Val lays out a large checkered blanket for us to sit on and passes out wineglasses. Kiara and I take out the food and arrange it on our charcuterie board as aesthetically pleasingly as we can. Before we dig in, Celeste takes a few pictures, of our food, the Palace, and of us, with her professional camera.

“We make an amazing team,” Kiara says. “And we’re so lucky to have you two to help out with the wedding. More double dates like this, please!”

“You guys should come down to SoCal next time,” I reply. “Now that you’ll be done with all the wedding craziness. You’ll love Balboa Park, Kiara. It’s an hour and a half from where I live, but Celeste and I can drive down and meet you guys there. It’s a similar vibe to this, but bigger.”

“That’s in San Diego, right?” Val asks. “Our wallets will need to recover first but, afterward, yeah, we’ll be there!”

Couples of all different races, genders, and sexualities picnic around us, and along with the idyllic, peaceful atmosphere created by the beautiful scenery, I’ve never felt safer. Val and Kiara must feel the same, because, after a while, their shoulders relax and they stare lovingly into each other’s eyes.

Celeste, too, seems to be enjoying herself. And her face is full of wonder and awe at our surroundings as she sips her wine.

“I can’t believe a place like this exists,” she says after we finish eating. “Like, I drove by it a couple of times when I was visiting the city for work, but I thought it was just some big monument or something.”

“Isn’t it amazing?” I say. “Totally random, but cool. As for me, I can’t believe I’m here with all of you guys. Like, I’m so happy right now!”

I give Celeste a light peck on her lips before throwing out my arms to my sides to hug Val and Kiara. “You guys are getting married ! How are you feeling?”

My friends look at each other again.

“Honestly, I was a nervous wreck before you came,” Kiara says. “So I’m so glad you and Celeste are here with us.”

“Same here,” Val adds with wide eyes. “Really, even this picnic is helping a lot.”

“I’m glad we could help,” I say. “I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

“Aw, Gemma!” Kiara exclaims. “We love you so much!”

Val nods in agreement, and we all come together for a big hug.

After we say goodbye to my friends, Celeste drives us over to the Golden Gate Park. It’s only six minutes away, and the weather’s perfect for a little stroll.

“I remember being so pissed off when I found out that this park isn’t next to the bridge,” Celeste muses when we get out of her car.