In Case You Missed It

In this book,Rebecca and Cass are married. If you missed the short story where the nuptials happened, here is the wedding scene from You're Invited.

"Finally," Eve whispered in Lainey's ear. "You look incredible. I can't wait to be married to you."

"I love you." God, Lainey hoped her brain came up with something more profound than that when she said her vows. However, judging by the look on Eve's face, no other words were needed.

"Friends," Willamena began, pride and emotion tinging her voice. "Eve and Lainey have invited us here today to witness their union as a married couple. I was honored to be asked to officiate the wedding. What you can get on the internet never ceases to amaze me. Too bad it wasn't that easy to get my Ph.D." She paused for the spattering of laughter. "I have gotten to know Eve and Lainey very well over the past couple of years. When I received the call that they were getting married, I was delighted but unsurprised. They've both been through traditional weddings, which is why they've chosen something different today. Vows will be said, and rings will be exchanged, but they have also requested that this day be about more than just them. Eve?"

Eve nodded. "Love thrives when it is shared with those who believe in you. I have spent most of my life being closed off to everyone around me. I thought that was what I needed to do to survive. But that's all I was doing. Surviving. I wasn't living. In fact, I didn't start living until the day I met Lainey." She took Lainey's hands in hers. "You taught me how to open my heart. It hurt like hell, but the outcome is beyond anything I could have ever dreamed of. When I came to you with my idea for today, you didn't hesitate to say yes because that's the kind of person you are. You are a giving, loving, incredible human being who is more than willing to share your happiness with others."

When Eve paused, Lainey wiped tears from her eyes and took her cue. Neither of them discussed what they wanted to say today but were so attuned to one another that continuing Eve's thought was second nature for her.

"You often credit me with bringing heart and soul to your life, but it was you who brought breath to my life. I never knew how strong I could be until you showed me. I never knew the capacity of love I had in my heart until I found someone who loved me enough to allow me to open myself up. And it's because of you, Eve, that I'm now surrounded by people who support and care about me. It's for that reason that when you came to me with your idea of how you wanted this day to be, I was more than happy to say yes." She reluctantly let go of Eve's hands and reached for both Rebecca and Cass.

"Rebecca and Cass. When you should have been basking in the joy of your engagement, you unselfishly postponed the celebration when those around you were hurting. When there were those of us who doubted we could ever find happiness, you held onto hope and encouraged us to keep fighting. You helped guide Hunter and Ellie, are loyal to Patty and Mo, and advocated for Eve and me. This day is as much yours as it is ours. That's why we asked Willamena to be here. Not only so she could officiate for us, but for you two as well."

Rebecca's jaw dropped. "What?" She looked up at Cass, who was rendered speechless.

"For months, we've been asking you about your wedding," Eve said. "And for months, you would begin to plan only to be distracted by other people's issues."

"Or a demanding gallery owner," Lainey teased.

"Or that," Eve agreed with delight. "What you've always said, however, is you wanted it to be intimate." She spread her arms to indicate their surroundings. "You wanted your closest friends there." She gestured to their friends, who were just as shocked and emotional as Rebecca and Cass. "And you wanted your aunt there." Eve pointed towards Willamena, who gave them a watery smile. "So, if you agree, Lainey and I would love to share this moment with the two of you."

"Yes!" Cass blurted out. "Uh, I mean, if Rebecca is okay with it, too."

Rebecca brought her misty eyes up to Cassidy's. "I want nothing more than to marry you, Cassidy. We have everything we need right here." She looked at Eve and Lainey. "Thank you so much for being so generous. We would love to share this moment with you."

The group clapped and whooped enthusiastically. When Eve and Lainey said they didn't want a traditional wedding, no one thought they meant this. However, it went along with how considerate they were.

"Rebecca?" Cass spoke up before anyone else could move on. "I tell you every day how I feel. I show you when I think you need more than just words. We may have met in unconventional ways, but that never diminished the strength of my love for you. I asked you once to let me be the risk you take. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life. Thank you for loving me."

"Oh, Cassidy. I'm the one who should be thanking you. You showed me that the only thing that matters in a relationship is true love. I fought what I felt for you because I didn't feel whole. I fought because of how much older I am than you. In the end, I fought for us because I can't imagine not having you in my life. I love you with everything I am, and I am so proud that I will be your wife."

"Well." Willamena cleared her throat and wiped away tears. "I believe the four of you have possibly given the most beautiful vows I've ever heard. Is there more, or would you like to continue?"

"Continue," the four said together.

Willamena smiled. She asked for the "I dos" and the exchange of rings. There was a moment of panic for Cass when she realized she and Rebecca didn't have rings. Willamena surprised them with the bands that Rebecca's parents used at their wedding. Rebecca's father's ring was a little too large for Cass's finger, but that could be easily remedied. The sentimentality of the rings meant the world to them.

"The only thing left to say is, by the power vested in me, and as witnessed by friends and family, I now pronounce you wife and wife. And wife and wife," Willamena laughed. "Kiss!"

Rebecca and Cass had no problem showing their affection towards each other. PDA, however, was new to Eve and Lainey. However, they buried their hesitancies and kissed deeply. Their guests cheered loudly, none as loud as little Bella. She whooped and giggled and launched herself into both her mothers' arms. Kevin and Darren did little happy dances and began hugging everyone in sight.

"Cake!" Bella yelled. With that loud announcement — or demand — she took off towards the house.

"I guess it's time for cake," Eve laughed.

"And mimosas!" Lainey announced. "It's time to celebrate!"

"Hear, hear!" the others agreed jovially.

"Eve, Lainey?"

"Thank you for agreeing to do this," Lainey said before Rebecca could continue. "We wanted to do something to show our appreciation for your continued support. Plus, you two needed a little kick in the ass."

Eve laughed and hugged Lainey to her. "God, I love you, woman."

"She's not wrong," Cass laughed, then sobered when she saw Rebecca's stern face.

Rebecca's fierceness lasted all of two seconds before the laughter began. "Leave it to you, Lainey, to be the one to give me a kick in the ass. Now that that's settled, let's go drink!"