Page 68 of Run Home

Pulling my phone from my pocket, I open Instagram and navigate to Sam’s new public account she created for her business. Clicking to the tab that shows the posts she’s been tagged in, I open one and tap the comments icon. Turning the phone to her, I say, “Look at these comments. Are any of them talking about how you’re dating me?”

She scrolls through some of the comments for a moment—how incredible the color looks, how perfect the blending is, who the stylist is. I know because I spent a long time reading through these comments on the flight home yesterday.

Sighing, Sam looks me in the eye. “No. No Ortiz and West 2.0 comments.”

Holding up a finger, I say, “I’d like to state, for the record, that I dislike that label. Because even though you are a huge upgrade in every way compared to Griff, nothing about you is a second version of my connection to him. You and me—we’re our own thing.”

Sam smiles as she hands the phone back to me. “Okay, you’ve made your point. I’ll try not to worry that I’m only a success at the salon because of who I’m dating.”

Taking both of her hands in mine, I emphasize, “Your business is taking off because you are amazing. Because of your talent, your hard work, your way of connecting with people. That’s why you have so many hair customers beating down your door—not me.”

She bursts into a laugh at the repeated use of “hair customers,” then leans over to kiss me soundly. “Thank you for telling me that,” she says when she pulls away. “Thank you for apologizing, even though I still think you did nothing wrong.”

She looks down, and her voice is quiet as she adds, “Thanks for caring enough to talk about it.” I can see the steady inhale in her chest as she seems to debate her next words.

When she continues to hesitate, I gently squeeze her fingers and murmur, “You can say it. Whatever it is you’re thinking about. It’s okay.”

She still doesn’t make eye contact, but she exhales before whispering, “You’re nothing like Ryan.” It seems like she stated this to herself more than to me, but then she looks up to meet my eyes. A ghost of a smile passes her lips as she says, “You’re everything, Adrian. Everything good. So much more than I deserve.”

Brow furrowed, I shake my head slowly. “That’s not true. Because you deserve everything good, cielo.”

I have to hand it to Sam—this tent might be the coolest thing I’ve seen at a wedding. Because it’s actually cool despite the July heat. The clear-top tent still allows the setting sunlight to illuminate the space, but portable air conditioners keep it from getting too hot.

Strands of lights follow each beam of the tent roof, ready to illuminate the reception as the sun disappears. Clumps of pale purple-and-white flowers hang in clusters from the ceiling, giving the illusion that we’re in a botanical garden instead of under a tent in Griffin’s backyard.

Griffin and Danae did their first look about an hour ago before the ceremony began, and he’s been a crying baby ever since. I’d give him a hard time about it, but I’m too happy for them to even tease him.

As I follow Griffin with Drew behind me to stand at the front of the aisle, I slap his back with a final gesture of support. He smiles at me before turning his attention to the back of the tent, where Danae and her bridesmaids will be entering.

When Sam steps into the tent, I swallow every teasing comment I held back about Griffin’s tears. Because the sight of her smiling at me as she glides down the aisle holding a bouquet slams my heart with every emotion.

Heaven on earth, walking toward me.

Sniffing hard, I catch Griffin’s sly smirk as he glances over his shoulder at me. I blink back the moisture threatening to gather in my eyes and smile at Sam as she takes her place on the other side of the aisle. Kara soon reaches her spot in front of Sam, and then the guests stand for Danae’s entrance.

Danae comes out, escorted by both her father and Jason. As the piano music crescendos and they make their way toward us, tears stream down Griffin’s cheeks. Danae reaches the front, allows her father to kiss her cheek before sitting down, then hands her bouquet to Kara so she can hold Griffin’s hands. Jason stands right there beside her, watching and listening as the pastor begins the ceremony.

After sharing a few thoughts about love and the significance of marriage, the pastor asks Griffin and Danae to recite the vows they wrote together. They take turns pledging their lives to one other, promising to be each other’s safe space forever. When they’re done, the pastor begins to transition to the exchange of rings when Jason suddenly pipes up.

“Wait, don’t I get to say something?” he asks, holding up a hand.

Danae’s wide eyes mirror the surprise on the rest of our faces, and I can’t help but grin at Fireball living up to his nickname.

“Um, yes, of course you do,” the pastor says after searching glances to Griffin and Danae.

Jason pulls a folded piece of paper from the pocket of his light gray suit, a miniature replica of our groomsmen attire. Clearing his throat, he starts reading.

“My mom and I started a new life together one and a half years ago, and it’s been a really good one. She’s loved me one hundred percent, forever every day, but I know there’s someone else she loves one hundred percent, forever. And so do I, Dad.” He looks up at Griffin, and every person in the tent fights tears. I think most of us lose the fight—Danae and Griffin certainly do, and a quick glance over at Sam confirms she’s a puddle.

I wipe at my own eyes as Jason concludes, “So today we get to start a new life with all three of us together, and I promise to be with you one hundred percent, forever.”

Griffin bends to one knee to hug Jason, whispering something in his ear. I can only imagine how this moment feels for him, not only marrying the love of his life, but hearing Jason call him “Dad” for the first time. Griffin stands and pulls Danae into the hug, allowing all of us to witness this first moment as an official family of three.

Kara hands tissues to Danae, and I hold up both hands as I tell Griffin, “I’m afraid I’m unprepared. I’m a lousy best man.”

The guests laugh, alleviating the emotional moment, and Kara reaches around Danae to hand an extra tissue to Griffin. Sam is wiping her eyes with her own tissue, and I’m left wondering where the bridesmaids stored this secret stash. Inside the flowers? Or do those lavender dresses have hidden pockets?

Sam catches my eye and winks at me, earning a tender smile. The pastor continues, “I’m not quite sure how to follow that special vow, but it’s time to exchange rings.”