Chapter Thirty Eight

Trinity

Who else turns into a sobbing mess at every wedding they attend? I mean, the kind of crying that’s caught on camera and becomes a meme? Oh, you too? Great, we’re in the same boat!

Over the past few years, I’ve been lucky enough to watch many of my closest friends tie the knot with their soulmates. I’ll always be grateful that these wonderful people chose me to stand by their side on their most joyous day. And I’ll forever cherish the fact that they stood by me (and helped me through my many bridezilla moments) on my own special day.

Being a part of my best friend’s big day was an experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. There’s something magical about seeing a newly married couple glowing with happiness.

Maddie made a stunning bride! You know those people who seem like they were born to do something? Well, while we were shopping for her dress, we quickly realized that Maddie was one of those people. She looked fabulous in everything she tried on. She was the picture-perfect, put-her-on-top-of-a-wedding-cake kind of bride.

The little things matter the most. Felicity and David, Benji and Maddie did an amazing job of incorporating meaningful details into every part of their wedding, even though it was a small, intimate affair.

But that’s okay because we were all family. They planned a sweet, relaxing morning with family and friends.

They chose a time for their wedding that held special meaning for them—the first time we all gathered together again. They planned a menu full of their favorite foods, including a mashed potato bar and a delicious spread of mini pies for dessert.

They handpicked the music, made sure we all had a role to play, and even set the dinner tables "family style" to make everyone feel included in the intimacy of the day.

These four are head over heels for each other, and the pictures are proof. It was an honor to stand beside them on their big day and celebrate their new beginning.

As we all sat down to enjoy a delicious meal after getting the kids settled at their table, Stephen and Clint poured everyone a glass and Stephen stood up to propose a toast.

“Firstly, congratulations to you all,” Stephen began. “I’m so glad you’ve found the happiness that I’ve found with my wife and I wish you all a lifetime of love to come. Dave and Felicity, they say you don’t marry the person you can live with, you marry the person you can’t live without. That sums you up perfectly. To a lifetime of love, cheers.”

We all took a sip of our drinks as I rubbed my lower back, looking up and smiling at him.

“Benj and Maddie,” Stephen continued, “we all knew Benji had found the one when he started spending more time with Maddie than he did lecturing our asses for causing more work for him. It’s wonderful to see you both so happy together. To a lifetime of love, cheers.”

We all took another sip and Stephen sat down beside me. I wrapped my arm around his shoulder and leaned in, stroking his neck as he reached over and stroked my thigh softly.

“I love you,” I whispered.

“I love you too,” Stephen replied. “Even though it was small, it was intimate and sincere. It was a good day, right baby?”

“It was perfect,” I agreed.

I snuggled into my husband as Clint and Mia, Stephen and I watched the four of them share their first dance. I couldn’t speak for the others, but I found myself lost in memories of my own wedding. I found myself playing with my wedding rings as I gripped my husband’s bicep.

“What are you thinking?” Stephen asked.

“Just reminiscing about our wedding day, babe,” I replied.

“One of the best days of my life,” he said.

“Mine too,” I agreed.

The song soon ended and we all got up to join them for a dance. The moonlight cast a beautiful glow over the stage set up for the night, decorated with fairy lights throughout the trees. I looked at our friends, all lost in the love we shared, and I felt grateful for this moment of serenity amidst all the chaos.

As the night wound down, we surprised our friends by letting them know we had arranged for them to spend the night at the Hilton. We wanted them to remember their wedding nights properly and have some special time to themselves. We had already taken care of baby Belle, so David and Felicity didn’t need to worry.

We waved them off with the additional security we had arranged for the night before locking up and getting the kids moved up to their room.

Stephen and I shared a quick glass of wine and a spliff with Clint and Mia before turning in after such an eventful day.

“That’s the last of us now, mate,” Clint said.

“Yep. Never thought I’d see the day we were all settled down. I wouldn’t change it for the world though,” Stephen replied.

“Well, I might change some things, you know,” I teased.

“Hahaha,” Clint and Mia laughed.

“True. I didn’t really think that through properly,” Stephen admitted. “I fucking love you all so much, maybe my wife a fraction more since she puts out for me, but I still love you.”

“Hahaha, love you too, bro,” Clint replied.

“We love you too, piss head,” Mia added.

“Yes. And on that note, come on, let’s get showered and in bed. You’ve had enough for one day, Mister,” I said.

“Yes, dear,” Stephen agreed.

“Hahaha,” Mia laughed.

We said goodnight and headed upstairs. We showered and were settling into bed when Stephen checked his phone.

“Well, that just tops off the best day yet, my love,” he said.

“Why is that, baby?” I asked.

“Lachie texted earlier but I just saw it. They were sent back in today so in six weeks’ time we’ll be one step closer to having our lives back,” he explained.

We got into bed and Stephen switched off the bedside lamp before cuddling into my back and wrapping his arms around me.

“The only life I want is with you. So wherever that be next, that’s all I need,” I said.

“Goodnight, baby. I love you,” he replied.

I fell asleep safely in my husband’s arms, hoping the next six weeks would go quickly and we could finally move on.