The man that was standing off to the side steps up, using his hands to interpret everything Stevie has to say while she officiates. Ryan and Indy speak with both their voices and their hands the entire time as well.
I couldn’t be happier for them. I can’t think of two better people, but there’s this selfish part of me that aches from watching them say their vows and walk back as husband and wife.
As beautiful as it is, this could be used as a form of torture. Going through a heartbreak? Watch your happy friends commit their lives to each other.
Isaiah pats me on the back after it’s all done. “What do you say we go grab a drink?”
“Yes, please.”
Max was a trooper during the reception, taking a quick nap on me during the toasts. Zanders’ best man speech got everyone laughing, and Stevie’s maid of honor speech was sweet and sentimental. The newly married couple had their first dance before the rest of the wedding guests joined.
The sun has set, the string lights over the dance floor giving enough light to see, but dim enough that it’s moody and romantic. Drinks are flowing; the food was delicious.
My brother has taken it upon himself to dance with every single woman here, well aware from the bouquet toss that the only single women here are elderly widows. Regardless, Isaiah makes their nights, spinning them around the dance floor.
“Hey, Max!” Ryan ruffles his hair before clapping me on the back. “Hey, man.”
“There he is.” I clink my glass of champagne with his. “Congrats, Ry. This is amazing, and Indy looks . . .”
“Breathtaking.” His wistful gaze is locked on the dance floor, watching his new wife dance with his sister.
“You two deserve each other.”
I can feel Ryan watching me, eager to say something about Miller, I’m sure, but I deflect before he gets the chance to.
“Zee,” I call out, waving him over.
Where Ryan will ask me personal questions, wondering how I’m doing, and thinking of ways he can help, Zanders brings humor to our friendship. And right now, I need him giving me shit far more than I need Ryan asking how heartbroken I am.
Zanders knocks his fist with mine. “I promise I won’t bring up how terrible you’ve pitched for your last three starts. And I for sure won’t remind you that you got pulled in the third inning last week.”
I turn to Ryan. “Why is he here again?”
“Married into the family, I guess.”
“You guys had your appointment this week, right?” I ask Zee.
Zanders’ face lights up, a cheeky smile on his lips. Ryan’s proud grin makes its timely appearance as well.
“It’s a girl,” Zanders declares. “And I’m stoked. Did you hear that, Max? I’m finally getting you a new friend.”
Max giggles in my grasp.
“You’re gonna be a girl dad, huh? Congratulations, man, that’s awesome.” I swing an arm over him in a hug.
“Did you know they make little hockey skates with tiny hearts on them? I’m going to get her those.”
Ryan shoots him a knowing look.
“Okay.” Zanders holds his hands up. “Maybe I’ve already gotten them. And maybe I’ve already stocked her closet with designer onesies. Sue me.”
Ryan and I chuckle.
“Do you have a name? I know you had convinced yourself you were having a boy.”
“The name has been picked since we found out we were going to be parents. Boy or girl, this was always their name.” Zanders swings an arm over Ryan’s shoulders. “Just had to run it by this guy first. Which we did at his rehearsal dinner last night where Mr. Unemotional started crying over it.”
“Yeah, yeah. Fuck off.”
“Her name is Taylor,” Zanders explains to me. “After Ryan Taylor Shay.”
Ryan’s blue-green eyes take on a glossy sheen, but he bites it back. This day has been a lot for him, especially when less than a year ago the guy was a complete recluse, not letting anyone too close.
“Max and Kai!” Indy exclaims, joining our conversation. “I’m so glad you two are here!”
“You look beautiful, Indy. Tonight has been amazing.”
Indy eyes me for a moment, and I can see the questions on the tip of her tongue.
How are you?
How’s your heart?
Are you going to curl up on the dance floor in the fetal position and sob in front of everyone because the girl you’re in love with is off doing bigger and better things with her life than anything you could ever offer her?