Page 94 of Hockey Boy
Gavin tips forward and glares at me around Beckett. Lake is giggling quietly behind her hand in the front row.
Sara is full on chortling.
I straighten my jacket, position Finn in front of me, and keep my head down. I’ve finally settled when the music transitions and Lennox comes into view.
I practically swallow my tongue at the sight of her.
She’s stunning. Her pink hair is styled in some fancy updo with braids and curls. She’s beaming. She outshines her surroundings, which is saying something, because she did an incredible job on everything today.
God, I hope she can truly take a moment to appreciate how gorgeous the ceremony is and recognize thatshedid this.
When her blue eyes meet mine, the music fades, as does my concern for the birds. All I see is my future.
I see the park where Lennox and I met up when we began planning this wedding. The one with the carousel and the setting sun. I see her walking down the aisle to me, our eyes connecting, my heart bursting with love.
My knees wobble, and for a second, I think I’m going down.
Brooks grabs my shoulder and squeezes. “Breathe, brother.”
I don’t look away from Lennox to acknowledge him, but I inhale through my nose. I work hard not to blink, not wanting to miss this. It may be the only time she ever walks toward me like this. But with every step she takes, my resolve grows. I’ll do everything in my power to make sure it isn’t.
It isn’t until the birds have made it down the aisle behind Lennox that I come out of my stupor.
Sienna must have passed Vivi to Gavin when I wasn’t looking, because she’s now in his arms, pointing at the waddling puffins and shouting, “Duck, duck!” entertaining the crowd.
The music shifts again, and we all fall silent. I should have known there’d be no traditional wedding waltz today. On Ford’s arm, Millie stands at the end of the aisle, radiant. Two musicians play a saxophone rendition of “Witchcraft” by Frank Sinatra.
The first time Gavin set eyes on Millie, she was playing a piano and singing this song.
Millie’s dress is simple silk that hugs her curves. Her curly auburn hair blows loosely in the wind.
Gavin sniffles, catching my attention. With tears in his eyes, he whispers to his little girl, “Look how beautiful Mommy is.”
The waver in his voice only makes me more emotional.
When Millie and Ford finally reach us, Millie gives Vivi a kiss on the cheek.
Ford pulls her in for a tight hug, pecks her cheek, then hands her off to Gavin while simultaneously scooping Vivi into his arms.
As the pastor welcomes us all, Vivi points to the puffins and screamsduckagain. Ford pulls her to his chest, whispering in her ear, instantly settling her.
All eyes turn back to the bride and groom. My brother squeezes Millie’s hand, and as a tear slips from his eye, she swipes at it with her thumb. He grasps her wrist and kisses her fingers, then holds her hand to his lips as the ceremony continues.
My eyes get misty again, and my heart aches at how beautiful this moment is. The pastor’s words are moving, and as the sun sets, the sky is a vibrant red. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect day for my brother to get everything he’s ever wanted.
The perfection is stained a bit when Vivi screamsduckagain, because in the next instant, the sound of flapping wings drowns out the pastor’s voice.
I throw my arms over my head as the startled birds flap over our heads. It only makes Vivi squeal louder.
Beside me, Beckett hollers at Damiano. “Get the ducking ducks out of here!”
It’s too late, though, because the bald pastor’s head is already coated in an oozing brown and white goo.
“Oh, I’m going to throw up,” Gavin mutters, backing away and pulling Millie with him. Gagging, he points to the pastor. “Someone help him. And get him away from me.” He bends at the waist and clutches his knees. “Oh, it’s so bad.”
“Whoa, Uncle Gav is going to barf,” Finn yells, bouncing on his toes in front of me.
“Damiano,” Beckett yells.