Page 47

I stand in front of the full-length mirror in my bedroom, adjusting the navy blue tie around my collar. My reflection stares back at me. A man in a tailored suit, looking every bit the fortunate groom preparing to marry the love of his life. But underneath the expensive linen, my nerves are working overtime. My pulse is jackhammering in my chest.

In the corner of the room, songs hum quietly from the radio resting on the dresser as I get ready. A soft piano melody begins to filter through the speaker. John Legend’s soulful, gravelly voice starts to sing “Love You Now.” My hands freeze on my lapels. My mouth goes completely dry as I absorb the lyrics into my very marrow. I don’t know that I’ve ever paid attention to them before.

Legend sings about wondering who will kiss her when he’s gone, and a visceral, agonizing panic spikes through my blood. I don’t want to think about that. Ever. I can’t bear the thought of another man touching her, holding her, or standing where I’m about to stand. The words hit me like a physical blow to the chest, knocking the air right out of my lungs.

A sudden shift crashes over me. It strips away every defense mechanism I’ve built up over the last twenty years. The snark and defensive quips all evaporate in a heartbeat.

I just want to love her while I can.

There’s no doubt in my mind that this contract, this one-year test, is going to kill me when it’s all over, and she walks away for good. But looking at my reflection, the truth settles into my bones with absolute clarity. If I only have three hundred and sixty-five days with Alexis, I’m going to love this girl with everything I have.

No more holding back.

A soft knock at the doorframe breaks the spell. I turn to see Sebastian leaning against the wood, his hands shoved into his trousers, observing me with a quiet intensity. He doesn’t miss the shine in my eyes. “Hey,” he says, stepping into the room. “You okay? You look surprisingly emotional.”

I swallow hard, desperately trying to take the attention off my newfound epiphany before he starts digging into what’s really going on inside my head. “Yeah,” I say, clearing my raspy throat and smoothing down my lapels. “I was just thinking. I wish Dad was here.”

Sebastian tilts his head, his expression softening. I think I must’ve caught him off guard. Particularly given the strained relationship we had with our father.

I was lucky enough to make peace with our father before pancreatic cancer stole his life a few years ago. In those final months, Dad had looked me in the eye and apologized for not being a better role model or parent to us. And I believe he was genuine. In the end, we couldn’t do anything about the time we’d lost together. So I simply made peace with the fact he was trying to make amends in his last days for his mistakes.

Sebastian remains quiet for a long moment, staring down at the polished floorboards before looking back up at me.

“You okay?” I ask, picking up on the heavy shadow hanging over his shoulders I’ve noticed a few times lately.

“Yeah,” he says, forcing a small, tight smile. “I’ve had a lot on my… never mind. We’ll talk about it some other time. Not on your big day.” Before I can push him on it, a loud, energetic knock rattles the open door.

“Hey, guys,” I greet. My nephew, Austin, and Gavin, Austin’s friend, pop their heads into the room, looking sharp in their matching flax-colored linen suits. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Sebastian’s jaw tighten. What on earth is that about?

“Hey, Uncle Sammy,” Austin blurts, marching up to me with a serious look on his face. “I got what you asked for. Your something blue.” He hands over the item I’d tasked him with securing earlier this morning, holding it out like a prized possession.

“I think that’s supposed to be the bride’s something blue,” Gavin teases. “But you never quite know with your uncle.” He snorts.

“Ha ha.” I playfully pop the back of Gavin’s head with my palm. “Thanks, buddy,” I say, taking it from Austin’s hand and tucking it safely away into the inner pocket of my suit jacket. “I really appreciate you finding this for me. I’ll see you guys down there.”

“Don’t try and pull off a runaway groom!” Gavin chuckles as they turn and head back down the hallway, their dress shoes squeaking against the wooden floor.

I turn back to the mirror one last time, taking a deep, steadying breath.

It’s time.

A light breeze carries the sweet scent of crushed grapes and damp earth through the rows of vines behind us. I stand at the head of the aisle, adjusting the cuffs of my jacket, looking out over the wooden chairs arranged neatly on the lawn. Beyond the altar arch, woven with white roses and eucalyptus, the Sutter Creek vineyard stretches out in endless green waves, rolling all the way to the tree line.

It’s a stark contrast to where the reception will be held later tonight. Inside the main tasting room, the rustic oak barrels have been moved aside, and heavy farm tables are arranged around a newly polished floor where everyone can dance. But out here under the open sky, with the rolling fields as our backdrop, the space feels vast and completely timeless. I can practically imagine Pop standing witness to it all in the distance.

Guests are already trickling in, mingling in small groups on the stone patio near the outdoor bar where light appetizers and pre-ceremony champagne are being served. People drift seamlessly between the breezy outdoor terrace and the warm, wood-beamed interior of the tasting room.

Watching a young couple laugh near the edge of the terrace, a sudden thought takes root in my mind. We’ve always treated weddings at Sutter Creek as a secondary thought. An occasional favor for friends or local families. Sure, we book occasional weddings here, but they are usually last-minute affairs. Ones where it seemed obvious their first choices were already booked. But looking at the way the sunlight hits the arbor, highlighting the beauty of the valley, I realize the untapped potential staring me right in the face.

I make a mental note to talk to Lexi later. Based on what she has managed to pull together here in such a short time frame, she clearly has an incredible eye for detail. Not to mention her deep connection to this land. Maybe she can help me redesign and expand our event spaces. Perhaps we could construct a permanent outdoor pavilion, expand the terrace, and give future couples even more options to celebrate their weddings here. This place has so much to offer I haven’t allowed myself to consider before.

The low hum of conversation suddenly lulls, replaced by the warm acoustic chords of classical music drifting across the lawn. I turn toward the aisle, my heart again feeling like it’s thrashing against my ribs, waiting for the bride to appear.

Three of Lexi’s bridesmaids make their way down the aisle in preparation of my bride’s arrival. She described Lilly, Georgia, and Claire as fellow “Swiftie” book club members she’s been meeting up with once a month for years. I’d barely spoken with them at our engagement dinner, but it’s clear they are a big part of her life.

I stand nervously, with Sebastian, Austin, and Gavin beside me as my groomsmen. The main tasting room might still have a leak in the corner and furniture in need of replacing, but today, we’ve covered the cracks with white silk and over-the-top floral displays. It’s a fifty-million-dollar stage, and I’m the lead actor.

A bead of sweat trickles down the back of my shirt. This shit is seriously getting real.