Page 100 of Hold You Close
She turns to look at me from over her shoulder, her lips quirking up into a soft smile, but her green eyes are filled with love. She winks, and then goes back to pointing into the glass case.
Chris nudges me. “I always knew you loved her.”
“Yeah?”
Kids think they know everything. They don’t know shit.
“You were always so angry, but Dad used to say that when you’re that mad at someone, it’s because you care so much you can’t explain it, so you become angry.”
My brother-in-law was always filled with philosophical shit, but once again, he had a point. “He might just have been right.”
Chris nods. “He would tell me that after he fought with Mom.”
“They fought?”
Sabrina always made it look like their marriage was perfect. He doted on her. She praised him. It was maddening because who the fuck could live up to that? Not me. They complemented each other in every way. I swear, it was scary at times. I never saw David get irritated with her. Sabrina was always laid back and I never saw her snap at him like London does at me for things like chewing too loud.
“Are you serious? Mom was always yelling at Dad and he was great at sign language,” Chris laughs. “I remember asking Dad what that finger meant and he told me it was the sign for love. So I walked up to Mom and did it. She was so pissed.”
I let out one loud laugh and smile. I can see my sister not taking that well. “You know that Aunt London and I love you guys, right?”
“I do.”
“Good. We’re going to fight and have stupid moments. I’ll probably push her in the pool a few times, and Lord knows she’s going to bitch at me, but I promise you three that we’ll always find a way to work it out. This wedding is sudden, but it’s been a long time coming, if you know what I mean.” I want these kids to know this is forever. There won’t be another big disruption because London isn’t going anywhere. I’ve loved her my whole life and now she’s going to be mine.
“I get it. I think it’s great,” Chris says.
“One more thing.” I clear my throat. “I need a best man . . . are you up for it?”
He stands a little straighter and nods. “I can do that, Uncle Ian.”
I knew he could.
A moment later, London, Morgan, and Ruby are in front of us. “Are you sure? No backing out once we walk through those doors.”
“There’s no backing out—ever,” I tell her.
London’s smile grows bigger. “I love you, Ian.”
“I love you.”
“Mr. Chase and Ms. Parish?” The very scantily dressed lady calls us from behind the counter. “You’re up.”
London gives me a brief kiss. “I’ll see you at the end of the aisle?”
“You’re damn right you will.”
Chris and I head around to the front of the chapel. It’s crazy, but I’m not nervous. I keep waiting for the anxiety to kick in, but it’s completely absent. All I feel is excitement and happiness. This is right and about damn time. I want to make her my wife and then take her home to consummate the fuck out of it—and her.
The music begins and Morgan walks in first. She looks so grown up. I remember when she was born, holding her in my arms, wondering what my sister was thinking, having another kid, but the first time that little girl wrapped her arms around my leg, I got it. She’s always been special to me, the first niece in the family. She was always watching and observing the world around her. Then when she started talking, we understood she’d been keeping notes to give us all later.
When Morgan gets to the front, London appears, holding Ruby’s hand.
I know I just saw her a moment ago.
I get that nothing has changed, but she looks even more beautiful than before.
The sun is beaming in from the window behind her, casting light all around. She’s brilliant, and I don’t think I’ll ever forget this moment.
