Lily and I watched as Jackie raised her eyebrow at Dick and folded her arms, an accusing look on her face. You just made that up, didn’t you ? She muttered, looking rather annoyed.
No ! He almost shouted, glancing at me for help.
I just grinned and shrugged, feeling a little guilty about it but still enjoying watching him squirm under my sister’s murderous glare, which was downright scary. I could still remember the time I stole her mobile phone when I was thirteen and made several long distance calls to multiple strangers on purpose. She had practically beaten me senseless with wedgies, ‘noogies’ and ear swirlies until I’d confessed to my parents and was forced to give her all my pocket money.
Yeah well, I bet Noah hasn’t written his best man’s speech yet ! Dick said, snapping me out of my little flashback.
I made a face at him and flipped him the finger. Nice one Dick ! I muttered. Throw your best man under the bus with you, why don’t you !?
Hah ! He smiled triumphantly, turning back towards Jackie. See ! Noah hasn’t written his speech yet, why don’t you yell at him for a minute whilst I drink the rest of my water.
I heard Lily laughing under breath beside me, so I reached my hand under the table and squeezed her knee, causing her to jump and grab my hand, trying her hardest to pull me off. Glancing at her, I grinned and squeezed a little harder, causing her to burst out laughing and lean against me, trying to shove me away simultaneously.
Noah ! She whined breathlessly, still desperately trying to pull my hand away from her knee.
Yeah gorgeous ? I chuckled, as Lily pressed her forehead against my shoulder and groaned in to my shirt.
Okay, I whispered, letting go of her knee and running it up her thigh instead. I guess we’ll just have to pick up where we left off later then.
I DON’T CARE ABOUT NOAH YOU PLEB ! Jackie erupted suddenly from across the table, smacking Dick on the shoulder. It’s your vows I care about. You’re the one who has to stand up in front of both of our families and our friends and say why you love me, and you don’t even know.
Of course I know honey, Dick said softly, reaching across and taking Jackie’s hand in his. She tried to pull away but he held on tighter and refused to let her go. I know everything I want to say to you because you make me the happiest man alive for an infinite number of reasons. And no matter how hard I try, I will never be able to tell you every one of them, because I love you for everything that you do, and for everything that you are. My beautiful fiance, my best friend, and the future mother of my children.
I smiled as Dick reached up and cupped Jackie’s cheek, a tender look in his eyes. The man in front of me loved my sister more than anything and that was the reason I had agreed to be his best man. I knew Dick would never hurt her and they didn’t have to get married ; he was already my brother.
I think you’ve just started your vows, Lily whispered beside me, her voice filled with emotion.
I reached for her hand under the table and entwined our fingers, feeling a sudden need to feel her hand in mine. She held on to me tightly, stroking my palm with the pad of her thumb. Looking up at Jackie I saw that she had tears in her eyes and was smiling softly at her fiance.
I guess you’re off the hook, she muttered, But I expect those exact words in your vows somewhere okay !
He laughed and kissed her briefly on the lips before nodding enthusiastically. Of course I will, he whispered, suddenly turning in my direction and blinking at me with a fearful look on his face.
I rolled my eyes at him. He’d already forgotten them, it was obvious from his panicked expression. Sometimes I seriously wondered if Dick would forget his head if it wasn’t screwed on. Laughing, I started to say I’d give him a hand when I came back home, but an announcement suddenly came over the speakers.
‘Those departing on the next flight to Michigan, the departure gate is now open so please make your way to the plane. Boarding call for Michigan !’
Looks like it’s time to go then, Jackie said, smiling at me sadly as we all stood up and made our way towards the entrance to the departure lounge.
As we came to it, we all stopped and stood to the side. Well it’s been real fun ! Dick smiled, as he stepped forward and wrapped Lily in a huge bear hug, lifting her off the floor.
Lily smiled and threw her arms around him, patting him on the back softly. It was nice meeting you Rich, she said. You’re a great guy.
