holds out his hand, his fingers splayed. “Hey, stop. Don’t go dissing on Buddha. He’s the coolest,” Jax tells Kiki in response to her cat joke as we all laugh.
Lily addresses Landon and me, “I still can’t believe you turned Jax into a cat person.”
“That was all Amy,” Landon says.
“Have you met Buddha? He’s amazing,” I say.
“He is. I love him,” Lily agrees. “Though I’d love him more if he wasn’t such an ass. He pretty much despises me.”
Landon shakes his head, raising an eyebrow. “You know, Lily, we chose Buddha because he was pretty much the nicest cat we’d ever seen. I can’t imagine him being a jerk. You sure you aren’t pulling his tail when no one’s looking?”
Lily scoffs, “No, I’m seriously nothing but nice to that chubs, but he still hates me.”
Jax finishes wrapping his linguine noodles around his fork. “He doesn’t hate you. He just loves me and is jealous. You have to remember that it’s been just him and me for a while. He has to get used to you.” He shoves his forkful of noodles into his mouth.
“Cats can be particular that way,” I say. “He’ll warm up to you. He just needs time.”
Lily wrapped up her job in New York and moved back a month ago. She’s been living with Jax since then, and Buddha isn’t particularly fond of her yet.
“Every night, I wake up with his huge butt on my face,” Lily says, causing us all to laugh. “Like, his whole giant kitty ass, probably fresh from the litter box, plopped on my face. It’s gross.”
“He’s just snuggling with you, Lil,” Jax says.
“Or wiping feces on me.” Lily scrunches up her nose.
“He’s a cool-ass cat.” Landon chuckles.
“I still vote for dogs. They love everyone. By the way, who’s watching Tucker?” Lily asks me.
“My friend Kylie, from work,” I say. “He loves her. So, I’m sure he’s in heaven.”
Lily pours some more wine into her glass. “Of course he loves her because dogs are cool.”
Jax shakes his head. “Once again, not cool to dis on Buddha. Cats don’t just roll over and take it. You have to earn their love. He’ll warm up to you. I promise.” He kisses Lily on the head.
My dad taps his fork against his glass and stands. The air around us changes, the jovial mood replaced with uncertainty. My dad isn’t one to make big speeches often. He’s the type of person who speaks when he has something of value to say. So, when he talks, everyone listens.
