When he was ready, he stepped up to the microphone. “Yo, yo, yo, listen up to the best man.” The spirited group fell silent and gave him their attention. “I go way back with these two. Laura, you and Shane were way more than cousins to us. You were our summer siblings when we were all little kids, and we loved spending that time with you. Owen has been my best friend since high school when we bonded over our love of music. The nights we get to play together are always my favorite. So it was a great honor when my best friend asked me to be his best man when he married my cousin. I’ve known you a long time, O, and I’ve never seen you happier than you’ve been since you and Laura got together. The two of you are great on your own, but you’re spectacular together. I love you both, and I wish you all the best life has to offer. To Owen and Laura!”

As the guests guzzled champagne and toasted the happy couple, Evan played the opening chords of the song Owen had chosen for their first dance. “Laura left one big decision up to her groom, and that was choosing a song for them to dance to tonight. Are you two ready?”

“Here we come!” Laura looked giddy as she led her new husband to the space they’d left for dancing.

“Owen chose ‘All I Want Is You’ by U2 for their first dance.” Evan played the chords and put everything he had into the emotion-driven song to give Owen and Laura an unforgettable moment. But the whole time, he had his eyes on Grace, hoping she knew he was singing for her, too.

“Perfect choice,” Laura said with a happy sigh as she danced with her new husband.

“It says everything I wanted you to know today.”

She looked up at him, loving him more than she ever had.

“What?” he asked, tuned in to her as always.

“Just thinking about how much I love you.”

“I love you that much and more.”

“I love you more.”

He laughed and kissed her, which had their guests laughing and clapping as they clinked silverware against the crystal, looking for more kisses.

“How long do we have to stay?” he asked.

“It’s our party. We can’t just leave.”

“Yes, we can.”

“No, we can’t.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“I’m the husband. What I say goes.”

“And I’m the wife. If you want to get lucky later, watch your mouth, mister.”

“I love when you chastise me.” As he spoke, he pulled her in closer to him. “It makes me hot.”

“Not now, dear. People are looking.”

“Are we really married?”

“We really are.”

“I want out of here. Soon.”

“Another hour. Maybe two.”

“I’m holding you to that, Mrs. Lawry.”