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EPILOGUE: LIAM
THREE MONTHS LATER…
Today was the big day. After a month of back-and-forth on wedding plans with Macy, we came up with a simple solution: get married in Vegas.
No huge, splashy event, no large crowds, just the two of us and our closest family and friends. My cousins, Quinn and Ryder, of course, plus Delaney and Bree; Everly; Gabe, Jillian, and Benji. That’s it.
My mother deemed the entire concept “tacky,” but offered to throw us a formal reception in Chicago. To keep the peace, Macy and I agreed to the compromise. My sisters decided to attend that in lieu of the wedding, which was fine by me.
So that’s how I ended up standing on a lavish hotel rooftop deck in Vegas, at sunset in a tux, with Benji at my side.
“You ready to do this, man?” Benji asked, leaning in as the harpist began the processional music.
I glanced over my shoulder at him, nodding. “Definitely.”
Everything between Macy and me had been fantastic since I’d officially moved to Peachtree Grove. I was still crashing at Quinn’s apartment, but we’d started the building process with a local contractor on a new two-story house near Pops and Gigi. Macy quit both her jobs and together we were running the general store. We spent all day and every night with each other, and I’d never been happier.
I looked back at my cousins. Ryder gave me a thumbs-up and Quinn smirked, one eyebrow arched high; I took that as his sign of approval. Bree smiled beatifically and Delaney gave me a wave.
Suddenly, Everly appeared at the end of the long white aisle runner, wearing what I’d been informed was a tea-length champagne-colored satin slip dress, her dark hair pulled to the side with a diamond-encrusted clip. She carried a small nosegay of pale pink roses and smiled widely as she sashayed down the aisle towards us.
“Hey, you,” she said, bumping up against my shoulder as she reached Benji and me. “Take a deep breath, she’s coming. She thought about bailing, but don’t worry, I talked her out of it.”
My pulse started racing, and Everly giggled. “Relax, Liam. I’m joking. She never thought of bailing, not even once.”
Taking Everly’s advice, I exhaled the breath I’d been holding. “Not funny, Ev.” I shook my head at her, but smiled. Macy and Everly were a package deal, and I was happy we got along so well.
The music lulled, then the harpist switched to the traditional Wedding March. Everyone stood and glanced back towards the end of the aisle, where Macy appeared. Benji let out a long, low whistle.
“Damn, Liam,” he muttered under his breath. “You did good.”
I had to agree. Macy looked absolutely stunning in a simple, yet elegant white satin sheath dress with spaghetti straps. Her golden hair was pulled back in a loose updo, a few stray tendrils framing her radiant face.
My chest constricted, my heart pounding so loud I could barely hear the mellow notes of the harp as Macy glided down the aisle towards me, towards our future together. I fiddled with the top button of my jacket, more nervous now than I’d been pitching my app to a room full of investors.
This was it.I’d heard about it from friends who’d taken the plunge before me, but their descriptions didn’t really do this moment justice. My insides swirled with anxiety, excitement, and a strange effervescent giddiness. I knew I was one-hundred percent making the right decision, but it all felt momentous.
Macy made it down the aisle, just as Everly had promised, and I turned to face her.
“You look stunning,” I murmured, my voice low so only she could hear. She smiled up at me, her cheeks flushing a soft shade of pink.
“Thanks. You look pretty handsome yourself.”
“Alright, kids, you ready to get this show on the road?” Mars, Delaney’s friend, business partner, and our designated wedding officiant asked.
I nodded, my throat suddenly tight and dry.
“Perfect. Let’s get through the official stuff, so then we can party,” Mars said, winking at us.
Everyone laughed and the mood lightened.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today,” Mars began, his face and tone serious. Macy and I caught each other’s eye, and I could barely hold in my grin. This could take a while if Mars went down the formal path. Delaney did warn us he was dramatic…
“To join Macy and Liam in holy matrimony. Now, I only just met these two crazy kids, like, last week, but I can tell they are over the moon for each other and have a bond that will stand the test of time. Does anyone disagree with this assessment? Speak now or forever hold your peace.”
Mars peered out at our friends and family, but no one had anything to say. Hearing no argument, he continued, “Great, that’s what I thought. We’re all in agreement that the union of this man and this woman is wonderful, fantastic, divine, even. Mm-kay, that’s my part. Macy, you’re up. Vows. Turn and face Liam and—” He paused, long and dramatic. “Go.”
