the bohemian vibe was perfect for her with braids and tiny white flowers in her hair.
She was beaming as she walked toward us. I glanced at Brandon in time to see him wipe a tear away. Milo and Finn were practically vibrating with excitement and when Syd was within reach, they pounced, wrapping their arms around her knees. She kissed the tops of their heads and they retreated back to their father’s side.
She stopped next to me, facing Brandon, and it sank in. This was their wedding. A man appeared and started talking about love and companionship and family and then went into the vows. Before I could appreciate the moment, he pronounced them man and wife, and Brandon and Syd were kissing. I cheered and clapped with the twins and Jason. Then the newlyweds turned to us.
“Thank you, guys, for coming.” Brandon grinned at me, and I looked to Jason, but he seemed just as confused. “We both realized that neither of us wanted anything big or fancy. We just wanted the boys and some of our closest friends to be witnesses, so we really appreciate you coming on such short notice.”
I hadn’t realized he considered me that close, but I was wrong. I shook my head. “You’re married.”
Sydney held up her hand with a vintage ring on her finger. “We are officially married.”
Jason stepped forward and hugged them. “I’m so happy for you guys and absolutely honored you asked us to be a part of this.”
“Well, we thought it might encourage you two to wise up and realize you guys belong together, but I guess we’re a bit late on that?” Sydney waggled her brows.
Jason shook his head and laughed. “Chloe?”
Brandon confirmed. “She spread the news when she called to update everyone about the trip next month.”
“So are we really babysitting?” I asked.
They shared a look. “If you guys wouldn’t mind?” Brandon smiled. “We weren’t planning on going anywhere, but if you can watch the boys, maybe we’ll go find a hotel.”
Her eyes lit up. “We can go to bed early, and even sleep in!”
Her husband nodded. “Until nine if we want.”
Jason smirked. “All right you crazy kids, go get your things packed and we’ll hang out with the boys tonight.”
“Thank you, guys, so much.” Sydney grabbed Brandon’s hand and they hurried to the house.
“I’m going to call and see if I can get them a room,” Jason announced before walking away while I corralled the twins back inside.
“You guys did so great. Did you practice standing quietly?” I asked as I opened the fridge and pulled out some grapes for them.
Milo nodded. “Yeah, Dad made us do it until we got our wiggles out.”
Finn popped a grape in his mouth. “Sydney’s our mommy now.”
I wasn’t sure what to say to that. I got a brief history of their mom and what happened with Sydney and the car crash, but I wasn’t sure where things stood now. I knew the boys didn’t see their mom very often, or at all since she moved. Were Brandon and Sydney aware of this new decision? How would Sydney react? I’m sure she would love it. I guess it was up to the boys and what they were comfortable with. If their dad being married made her their mom in their minds, then who was anyone to argue that?
Jason walked in and winked. “I got them a honeymoon suite.”
“Oh, that’s so nice.”
He shrugged. “It’s their wedding present.”
“Did you have any idea this was what they were going to do?”
He shook his head. “No, Brandon asked if I could come watch the boys for a little while. I never would have guessed.”
“Me too.” I still couldn’t believe they asked us to be their witnesses, to be included in their private moment. “It was so perfect. Just simple and romantic and about them. That’s all anyone needs.”
His eyebrows shot up. “I’m pretty sure I remember you had a three-inch binder of all your wedding plans.”
I smiled. “That was before.”
“Before?” he asked.
“When I thought life was a fairytale.”
“What is it now?” He was frowning.
“It’s messy and unpredictable and wonderful. You never know what the next moment might bring, so it’s important to appreciate what you have right now.”
He took a step closer. “So, you want to get married in their backyard?”
I laughed. “Not necessarily. I just understand why they chose to. They have the important part. They’re married. They’re bound together forever. The wedding is just fluff.”
“Good to know.” He put his arms around me