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We exit the car, the long flowy fabric of my cream-colored off-the-shoulder summer dress blowing in the breeze as we make our way across the lot. As we reach the entrance to the path, Rico gestures for me to walk ahead of him before he steps onto the paved footpath behind me. He glances side to side, almost as though he’s unsure of his intended direction, before placing his hand to my back and leading us off to the left.
The walking trail was a huge community-based project the city started back when we were in elementary school. Each of the surrounding towns constructed their own portion of the path to run through their particular territory, linking to the path in the neighboring town at predetermined points. Today, it’s one giant trail passing through all five towns, encircling the entire circumference of Queen City.
Maybe I’m just partial to Dutchess’s portion because I grew up here, but I’ve always found our section to be the prettiest. The trees surrounding the path are tall, with branches that extend up and over the walkway to serve as somewhat of a canopy. Various flowers line either side of the trail, decorating the ground with bright pops of color.
We walk in silence for several minutes before coming up on a slight bend, rounding the corner to reveal Nicky and JP standing beside a small wooden bench. My wedged heels thud against the asphalt, alerting them to our impending approach. Nicky turns in our direction, his head doing a double-take as he eyes latch onto my form. His lips part, mouth falling slightly agape as he continues to scan me from the subtle dip of my sweetheart neckline to the slit in the ruffled layers of the skirt.
I seize the moment to take in his appearance as well. Nicky’s wearing a pair of charcoal gray slacks, the sleeves of his white button down rolled up with the top two buttons undone. The vest he wears overtop of his shirt matches the color of his suit pants. The whole ensemble’s giving off 1920s vibes, but in a sexy Peaky Blinders kind of way.
“Hey,” he breathes out, almost as though he’s at a loss for words.
“Hi.” I feel my face heat from the intensity of his stare, silently hoping perhaps he won’t notice in the absence of the quickly fading daylight.
“I’m happy you came.”
I fidget with the loops of fabric hanging off the shoulder of my dress while the toe of my shoe scrapes at nothing in particular on the ground before me. “Not like I really had a choice, given my options.”
For a moment I think I see something akin to disappointment flicker across his face, but the shadows of this time of day combined with the cover of the trees places me at a disadvantage in discerning his emotions.
“Shall we get this show on the road?”
He doesn’t respond. Instead, he takes my hand, leading me to stand beside him in front of the faded wooden bench, while JP stands before us.
“No way.” I chuckle as he pulls a piece of paper from his breast pocket, preparing to read what’s he’s scribbled on it. “You’re doing the ceremony?”
“Hell yeah, I am.” JP winks at me. “Got ordained just for you, Dee. We fancy like that.”
“Good God. You guys know we don’t have to do this, right? Nick and I already signed the marriage license this morning. It’s a done deal.”
“You’re really gonna rob him of this experience?” Nicky leans into me, his head dipping toward mine. “What’s next? You gonna tell him there’s no Santa?”
“Blasphemy!” JP shouts, punching Nick in the chest before pinning me with a glare. “We’re doing this. Get over it. Best man, take your place.”
Rico crosses behind us, coming to stand off to Nicky’s right.”
“I would just like to go on record and state the only reason Rico is Best Man is because I’m serving the role as minister.”
“Yeah.” Rico snorts. “That’s why.”
“Guys!” Nicky snaps, causing everyone to jump to attention. “Can we get this moving along?”
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of—”
“JP,” Nicky interrupts. “Maybe we could tone down the theatrics just a bit.”
“Got it. Got it.” He folds up the sheet of paper, abandoning his speech as he tucks it away into the back of his pants. Taking a moment to collect his thoughts, he begins again. “When Nicky asked me to do this, I was so unbelievably honored, but also…overjoyed. We’ve known each other for a really long time. And throughout the years, we’ve helped one another through the lowest of the lows, but also celebrated all our greatest successes. Because for better or worse, we’re a family and that’s what family does.
“I know the conditions surrounding this wedding are a little unconventional, but when I look back on this day, it won’t be with regret or sadness. No, I’m going to look back and celebrate this day for exactly what it is—the day two of the strongest people I know realized they didn’t have to walk this world alone.”
I sniffle, my hand raising to swipe at my tears when a warm palm reaches over to cradle my face. Nicky turns me toward him, his free hand cupping the other side of my jaw, tilting my head back to look up at him.
“And so, by the power vested in me by FifteenMinuteMinisters.com, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
His mouth lowers to mine, the chaste kiss feeling anything but as he claims me in the presence of our friends.
“Oh, shit!” JP hisses, suddenly appearing distraught. “I forgot the part about the rings. Nick, where are they?
“We don’t have any.” He releases me, our moment having apparently run its course. “They aren’t needed.”
