33. Wren

By the time I made it down the aisle, Chris had passed Puff off to his father and the bird had been clipped to his lead.

The way both Emerson and Mr. Damiano sagged in relief once the bird was secured was almost comical.

Although none of us were willing to burst Avery’s bubble and tell her that having Puff deliver the rings might be a disaster, I could almost guarantee every person here saw several scenarios involving feathers and poop that the bride didn’t want to acknowledge.

With a deep breath in, I took my place with the rest of the small wedding party.

Not counting Puff, there were only six of us. Chris with his dad and Emerson, then Gianna, Jana, and me.

The music changed and I turned away from Puff. Normally I was one of those people who watched the groom as the bride came down the aisle. Today, though, my eyes were locked on Tom. And his were on me. With every step he took down the red carpet, his gaze burned into me. In this moment, I could envision a similar scene, only with the roles reversed. I could see myself walking to where he waited at the altar. Maybe for the first time ever, I didn’t hate the idea of my wedding.

The thought sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach .

Like he could read my mind, he mouthed, “Someday.”

When they stopped, he handed my best friend off to the man waiting for her. After the vows, the exchanging of rings, and a kiss, Avery was officially married.

When the music started, Jana stepped in front of me.

“Switch with me. You should be walking back with Tom.” With a smirk, she linked arms with Chris’s father and followed the bride and groom.

Gianna and Emerson were next. Then I took the three stairs down and was greeted by Tom.

With one side of his mouth lifted, he held out an arm. I eagerly accepted, and together we walked up the aisle and met up with the rest of the bridal party in the large hallway.

“Someday, baby girl.” He whispered, pressing his lips to my forehead. “And I swear everyone will be happy for us.”

The conviction in his voice made me want to believe it was possible.

Until my father’s voice cut over the noise, and my stomach twisted.

“Wren.”

Tom lifted his chin, peering over my head. “I can skip the receiving line if you want me to.”

He couldn’t, not really.

“I’ll be fine.”

I couldn’t avoid my parents forever, and I had anticipated seeing them today.

With one more kiss, Tom stepped away.

Garnering all the strength I still had after this long, painful day, I turned. “Dad.”

Always the picture of perfection, my dad’s black suit and silver tie matched my mother’s dress.

“Mom.”

“You look very pretty.” My mother wrung her hands, her gaze bouncing between me and my father. “Doesn’t she, Heath?”

He frowned at her, then turned that expression on me. “You’re not returning my calls.”

“I’m not.” I wanted to cross my arms, but I was still holding the damn bouquet. “We don’t have much to say to one another, so what’s the point?”

His nostrils flared. “You cannot date someone my age.”

“He’s ten years younger than you.”

My father opened his mouth, but my mother stepped in front of him before he could retort.

“Wren, we just want you to be happy.”

“Then take the time to learn what makes me happy.”

They’d always had ideas about what my future should look like, and I’d fought them every step of the way. Today was no different.

I shook my head at the thought. Actually, it was different. “You know the wildest part of this entire thing? Tom is exactly what you’ve always wanted for me.” I looked pointedly at my dad. “You wanted a son-in-law who would enjoy hanging out here with you.” I held out one arm, gesturing to the country club. “Who would attend all the fundraisers you do. Who’d happily play a round of golf. Dad,” I said, hoping like hell he’d truly hear me. “You and Tom already do that. It doesn’t have to change. Mom,” I said, shifting my focus. “You want a house full of family for the holidays. Well, guess what? With the Wilsons, you get that. You get me, Tom, Avery, Chris, and Chris’s family. Plus a slew of kids they’ll probably have. You get a family you already love.”

I sighed.

“You’re both so busy trying to tell me what I want that you can’t see that it’s been right in front of me the entire time.”

My mother blinked and my father frowned. Before either could respond, I turned and walked away. The idea that the people we cared about would be happy for us was a nice one, but it didn’t look like that was in the cards for us, and we’d just have to be okay with it.