bothered me, but it was a perfect day now.
The sound of a piano filled the theater, and everyone settled in their seats. Lights shone onstage in soft white, as well as on the left entrance. Two girls in pink walked in through the door, both carrying flowers and holding Ava’s hand. She looked around in awe, waddling forward with her mothers as they climbed the steps to the stage. Once there, the girls took their spots, and Mari picked up Ava to hold her.
Another song started, played by the pianist just behind the curtain. A violin joined in to play Canon in D as Amy stepped out, wearing a flowing gown in white that hugged her curves and flowed behind her. Her father was beside her, looking nauseous. They walked the aisle as she smiled at guests, then climbed the stairs. Her father kissed her cheek, then shook Jackson’s hand before joining her mom and Gram in the first row.
The pastor began the ceremony, which was short but almost too sweet. The bride and groom stumbled over their vows in tears, finally saying the words that would bring them to being married. Ava decided that she wanted Gram in the middle of things, and Mari giggled as she set her down on the floor, telling her to hurry.
When he pronounced them husband and wife, the couple kissed, pressing together as if their lives depended on it. We all cheered as they split apart, watching as they hugged the girls and then us.
Jackson and Amy led the way to the lobby, greeting the guests there as music played throughout the room. There was food from the same caterer and drinks by the same two guys that worked the anniversary event.
“This went great. I think it was the perfect place to do it,” I told Hayden, watching as the newlyweds grinned and kissed each other one more time.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if this caught on. They could charge a small fee for the use of the theater, and the couple can do what they want with the decor.” Hayden looked like an idea was forming in his head, making me chuckle.
“Just one more thing to keep your baby going,” I told him, kissing his cheek.
“I already looked into permits and everything for this. Why not?” He asked, wrapping an arm around my waist. “I might even want to get married here.”
“Yeah?” I asked, and he nodded.
“Smaller. Maybe just family. I don’t know that many people, apart from my coworkers.” Hayden shrugged, smiling at me. “I’ve also thought about something on the water. I’ll plan now that we have some free time.
Gram danced with the girls and even Ava. Jackson danced with Amy by themselves to their song from their first date, and then she danced with her father to a sappy country song. They both cried.
When Jackson danced with Gram, she was openly crying as he whispered something to her. I couldn’t help but do the same, thinking back to all that she did for us over the years. She was a mother and father since none of our parents fulfilled those roles. She was everything, and everyone clapped as they parted at the end of the song.
Chapter Eighteen
Hayden
I watched as Gray spun Gram slowly around the room, smiling and laughing with her. The emotions were clear on his face as I took him in. There was sheer happiness and some reminiscent sadness as well. I knew that he was thinking back to childhood when she raised him, loving him so completely.
“What a day,” Becca said as she came over to me, holding a sleeping baby.
“Are you just going to hold her while she sleeps?” I asked as she smiled.
“Maybe. I feel like I missed a lot of time with her,” Becca said, blushing as I raised a brow. “We didn’t have her since birth. She’s getting so big now.”
“It was meant to be this way.” We sat down on some wide chairs, and Becca leaned back.
“That was an amazing wedding. This, too.” She waved a hand around the crowd. “I can see this becoming a thing.”
“Gray and I were just talking about that,” I told her as she smiled. “I’ll have to put together a business plan.” This had just cost the price of the food, drinks, and decorations.
“They probably wouldn’t close down for special occasions, otherwise.” She laughed, smiling at me. “This is one of those moments that I feel like life is racing by.”
“It is,” I agreed, taking her