Then he was back to business. When he was done, I was wearing a modified tuxedo bodice and tulle wrapped to form a beautiful skirt. Austin pulled together a matching ensemble. The difference was mostly in our shoes. I had heels; he had white combat boots. We both went into the bathroom and rushed to get some makeup on.

When we were done, I took a second to link my arm with his. “How cute are we?”

“So cute. Let’s get out there before they leave without us.” Austin grabbed his bag and packed a camera.

When we walked back to the living room, everyone there was dressed as a bride.

Teddi had two cell phones, but paused when we stepped out. “You two are the sexiest people on the planet. Let’s go give a giant middle finger to any dickbags that think they get to bully you. But first? Group shot.”

Austin placed his camera on a collapsible tripod. It took longer than Teddi wanted, but we eventually had a few poses that made us laugh.

“Let’s roll out.” Ruffian held open the front door.

Pixie Rae had to keep reminding Gaze to keep his skirt down. Someone had fashioned a bridal veil on Axel, who was so excited to join us all for a walk.

And it was a walk. Main Street was six blocks away, and three blocks in, Austin offered to carry me piggyback style. I took him up on his offer. Teddi gave me a few side-eyes that had me wondering if she and I would have a more detailed conversation after this makeshift display of solidarity.

When we got to the meeting spot, we were by far the only brides there. People were tossing toilet paper streamers and some of the apartments that lined the road had wedding music blasting. There was the wedding march, the Bruno Mars number, and a few country songs that merged with one another.

Brides were everywhere. Some guys inverted their white t-shirts into veils on their heads. Older women were coming out and walking in their actual dresses they had in storage. Restaurants were throwing handfuls of rice and the cars honking was wild.

Austin leaned down to me. “Did Teddi accidentally make us a holiday?”

“I think so. And I bet she’s going to have it worldwide within ten years. She’s a beast.” I knew my friend well.

His eyes crinkled as he smiled.

A lot of brides held their phones up, streaming the celebration. We were ending the march at the pretty movie theater near 5th and Vine.

Teddi, Peaches, and Tinsley were making a TikTok dance, and Milt, Gaze, Ruffian, and Austin had their arms draped around each other’s shoulders.