I couldn’t contain my grin.
“This is…West…I….it’s just….perfect.” The last word was said with a kind of reverence I rarely heard, and my heart just swelled. Lincoln walked over to the cake, and his hand shook as he gently touched one of the callas. He yanked back his hand as though he was afraid to damage it, then whirled around and pinned me with a wide-eyed stare. “But the calla lilies—”
I held up a hand, cutting him off, then shot a finger-gun at Monroe. “Blame your brother for that.” Not only did I not want to get in trouble for going against my client’s order—though it was clear I wouldn’t be—I wanted to give credit where it was due. This was all Monroe, and Lincoln needed to know that.
Lincoln didn’t say anything, but he did punch his brother on the shoulder, in one of those good-natured soft slugs brothers could exchange. Monroe played it up, rolling with the motion, then chuckled a deep, joyful laugh and hugged Lincoln
I didn’t hear what he said from where I was, but Lincoln was nodding, and he gave a loud sniff before he pulled back. Then Monroe showed him the box of corsages and boutonnieres, and Lincoln lost it all over again.
“You’re not supposed to make me cry before the ceremony,” Lincoln protested, but it was half-hearted at best. “I’ll be all puffy before it even begins.”
Monroe waved a hand as though that was inconsequential. “Wil’s got it covered. Eye drops and a little de-puffing cream, and you’re all set. He planned ahead, to make sure you look happy in the pictures afterward.”
Lincoln nodded solemnly. “He is a planner. I just…Monroe!” Lincoln gestured wildly, encompassing the whole hall, and I knew it was time to make my exit.
Supremely glad I was able to witness Lincoln’s joy, but not wanting to intrude, I stealthily backed away. Monroe raised a brow in question, but I just smiled and mouthed, “I’ll see you later.” Monroe nodded, and I went to find something to keep me occupied for the next hour until the ceremony started.
* * * *
It was a lot warmer with fifty people packed in on the terrace for the ceremony. There weren’t many people I knew, but Landry’s Fall wasn’t that big and I recognized a few faces at least. I was sitting near the back, my preferred spot when attending a wedding. It was easier to take in the full picture that way.
And Lincoln and James, along with their wedding party, made quite a picture. Lincoln was small and lean, and the cut of his tuxedo fit him perfectly. He was positively glowing as he looked at the big man he was marrying. James was a few years older, and his tuxedo was a different style, but the double breasted cut of the jacket did something to make his shoulders look even wider. He held Lincoln’s hands in his, and even though the officiant was speaking, they couldn’t take their eyes off each other.
Even if I hadn’t known that Lincoln’s side of the party were his brothers, there’d have been no doubt once I saw them all together. Monroe stood right beside Lincoln—and good Lord he was even more beautiful with the jacket on—and then Hayes and Wilson. All four had dark, wavy hair, and seeing them together, it was impossible to miss the similarities in the lines and angles of their faces. I hadn’t seen it when I’d first met Monroe and Lincoln, but adding in Hayes and Wilson—though I wasn’t sure who was who—made it startlingly clear.
James’s Matron of Honor was wearing a dark pink dress, and the bouquet looked absolutely stunning in her hands. I couldn’t have planned it better, and a sense of pride washed through me as I saw it. Of his other two groomsmen, one was a stranger, but the other man I knew. Tru Rackley was kind of a local sensation, since he used to wear a red knitted hat over his cap of curls even in the dead of summer. He was also a dog whisperer extraordinaire and it wasn’t uncommon to see him being pulled around town by a pack of dogs.
My attention shifted back to the happy couple as the officiant invited them to say their vows. My heart squeezed in happiness when it was announced they’d written their own. Christ, that was my favorite thing and I made sure to pay attention.
James went first.
“I wasn’t looking for love,” he said in a strong, clear voice. “But Lincoln, you walked into my life anyway. You were all nerves and awkwardness, but so brave that I knew I had to find out more about you. I thank my lucky stars every day that I said ‘yes’ to the drink, and to dinner the next day. To every dinner after that. You’ve made my life richer. More complete. You make me a better version of myself. I didn’t know I was missing you until you were mine.