chapter fourteen

Jackie had been planning Will's wedding for what felt like forever. The house was buzzing with wedding checklists, decorations, and endless calls to caterers, florists, and photographers. Even in the middle of all the chaos, she somehow kept everything under control.

Isaac and I, meanwhile, were together, but no one else knew. I liked it that way. The secrecy made it feel like our own little world, away from teasing, questions, or judgment. Just the two of us, sneaking moments when we could, sharing quiet glances, subtle touches, and stolen smiles. But Isaac doesn't really like it.

Sometimes, we'd sit in the living room, pretending to scroll on our phones while our hands brushed under the table. Other times, we'd linger in the kitchen just a little too long, laughing softly about something no one else would notice.

It was a strange balance, helping Jackie with wedding chaos while keeping our own small happiness hidden, but somehow, it felt perfect.

I wandered around the house, glancing at the yard and all the little wedding touches Jackie had set up. I found Will standing near the door, looking out over the yard.

I checked my watch and walked over. "Will, shouldn't you be getting ready?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

He turned to me, a small smile playing on his lips. "Evelyn, when you got here, what did you think of it?" His gaze was fixed on the yard.

I laughed softly, shrugging. "Oh, well, that's easy. All that sky," I said, letting my eyes sweep over the scenery. "Honestly, this place is like nowhere on Earth. It's special. And I think you could see that right away. Why?"

Will chuckled quietly. "I'm going to go get ready," he said, straightening his shoulders and heading toward the house.

I was upstairs hiding from all the tasks Jackie kept throwing at everyone when I finally decided to check things out. As soon as I stepped outside, I spotted Jackie pacing like a storm cloud, waving her phone around, completely out of control.

Everyone else was sitting outside, trying to stay out of her way, while Jackie frantically tried to call the florist.

"What's going on?" Cole asked, coming up beside me.

I sighed, rubbing my forehead. "Albert ate Hayley's wedding bouquet."

Lee asked, "Does she really need a bouquet?"

I turned to glare at him. "For a wedding, Lee? Yes, she really needs a bouquet."

Jackie groaned, muttering to herself as she scrolled through her phone. "What am I gonna do? What am I gonna do?"

Cole shoved his hands into his pockets and shrugged. "I can get some flowers for you."

Jackie looked at him like he had three heads. "From where? And what kind of flowers? You do know there's a theme, right?"

Cole rolled his eyes. "Yes, Jackie, I'm not an idiot."

He smirked. "But if you don't trust me, come with me."

Jackie hesitated, chewing her lip. "How long is this gonna take?"

"Thirty minutes tops," Cole said confidently.

She gave him a sharp look, pointing a finger at him. "This better be worth it, Cole." Then she turned to Lee and shoved her iPad into his hands. "Lee, you're in charge while I'm gone. You have the bridge."

As Jackie hurried off with Cole, she called over her shoulder, "And guys, please finish the cupcakes, okay?"

I went upstairs and found Parker sitting on the floor in her room, tossing a baseball up and catching it like nothing important was happening.

"Parker," I said, leaning against the doorframe, "you need to get ready. We're starting soon."

She didn't even look at me, just muttered stubbornly, "I'm not wearing it."

I sighed and walked over, lowering myself to sit cross-legged on the floor in front of her. "Okay... why not?"

Parker caught the ball and held it tightly in her lap, staring down at it. "I'll look stupid," she mumbled. "Everyone's gonna laugh at me."

"Everyone?" I tilted my head. "Or... do you mean the guys?"

Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she finally nodded. "They always make fun of me because I'm a girl. Why can't I just wear what they're all wearing?"

I reached out, gently squeezing her hand. "You can wear a suit if you want," I said softly. "But if you decide to wear the dress, that doesn't make you any less you, Parker. And I promise you, no one's gonna laugh. You're gonna look amazing. I know so. Want to give it a try?"

Parker sighed dramatically, but a tiny smile tugged at her lips. "Okay... but there is no way I am wearing those shoes."

I made myself ready too, slipping into my dress after what felt like hours of indecision. I fixed my hair, checked my reflection one last time, and took a deep breath before heading downstairs.

As I entered the decorated backyard, the soft music playing and fairy lights glowing, Danny spotted me first.

"Evelyn, you look great," he said with a warm smile.

"Thanks, you too," I replied, returning the smile as I adjusted the skirt of my dress.

"New York," Cole said, his usual nickname for me rolling off his tongue. "Your sister's been running this wedding like it's the Oscars."

I chuckled softly. "Trust me, I know. I've been hiding upstairs half the time to stay out of her line of fire."

went to my sit to sit down, where Isaac already was there.

I sat down slowly, smoothing my dress, trying not to make it obvious that my mind was already a mess.

"Hey," he said quietly, glancing at me from the corner of his eye.

"Hey," I replied, my voice softer than I intended.

I finally broke it, leaning slightly toward him. "You look good," I whispered, just loud enough for him to hear.

Isaac's lips curled into the faintest smirk, his voice low. "You don't look so bad yourself."

Everyone stood as the music began to play.

Hayley appeared at the end of the aisle, arm in arm with her parents. She looked stunning.

I glanced at Will, who stood at the front, waiting. He looked both nervous and happy, his hands clasped in front of him, his gaze fixed entirely on Hayley.

Beside me, Isaac shifted slightly, his shoulder brushing against mine. My heart skipped, but I kept my eyes forward, pretending not to notice.