It takes me a few seconds to comprehend his words. “Um, yeah. They won’t be coming.” Even though this wedding is fake, I can’t help but wonder how it’d be to have people as excited for me as Zane’s family is for him.
“Would it be okay if I walk you down the aisle?” Zander asks sincerely.
For a second I’m speechless. I never dreamed of having someone by my side, walking me down the aisle, because I always thought I’d be doing it alone. My throat and nose are warm with a fusion of emotions until I find my voice again. “Would…you do that?”
“You’re going to be a part of our family, Vienna. I would do anything that makes you happy. I’d love to walk you down the aisle and give your hand to my brother or cheer for you and Zane from the sides.”
“Thank you so much, Zander. I’d love that.”
17
ZANE
The giant hall at the Butterfly Inn is slowly filling with people. My brothers have gone all out. I’m sure this is going to be one of the most talked about weddings in Cherrywood. And even though I’m not a fan of media attention, the excitement on the faces of my family members makes being plastered on page three tomorrow worth it.
Lukas groans for the hundredth time. “When will this shit start?”
“What’s-s up with you t-today? If you w-weren’t my best man, I’d th-think you don’t even want t-to be here.”
“It’s not that.” He jerks his head side to side. “Where is the reverend?”
“I’m here.” Reverend Marsh, dressed in a black suit, appears from behind Lukas with a huge smile on his face. “This would be the first time the best man is in a greater hurry than the groom himself.” He chuckles and shakes our hand.
“Zane.” Zach rushes to me. “Who’s your ring bearer?”
“It’s-s one of th-the kids. Why?”
“Lukas is your best man.” Zach cocks his head toward my friend. “Zander is walking Vienna. So I feel like I should have an important task, too.”
“You can be the bridesmaid,” Lukas deadpans.
But the seriousness in my brother’s face doesn’t waver. “I asked, but Vienna already has a friend. Ivy.”
The reverend raises an eyebrow, but I’ve full faith in my brother. Zach isn’t lying. He’d have definitely checked with Vienna.
“I was thinking how about being the ring bearer.” His serious gaze bores into me.
Who would think this crazy man is the same Zach Teager who is shrewd and sharp-witted when it comes to business?
“If the kids d-don’t mind, go ahead.”
“Great!” He gives me a thumbs-up and leaps off the raised stage.
Reverend Marsh chuckles. “Now this’ll be a sight to see.”
And it is.
Less than half an hour later, Zach is walking down the aisle, holding a tray with two velvet boxes. He’s surrounded by my three nephews, who are each holding flower baskets and throwing petals at him.
Everyone in the giant hall cracks up, including the reverend. “I’ve never seen such a sight in my forty years of marrying people.” He smiles at Zach, who is busy throwing air kisses to his wife seated in the front row.
But as soon as the music changes, a somberness hits me. Holding Zander’s arm, Vienna walks in, and there has never been anyone more beautiful than her. Her gaze widens as she looks around—I’m sure she didn’t expect such a big gathering—until her eyes settle on me.
When our gaze connects, everything about her, from the day I walked into Steamy Beans until now, swims before my eyes. I remember her carefree laughter, shy smiles, and fear-stricken face as she takes small steps closer to me.
When they stop at the bottom of the stage, Zander kisses her hand and whispers something in her ear. I notice how her chin trembles before she hugs my brother, who smiles and puts her hand in mine.
“Always keep her happy.” He slaps my back before taking the empty seat next to Rose.