Chapter 104
“We’re talking. Always have. We’ve agreed to be friends. That’s all.” Liam stepped out of his car and put on his tux jacket. “Your aunt’s here already.”
“That’s early,” said Pad. Pad stepped into the narthex with RJ and Liam. The first four pews on both sides had white bows tied around them. Pad saw his aunt and Dave up by the altar, positioning the white gardenias that sea in clear glass pots. The flowers added to the simplicity of the cross that hung against the wall. “Wow. That’s beautiful.”
“Hey there, sweethearts,” said Aunt Maddy. She hugged Pad and then RJ. “Give me a hug too, Liam.” Meanwhile, Dave shook their hands. “What do you think? I’ve put two gardenias on each side. And I’ve got your corsages too.”
“It’s very pretty, Maddy,” said RJ.
The quiet in the church was interrupted. Jay and Jonas, the twins arrived with their parents. Brown hair brushed, freckled faces beaming, they wore T- shirts, shorts, and flip-flops. Jen came up and hugged RJ and Pad. She wore her ivory skirt and salmon pink blouse with “Congratulations, you guys! I’m so happy to share this day with you!”
“I’m glad you’re part of it too.”
Bob, Jen’s husband came forward and shook their hands. “Early congrats, guys. Now where can the twins change?’
“There’s the choir room.” Pad pointed to the side, off the small nave. Bob took the bag and suits he had and told the boys to follow him.
“All right, see you in a few.” Bob ushered the twins to the changing room.
Pad turned to RJ. “We need to finish putting on our ties and then our corsages.”
RJ nodded and all three headed to the men’s room. Once there, RJ tied the bow tie for both Liam and Pad. “Where’s Chaz and Jack? You would think our best men would be here.”
“Jack’s probably on his way. He went home to shower after putting up the balloons,” offered Liam. “And as for Chaz, I have no clue.”
Pad and RJ heard music, “Sounds like the organist is warming up’” said Pad then his face flushed. “The programs! I forgot the programs at home.”
“Don’t worry about it, everyone knows who we are,” said RJ.
“That’s not the point. We’re commemorating something today. Some guests will want to follow along and keep them as keepsakes.”
“We don’t have enough time to go back home and get them. Send them after with the thank you cards. It’ll refresh their memories as to what happened today.”
“Oh my God, I can’t believe I forgot them. Jen and I spent hours working on them.”
“Is now a good time for me to tell you that Pad and I kissed?” interrupted Liam.
“You told me, Liam. At Hooters, remember?” RJ shook his head and side-eyed him.
Pad eyeballed Liam.
Liam ended the tension by speaking. “I’ll go check to see if Jack and Chaz have arrived.” Liam stepped out of the bathroom.
“Come on, Pad, it’s okay.”
Pad shook his head. The flushed face remained.
“Let’s step out and wait in the wings.” Pad followed RJ. As soon as they got to the narthex, they pulled back and stepped into the choir room. The room had a two-way mirror so the choir could determine the right time to process at Christmas and Easter. Bob and the twins were gone. “Hey, my dad’s here.” RJ started rattling off the people that were being seated by Jack. Liam soon joined Jack, and he too started escorting other guests to their seats. Wayne came in and sat with Tristan. Belinda sat next to her brother, sporting a sundress with a new tattoo. Other co-workers showed up, some confused as to which side to sit. Some sat on one side then transferred when they saw a whole group from the airline sitting together.
RJ commented as he watched their invitees get seated. “As much as you bust Jack for being a cut-up, he did an awesome job on the balloons and here working as your best man and performing groomsman duties.”
“I know.” Pad wrung his hands. “But he’s also probably wondering where the programs are.”
“Stop it!” RJ fished out his phone. “No word from Chaz. Did you get any calls or texts?”
“Stop worrying. We’ve still got a few minutes,”
“Why are you so calm about this? You’re freaking out about programs but Chaz has both of our rings!”
Before Pad replied he felt his own cell buzz in his jacket. He quickly glanced at the text.
We’re here. Pad bit his lip and held his breath.