When she appears in the doorway on her dad’s arm, I look to see Cade’s reaction. He gasps, his lips parted, and tears fill his eyes. He takes a deep breath and grins at her. He’s cut his hair and the atrocious beard is gone, replaced by some heavy scruff.
Rae reaches him and he takes her hand, whispering something in her ear that makes her blush.
I begin to cry, because it’s a wedding, and that’s my brother and best friend, and it’s just beautiful.
I barely hear their vows over my struggles to regain myself.
Before I know it, they’re announced as husband and wife, making their way back up the aisle.
We clear out of the room and the hotel staff hurries to get it ready for the reception.
In the meantime, we hang out outside the room. Rae and Cade have disappeared for pictures, and soon we’re called to join them for the group ones.
When the pictures are done, the room is ready for the receptio
n.
They’ve transformed the ballroom into a winter wonderland. Silver and white curtains hang down over all the walls, adding a softness. The tables are all covered in silver tablecloths. There’s an area for dancing and a stage for the band.
We all take our seats for the sit down dinner of steak or fish.
I’m amazed by how many people are at the wedding. It’s still small by most people’s standards, but larger than some.
While they eat, Cade leans over periodically and whispers in Rae’s ear. He must say something dirty once because she smacks his shoulder.
I’m so incredibly happy for them, though.
On a day like today I can’t help but be reminded of the depressed girl I met when we were roommates our freshman year. She was so unhappy and didn’t want to be friends with anybody, and look at her now. More than friends, she has a whole new family. Sometimes what we think we don’t want is exactly what we need.
She laughs at something he says and I smile.
“Why are you smiling?” Xander asks me.
“I’m just happy,” I tell him. “Everyone … We all seem to be doing exactly what we’re meant to be doing.” I point at Cade and Rae laughing and admiring their new wedding rings, Jace staring at Nova as she photographs the wedding, and then finally, I indicate us and my very large bump.
Xander grins back at me and touches my belly. “Life’s good,” he agrees.
“It’s perfect,” I breathe.
“Not quite,” he disagrees. “But it will be once she’s here.” He rubs my tummy.
I place my hand over his, smiling.
“I can’t wait to meet her.”
“Me too. I wonder who she looks like,” he murmurs.
“I don’t know. It doesn’t matter.”
“I hope she looks like you.” He bends his head, kissing my shoulder.
“Funny, because I hope she looks like you,” I admit, and he grins back.
“Two more months and we’ll know.”
“Did you hear that, little girl?” I ask my belly. “Two more months and we’ll know what you look like. We can’t wait to see you.”
I’m more than ready to meet her now.