He put her down after a minute and grinned down at her. And you know, I have to say thank you Lily for actually calling me Rich, he laughed, before throwing a glance at me and narrowing his eyes. Unlike some people I know, like you and that annoying best friend of yours.
Oh stop moaning would ya ? I smiled, stepping forwards and hugging him briefly. You may not admit it, but I think you secretly like it.
Um, yeah I don’t think so, he muttered, I just put up with it.
Oh come on, I chuckled. You could beat me with your pinky finger but you choose not to, and do you know why that is ?
Why ? He asked, rolling his eyes.
Because you like me too much ! I said straight faced, enjoying the face Dick pulled at me, like I was crazy.
But as he stepped back and heaved his backpack on to his shoulder, I could see the small smile on his face, telling me that what I had just said was completely true. Turning around, I saw that Jackie and Lily were hugging tightly, both looking rather sad.
You look after this guy won’t you ? I heard Jackie say. He needs looking after. I mean he only has the I. Q of a five year old.
Lily laughed and looked over Jackie’s shoulder. Don’t worry, she smiled, winking at me. I’ll look after him. After all, the guy’s kinda special to me.
I looked down and smiled to myself, a warm feeling spreading through my chest. I’ll see you in three weeks then, Jackie said. And I’m looking forward to it.
Glancing up from the floor, I watched as Jackie let go of Lily and stepped up to me, a small smile on her face. Well little bro, she said, throwing her arms around me. Next time you see me I’ll be getting married.
I know, I said proudly, pulling her against me and hugging her with everything I had. I’m proud of you sis. As proud as I could ever be.
I’m proud of you too Noah, Jackie whispered in my ear so only I could hear. You’ve finally let someone in that cares for you, don’t you dare let her go.
Trust me, I whispered back even quieter, making sure that Lily couldn’t hear me. I’m never letting her go. I’m in love with her Jackie.
She suddenly pulled away from me and grinned, a proud look in her eyes. You’ve truly grown up brother, she said. And it’s about time, because I had almost given up hope.
I laughed as she stepped back and took hold of Dick’s hand. Say hey to the family for me, I smiled. And tell JJ we’ll go swimming when I’m back.
Will do, she nodded, Well we’ll see you guys in three weeks then.
As I watched them turn and step through to the departure lounge, I reached down and took hold of Lily’s hand. It was just three weeks until I’d be seeing them again, as well as my whole family but seeing as we were so close it hurt each time they left, or each time I had to leave them. Releasing a breath, I spun around and Lily and I walked through the airport and back out to the car in the parking section.
Slipping the key in and unlocking the doors, I collapsed in to the seat and took a hold of the steering wheel, feeling slightly miserable as I looked at the airport through my mirror. I felt Lily slip in to the passenger seat beside me and shut the door. She leaned over and kissed me lightly on the cheek, running her hands through my hair.
Don’t be sad college boy, she smiled. In three weeks time, you’ll see your entire family. Just think of that.
Yeah, you’re right, I nodded, sticking the key in the ignition and cringing as the engine spluttered to life. It’s just that me and my family are so close. As close as any family could be and each time we’re seprated, it just hurts a little.
I realized what I’d just said, sat here in the car talking about how happy and close my family were when Lily hadn’t even had a family of her own until she was sixteen. I mentally slapped myself for being so stupid, but as I turned to look at her, I saw that Lily was smiling at me with the most beautiful smile I had laid my eyes upon.
Noah, it’s okay, she said, cupping my cheek. You have a wonderful family. And soon you’re going to have an amazing brother in law that I can see adores you. Just three more weeks and you can go home. Until then, I’ll just have to keep you smiling.
I kissed her hand lightly as it passed my lips and took a hold of it, placing it on my knee as I put my hand over hers. You always make me smile Lily, I said truthfully. Just by being with me.
Well that’s good, she grinned, turning on the radio as we pulled out of the space and I drove towards the exit signs. Because we have three weeks to wait, and something tells me it’s gonna go painfully slow.