Jackson

Jackson

Katelyn sets her hand on my thigh as Luke and his mom reach the front row.

“I know.” My wife’s voice is quiet.

I place my hand over hers and squeeze.

Luke has been my best friend for… so long.

He’s one of the best men I know. And he’s wanted to find love for… so long.

And now he’s found it.

I shift my grip and lift Katelyn’s hand to my mouth, pressing my lips against her soft skin.

Everything is changing.

Luke and Natalie met last fall, so it’s been less than a year, but it already feels like forever.

She’s about to take over the corporate world while us guys are starting to think about our own careers and how they’re nearing their end.

And then there’s my sister.

I glance across the aisle to where Steph is sitting with my brother-in-law. Who I’m sure will be my brother-in-law twice over once they take the time to get married.

I still can’t believe she hid her relationship with Alex for so long. I never would have pictured them together, but seeing them with each other, I get it. And in a couple of weeks, they’ll be moving in together in a cute little house out on Darling Lake where Alex is going to work as a fourth grade teacher.

My gaze moves up a row to my mom.

She’s already crying, reaching out to pat Luke’s mom on the shoulder.

When she sits back, Coach puts his arm around Mom’s shoulders and hands her a tissue.

This spring, after the season was over, Mom sat me and Steph down to tell us that she was moving in with Coach. She told us that she’ll always love our father and that she would never remarry, but that she loves Coach too.

They leave on a cruise tomorrow. And I couldn’t be happier for her.

Dad passed away a long time ago, and we will always miss him, but I’m glad she has someone to spend her days with.

And in my mind, they only hold hands. The noises Ash and Meghan heard in that closet at my wedding were just them holding fucking hands.

“Oh,” Katelyn breathes, and I turn my head.

Then we all stand to face the bride.

Flowers dot Natalie’s dark hair, and her light pink dress reminds me of Katelyn’s wedding dress.

I wrap my arms around my wife, pulling her back to my front.

Then I lean down so my lips are next to her ear and tell her the truth that will never change. “I love you, Kitten.”