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My entire, extended family is eating this wedding up right now.
Meanwhile, I’m standing here acting as if I’m the supportive brother of the groom, when I’ve barely talked to Sawyer, or any of my family members in over a year. And on top of that, Callie and I are pretending to be a couple just to appease them.
I’m such a fraud.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife, again! Sawyer, you may now kiss your bride, or shake her hand!” Dad exclaims, causing everyone to burst into laughter. Sawyer then takes Bailey into his arms, dipping her as they share a passionate kiss—one that definitely makes up for the television disaster. The whole room erupts in cheers and applause as they break apart, grinning from ear to ear.
We follow them down the aisle and out of the chapel, where they’re met with a shower of rose petals and well wishes.
Callie greets me in the hallway. “That was beautiful,” she whispers.
We walk toward the reception area side-by-side, our arms brushing against each other occasionally, as we intentionally hang back, not wanting to intrude on Sawyer and Bailey’s special moment. As we get closer to the reception hall, a sense of dread begins to wash over me.
I’m about to face my entire, extended family for the first time in over a year.
I really hope they don’t ask too many questions.
“Hey, you okay?” Callie’s voice breaks through my thoughts, and I realize we’ve stopped walking.
I look at her, taking in her concerned expression. “Yeah, sorry. Just lost in thought,” I say, forcing a smile.
She stares at me, searching my eyes with a knowing look. I can feel the tension between us, the chemistry that’s been building since the moment we met, as I stare back into her beautiful emerald eyes. This woman, who’s practically a complete stranger, is standing here, supporting me in this moment of unspoken doubt and uncertainty, because she senses I need it. I’ve never experienced anything like this before. Callie is so kind and so willing to help me repair the damage I’ve caused with my family.
“Isn’t this just the happiest day?” my mom says from behind me. I turn to face her, noticing the tears streaming down her cheeks. She grabs us both by the arm, pulling us in for a hug. “I’m so glad you two could be here to celebrate with us.”
“We wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” Callie says without skipping a beat, still wrapped up in the hug.
I nod in agreement, patting my mom’s back awkwardly before she releases us. “Well, I’ve gotta go greet the rest of the guests, but I hope to see you two on the dance floor tonight.” She winks and disappears into the crowd.
“You know, I’ve never been to a wedding this extravagant before,” Callie says, breaking the silence between us.
“Yeah, my family doesn’t do anything halfway.” I chuckle.
“I can tell,” she says, looking around the ballroom in awe, “it’s beautiful.”
We make our way into the ballroom for the reception and I grab us both a Dr. Pepper from the bar. As I hand Callie her drink, Ava makes an appearance. “Hey, Uncle Wade! Where’s Cooper?”
“Hey sweet pea. Cooper’s on vacation with his mom this weekend.” I sigh, as Callie gives me a sympathetic look.
“Aww, darn. I was hoping to see him.” Ava pouts, looking up at me with big green eyes.
“I know, I’m sorry kiddo. I was hoping to see him too,” I say, tousling her hair. “But we can spend some time together tonight, okay?” She brightens up at my words and takes off skipping toward the snack table.
“A girl after my own heart,” Callie says, smiling at Ava as she piles her plate with deviled eggs and biscuits.
I laugh, finding myself more and more drawn to Callie’s infectious energy. “Me too. I’ve never met a snack table I didn’t like.”
“Same!” She giggles, taking a sip of her drink.
“Wade! It’s so good to see ya.” I turn to see Carson’s best friend Wyatt and his wife.
“Hey, Wyatt! How ya been?”
“Good, man. Enjoyin’ married life. Do ya remember my wife, Britt?”
“Yeah. Hey, Britt.” I greet them both with a hug before gesturing toward Callie. “By the way, this is my fiancée Callie.”
“Hi, Callie! It’s so nice to meet you.” Britt leans in and gives her a hug before Wyatt shakes her hand.
