Twelve

Link

" S orry we didn't drive here together," I said. I hadn't really planned to arrive separately, but when our friends suggested it, I caved. And right now, I was so happy I had. Because watching Andy walk over to me was a moment I would never forget. The look in his eyes, and the conviction in his walk. All of it made me want him more and I never in a million years thought that was possible.

"It's so perfect, Link. I can't believe you guys did this," Andy said, his voice full of emotion.

"It's perfect now that you're here," I whispered.

"Guys, sorry to interrupt but we're ready for you," Blair said as she settled a hand on each of our arms.

"Thanks, Blair," I said, and we both listened as she told us what to do. Andy still didn't know everything we had planned, and I could hardly wait to see the look on his face.

"As soon as we get everyone seated, I'm going to wave you over to the aisle. Just wait here for now." She hurried off to the barn wearing the same boots and dress Toni had on, it was also at that moment I realized all our friends were dressed in black and white.

"They dressed up for us," I said to Andy.

"I wondered about that. I noticed Curt had a suit on. We really need to take a lot of pictures," Andy said making me smile.

"They're such good people. We're so lucky to have each and every one of them in our lives." I meant every word of it, and I promised myself I'd make sure they knew it.

"Yeah, we are, even when they're a pain in the ass I still love them. I thought once I left here, I'd never be back but my heart is in the country."

"Thank god for that." I leaned in and wanted to kiss him so badly at that moment, but then I remembered what we were here for and stopped myself. "I want to wait and kiss my husband."

"Link, whatever you just said to that boy you need to stop right now," May said as she walked up and linked her arm with mine. We reluctantly stepped apart, neither of us eager to.

Darren walked over to Andy and took his arm. "Are you two ready?" he asked.

I looked toward the barn that had somehow filled with guests in the time Andy and I had been lost in each other. Everyone turned back to look at us. Blair was near the front next to Jase while he held their daughter who was now going on three. Next to them sat Toni and Curt who were doing their best to look uninterested but couldn't seem to stop leaning into each other.

Erik sat next to Sam with his arm draped around him. Sitting so close to each other while having a quiet conversation, they looked like they were about to kiss. And knowing them they probably were. Morgan and Stu sat a few rows back. Stu had never been much for big gatherings, but he looked so proud to be sitting next to Morgan he was ready to burst. Morgan smiled softly in his direction and moved a piece of hair off his forehead. Stu took his hand and kissed it. I wondered where Mariah was but then I saw her over to the side with Lance and a guy about his age.

"Who's that with Lance?" I asked Darren.

He glanced in their direction before leaning close and speaking softly. "That's Adam. Lance says they're just friends, but the way he looks at that boy is the same way you looked at Andy when you two were in school."

I looked in their direction and sure enough I could see it too. "I thought Lance had a girlfriend?"

"He did, not that it matters who you fall in love with now, does it?" He grinned and tapped his nose like he was in some old movie, and he was giving me the secret signal.

I laughed and pulled him in for a hug. "No, it doesn't matter."

"Guys, we're ready," Molly said as she hurried over to us.

"Molly, we haven't seen you in months." I greeted her with a tight hug.

She paused long enough from making the rounds with everyone else to explain. "I know, I moved away. But I work for a wedding coordinator, so Blair called to get some advice. When she told me you two were finally walking down the aisle, I told her I'd be here today no matter what." She gave each of us a once-over, before smoothing down our suits and placing us where she wanted us. Mariah came over with Molly and now stood with us, patiently waiting for directions. After Molly double-checked we were all put together, she knelt in front of Mariah. "Okay, Mariah, you do just like we practiced, you'll walk in first and get this party started."

Mariah giggled before nodding her head and moving into position. Next Molly turned to us with a watery smile she tried to control by taking a deep breath and shaking it off. Music started to play, and Mariah started to slowly walk down the aisle while tossing handfuls of rose petals. "You'll go first, Link, and then, Andy, you'll follow," she said, bringing my attention off Mariah and back to her.

With one last glance at Andy, I stepped up like she'd directed but then Darren stepped up next to me. "Looks like it's you and me walking together," he said and brushed off his suit one more time.

"Andy, you'll walk with May," she said.

Andy smiled and the two of them stood behind us. Then the music changed to a country song I'd chosen that made me think of Andy every time I heard it. I forced myself not to look back at him again, knowing my emotions would get the best of me.

"You ready for this, kiddo?" Darren asked.

"I was born ready for this." The two of us slowly made our way down the aisle and I was shocked at how many people were here. I expected there to be many empty seats and had wondered why Blair had insisted on so many, but to my surprise they were all full and some guests even stood on both sides when there were no empty chairs left. We took our time and walked slowly while I tried to acknowledge every person who had taken the time to join us. This was our family, and even if we had occasional misunderstandings, they were the most important people in our lives. We made it to the end of the aisle, and I was surprised to see my parents were seated in the front row. Both of them looked so happy and Mom's eyes filled with tears as I turned, and we faced each other.

"Congratulations, Son," Dad said. It had been a while since we'd been together, but knowing they made the effort to be here meant a lot to me, and all those times they were too busy faded away. This was the biggest moment of my life, and everyone I loved was in attendance.

The music changed to yet another country song. This was one Andy had loved when he was a teenager. It was a song about loving someone forever, and how nothing would change even when they grew old. His eyes met mine, and as he slowly made his way to me, I once again thanked my lucky stars for being the one he loved.