“Thanks, Justin.” That was the other thing. He always gave me compliments. Just being around him inflated my self confidence.
“God, now I’m chit chatting. We’ll never eat at this rate. Focus, people,” he said and clapped his hands together. “What order did you want everyone standing beside you in? That dreaded question… who’s the favorite?”
“Melissa is the maid of honor and Rob is my best man,” James said, gesturing toward Melissa and Rob.
“They’ll come in right before you two then. No flower girls or ring bearers, right?”
“Nope,” James said.
“Good, just double checking. Kids ruin weddings. Absolutely ruin.”
I laughed.
“No, seriously. They steal all the attention when they shit their pants on the aisle or throw petals in someone’s face. Yes, I’ve seen both those happen. Who will be walking down the aisle before Melissa and Rob?”
“Well, I don’t know, we never really discussed it. I think it would be nice if Bee and Mason walked down the aisle together,” I said.
Bee smiled. “Really, whatever way you pair us is fine,” she said.
“No, that sounds good,” James said and winked at Mason.
Mason pressed his lips together and shook his head.
I laughed and Mason’s frown turned into a smile. He shook his head again, as if he knew James had told me he was going to pop the question soon.
“Okay, Bee and Mason and then you two,” he said and pointed dismissively at Jen and Matt.
“Thanks. I feel so special,” Matt said.
“You know you wanted to walk with me,” Jen said.
“No bickering. Hey!” Justin said and clapped again. “James, did you want to start everything off by walking down with your mom?” he pointed at Mrs. Caldwell.
“No,” James said quickly. “I’ll walk alone.”
Mason patted his back. No one pointed out the fact that James’ parents actually weren’t there.
“Whatever suits you,” Justin said. “The less family drama the better if you ask me. You first then, handsome,” he said to our pastor. “I almost forgot about you. And go slowly, it’s not a race.” He pointed to the aisle.
Pastor John laughed.
“And now the man of the hour,” Justin said and grabbed James’ arm. “Just wait until he’s halfway down the aisle and it’s your turn to shine. Wait for it. Wait for it.”
“See you up there,” James said. He ran his fingers gently from my elbow to my wrist. The gesture gave me shivers. Or maybe it was the fact that this was all actually going to be happening in a day.
“Now!” Justin said, like it was the most magical moment of his own life. “What’s your name again?” Justin said as he spun around and pointed at Matt.
“Matt.”
“Okay, Matt, hold your arm in front of yourself like you’re holding a baby,” Justin said and showed him what he meant.
Matt made a funny face.
“And Jen, just grab his muscle and hold on tight.”
“What muscle?” she said with a laugh.
“Don’t pretend you haven’t noticed that I’m ripped now,” Matt said.
“Mhm. Whatever you say,” Jen said and grabbed his arm.
“What did I just say about bickering! Now hold this rose. No, lower. Just pretend it’s a whole beautiful bouquet like you’ll have tomorrow. Yes, there, perfect! Now put on a smile and follow that handsome man down the aisle.”
“Ew, Matt?”
“No, James of course! The man of the hour. Have you never seen him or something?”
“He’s my brother.”
“Your loss, honey. Go, now,” Justin said and snapped his fingers.
“Hey, Pen.”
I turned around to see my dad standing behind me. “Hi, Dad.” I gave him a hug, tuning out my friends squabbling and Justin giving orders to everyone.
“Nervous about tomorrow?” he asked.
“More excited than nervous.”
“That’s my girl.”
I laughed and unwrapped my arms from around him. “What about you?” I asked. “Are you worried that you’re going to trip?”
“Absolutely,” he said. “And if I do, I’m pulling you down with me.”
“Fair enough.”
“Pen, I can’t believe…”
“Your turn, future Mrs. Hunter,” Justin said, cutting my dad off. “Okay, slip your hand around his arm and hold this flower. You want it low so that everyone can see your gorgeous dress.” He grabbed my hand and lowered it.
“Now, Dad, it’s your job to make sure this goes smoothly. You’ve been taking care of her ever since she was a little girl. Don’t ruin the last time you’re the only man in her life. Got it, Dad?”
My Dad looked a little flustered that Justin kept calling him Dad.
“Okay, now walk slowly, and gracefully. Try to float. Head up, shoulders back. Work it!”
I laughed, which made my dad laugh too.
“Laugh all you want now, tomorrow I know you’ll be crying. God, I’d be crying if I was marrying a hunk of meat like that.”
And those comments were the reason why James hadn’t wanted to hire him. But, I liked Justin too much to care if he was a little inappropriate sometimes. He was just excitable.
“And go. Now.” He motioned for us to start walking.
“He’s quite the character,” my dad whispered to me as soon as we were out of earshot.
“No talking down the aisle!” Justin yelled after us.
“That he is.”
“Great, great,” Justin said from right behind us, making me jump. “You guys look perfect. Now stop here. Give your daughter a kiss on the cheek.”
“Good luck, Pen.” He reached up and squeezed my cheek like he used to do when I was little.
“I said a kiss, not a weird squeeze,” Justin said. “Do it for the pictures.”
My dad smiled down at me. “You look beautiful, Pen. And I’m so glad you found someone to make you happy.” He kissed my cheek.
My eyes were getting watery already.
“Now, Dad, sit down next to Mom. And Penny, gracefully float up to your soon-to-be husband.”
James’ eyes were glued on me as I walked toward him.