Page 148 of Seale the Deal

This building is gorgeous, Wrenley says, still half lost in the view.

It’s a stunner, Drew agrees warmly. Ready to see the room?

We sure are, Remi says, and I can tell she’s keeping her voice bright to hide that anything is wrong between us.

We walk into a room with laminate floors and walls painted in forgettable shades of beige. You can tell the room is meant to be dressed up so no one notices how plain it is underneath. Remi and Drew walk across the room, where Drew picks up a folder, and they start talking.

I should probably… Wrenley gestures with our joined hands toward the two of them, and I reluctantly let go of her.

I walk toward the large windows that overlook the ocean. It’s technically the same view as downstairs, only the higher vantage point makes it look bigger. I find myself imagining this room filled with people. I can picture standing in front of these windows, waiting for Wrenley. I can picture her walking toward me. I can picture saying I do and meaning it.

I press my lips together and look toward the horizon. It doesn’t really matter what I can picture. It doesn’t matter what future I want or how easy it is for me to imagine it. The only thing that matters is whether Wrenley wants it too.

I walk over to Drew, Remi, and Wrenley.

We’re just looking at food options, Remi says.

Anything good? I ask.

Remi and I were liking the idea of pulled carrots for the vegetarian option, Wrenley says, and a part of me wants to take her planning as hope that this is going to work out.

Maybe we should do bring your own, I say. I think Remi is the only vegetarian.

Remi’s eyes narrow. Shows how much you know. Yikaih only eats what he hunts, so he’ll want a vegetarian option. Shelley from the bank has been a vegan for a decade. So, I’m not the only one.

Wow. Three people, I deadpan.

Remi waves me off.

Drew lifts his arms, motioning to the far wall. Let’s move away from food. This will be the ceremony backdrop. And the view speaks for itself.

I look through the windows. The ocean sprawls endlessly. It’s beautiful.

We have a nice arch you can decorate, chairs supplied. Oh, and do you have someone officiating?

Walter, Remi says.

Checks out, Drew says with a nod.

Drew keeps talking about photographers and logistics, but all I can hear is the blood rushing in my ears.

So what do you think? Drew asks.

The three of us look at each other, and I can tell we’re all thinking the same thing. We’re standing here talking about a wedding venue when we don’t even know if there will be a wedding.

I realize there is only one thing I do know: I’m all in. I’m not going to start backing down from this because it’s gotten a little more complicated. I said I’d do it, and I’m going to see it through to the end.

I reach into my back pocket and pull out my wallet. You take credit?

Absolutely, Drew says.

Remi steps between us. Oh no. I’ve got this. Wedding gift.

I shake my head. No.

Ruger.

Remi.