Page 72 of Learning to Trust

"Listen to me—You are marrying a wonderful man today, pledging your love in front of those who love you the most. There is nothing to be nervous about, little brother. Now, we are going out there, I will deliver you into your man's arms and this day will be perfect."

I kissed my sister’s cheek, careful not to smudge her makeup. “How did I get so lucky to have you for a big sister? You look beautiful by the way.”

Janice was wearing a floor-length pale green slinky gown with a split up to mid-thigh that showed off her gorgeous figure. Silver strappy high heels were revealed every time the split in her dress parted as she took a step. Long chestnut curls were swept up on one side and fixed in place by two silver combs that Andrew had gifted her.

Andrew loved my sister almost as much as I did, and my niece and nephew were convinced he was a superhero in disguise. Watching him with them had my heart bursting, he was going to be a wonderful father. We were in the process of searching out a surrogate, a lady who would be prepared to carry two children for us—one conceived of my sperm and the other from Andrews.

Janice clicked her fingers in front of my face, drawing my attention. “You were off with the fairies and thank you.”

A knock sounded at the door before Leon and Simon stepped into the spare bedroom I'd used to get ready.

Leon, who had become a close friend and was acting as best man for me since we had so much in common, whistled. "Looking cool in white, Bro."

Andrew and I had both decided to wear white suits, white boots, black shirts, and white ties. My curls were trimmed and hung a little past my shoulders. Loose—as my fiancé, almost husband, preferred.

Leon, Simon, Kyle, and Cody were all wearing black suits with black boots, white shirts, and black ties. The contrast with the white suits was stunning. Kyle was to stand up as best man for Andrew, while Simon, another man I had grown close to, although I considered all four my dear friends, was my groomsman, and Cody would act as groomsman for my man.

Shoving a hand into a pocket of the jacket, I withdrew the red velvet box containing Andrew’s ring. I was always commenting on his stunning blue eyes, so his band was platinum embedded with a deep blue sapphire. I handed the box to Leon.

“Don’t lose that or start running if you do.”

Leon, Simon, and Janice laughed making light of my comment when in fact, I was deadly serious. I'd had the ring specially commissioned, so it was one of a kind just like my soon-to-be husband.

Leon clapped my arm. "I promise the ring is safe, so come on, it's time to get you down to your man. He's waiting for you."

I ran a hand over the bare finger on my right hand, missing the ring Andrew had given me so many months ago and which I hoped was now safe in Kyle’s pocket.

Janice held my hand as we made our way downstairs to where a wall of glass folding doors, opening onto the deck, had been pinned open. Leon and Simon hugged me and stepped into the opening. I heard the shuffling of guests as they stood from the chairs we'd set out facing a rose-covered archway divided by a rose petal covered aisle.

Andrew and I hadn't hesitated to agree on a home wedding, reciting our vows beneath an archway as we faced the ocean below. The area we had chosen was one of our favorite spots to sit and read. Fifty guests had been invited, those closest to us, and all had accepted.

The fall leaves had been cleared away, and as children were in attendance, the pool had been covered to prevent accidental drowning. Doors leading to the indoor pool and our playroom were securely locked in case any guests decided they wanted to explore.

Fairy lights were scattered through trees to be switched on when darkness crept over the garden in a few hours, the effect would be magical. Small, white-painted tables and chairs had been hired and tucked around the garden for couples to share a romantic rendezvous, talk, or have a drink.

Leon and Simon glanced back and winked when I Will Always Love You, my favorite song and perfect for how I felt about Andrew, by Whitney Houston, played over the speakers mounted high on the back deck.

After the men made their way out, Janice and I stepped into the doorway, and I caught my first sight of the man I was marrying standing in front of our celebrant—Shana Tait with Kyle and Cody off to the side. I sucked in a loud gasp. I'd seen him in suits on many occasions but dressed in white, he was drop-dead gorgeous and stole the breath from my lungs.

“Wow,” I murmured.

“Wow, indeed. You two wouldn’t only stop traffic, you’d bring down planes and have trains screeching to a halt.”

I laughed. “Not sure about me but Andrew certainly would. He looks like he just stepped out of a fashion magazine.”

"Look at his eyes, David. Andrew is as mesmerized by you as you are by him. The man is deeply in love and all else disappears when you're in sight."

Turning to my sister, I kissed her cheek. "Walk me down to my man, Sis."

“With pleasure.”

I gripped Janice's hand tight as we descended the steps, ensuring she wouldn't fall in the sky-high heels she was wearing. We reached the rose petal scattered path, and with eyes only for Andrew, made our way to where my man stood smiling widely. When we reached where he stood, Janice gave him my hand, kissed our cheeks, said she loved us both dearly and took a seat with her husband and children in the front row. The other guests were also seated.

Andrew stepped close, bent forward, and pressed his lips to mine. When the kiss lingered, Shana cleared her throat, our guests laughed, and Andrew and I moved apart. Heat washed over my cheeks.

“Shall we begin?” Shana asked.

Andrew and I nodded.