Page 119 of Mountain Pine
“You were so little, Taylor, I wouldn’t expect you to. But…” She tips her head and sighs. “You stated it as a simple fact and then started playing with your dolls.”
I’m not convinced. I’m notnotconvinced either though. I’ve always felt connected to Conner on a level I can’t reach with anyone else.
“It’s almost time!” Carly says, clapping her hands. It shakes both mom and I right off memory lane.
Just then someone knocks on the door and we all yell, “Come in!”
Nick pops his head in. His eyes land on Carly first and grow huge. “Wow.” Then he looks at my mom and Grace. “Double Wow.” Finally, he looks at me. “Holy shitwow!”
Carly whacks him with her bouquet. “It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.”
“That’s for the groom,” Nick argues. “Besides, I have a gift.” He brings over an envelope and acts like it’s top secret and nobody can see it. “For your eyes only, you got me?” He winks.
I peak into the envelope and yelp. My cheeks are blazing hot. It’s suddenly stifling here. Did someone turn up the heat?
“Someone bring me a polaroid camera,” I bark.Mom bought a bunch for our guests to use today. Surprise, surprise.
Nick proudly produces one of the cameras from behind his back.
I hurry into the bathroom, shut the door, take a pic, and put it in the envelope. Sauntering out like I just took the best thirst trap photo of my life, I stuff the envelope in Carly’s hand. “Go take that back as my response.”
My mom is all smiley and excited. “What was it? Can I see?”
“No!” we all say, knowing she’d die if she saw a dick pic of her soon-to-be son-in-law.
“It’s silly inside joke stuff, mom. You wouldn’t get the humor.”
“Oh. I get it.”
I don’t think she does.
Wait. No. Ew. I hope she doesn’t.
“Time to get out there, cuz. You ready to marry your best friend?”
Putting strawberry gloss on my lips, I do one last mirror check and then grab my bouquet.
“I’m ready.”
Conner
I’m under the bridge that connects Dean’s private property to the main cabins below. Gold, crimson, and copper trees decorate the mountains. It’s a crisp, fall day and I’m thankful for the breezebecause I’m sweating my ass off.
Geez, I’m nervous.
Our small guest list somehow feels like every person in the world is sitting on chairs, watching me.
That is until…
Music begins and everyone turns in their seats to watch my best friends escort each other towards me while I wait under the covered bridge.
Nick and Carly.
Dean and Grace.
Bennet escorts Corrine.
And then there she is. My girl. My everything.
