Chapter Four: The Best Man

A Few Months Later

There was something about happiness that made time impatient. One moment, Adrian had been standing at the edge of a decision, wondering whether asking Eleanor out would ruin the friendship he treasured almost as much as the one he shared with Marcus. The next, he was standing in a bridal boutique with three shopping bags hanging from his arms while four women debated the difference between ivory and pearl.

He stared at the two fabric samples Sarah held up.

“They’re the same colour.”

Four heads turned toward him. Sarah looked personally offended. “They are not. How can you possibly think these are the same?”

She stepped closer, holding the samples almost against his face. Adrian blinked at them, then looked at her.

“I can see them perfectly well.”

“Then tell me the difference. Please don’t embarrass me here. I’ve taught you so much about colours that this should be a piece of cake for you.”

He studied the samples again, already regretting opening his mouth in the first place. Oh God, why did I even say anything? “Umm… this one is white.”

Sarah’s mouth dropped open. “Really Adrian? They’re both white!”

“Then what exactly are we arguing about?” he asked.

Eleanor laughed behind her hand. Adrian turned toward her with an expression of genuine desperation.

“Please help me.”

She folded her arms, clearly enjoying his suffering. “I would, but I agree with Sarah. Everything has to be perfect.”

“You’re supposed to love me.”

“I do love, but….”

“Then how come you’re not on my side?” Adrian cut her off.

“Not today, baby.”

He stared at her in disbelief. “Wow. I did not expect this.” He let out a wounded whimper, earning another laugh from her.

“Stop complaining. You offered to bring us here.”

“I offered to drive you here. Nobody told me I’d become a full-time assistant.”

Eleanor smiled sweetly. “Sit down, baby. We’ll be done soon.”

Adrian sighed dramatically and glanced at the bags hanging from his arms. “I see how this marriage is going to work. First, Sarah steals your attention, then you abandon me for decorations, or even the littlest things.”

“Never!” Eleanor replied, laughing.

Sarah, Eleanor, Maria, and the boutique owner returned to their discussion, sorting through jewellery, veils, and accessories. Adrian found a seat and checked his phone, occasionally looking up whenever someone presented another item for approval. He still couldn’t understand how women could spend so much time choosing between things that looked identical, but apparently, that was part of the experience.

Strangely enough, he didn’t mind as much as he pretended to. Every time he looked at Eleanor, he remembered why he was there. She was happy, and he wanted her to have everything she had dreamed of for their wedding. That alone made the long afternoon worth it.

Marcus appeared near the entrance and immediately noticed Adrian’s expression.

“Oof. You look miserable, man.”

Adrian glanced at the shopping bags. “I’ve been carrying these for hours.”

Marcus laughed as he approached. “You offered to follow them. What did you expect?”

“I expected romance. Maybe champagne. Definitely not three hours of colour comparisons.”

“Relax. You’ll be fine.”

“I haven’t been myself since we started planning this wedding.”

Marcus stopped beside him. “Take them to the car.”

“I tried. They keep changing their minds.”

He lowered his voice as though he were sharing a serious secret. “We spent almost three hours deciding between pearl and ivory. Three hours, Marcus. They look exactly the same.”

Marcus finally lost the battle with his laughter. “I understand your pain. That’s why I’m here.”

“Oh, thank God. Now I can go home.”

Adrian started to rise, but Marcus held up a hand.

“I came to laugh at you, not whatever it is you think I’m here for.”

Adrian slowly sat back down. “You’re a very terrible friend.”

“I’m entitled to enjoy this.” Marcus nodded toward the bags. “I can’t believe shopping bags defeated you.”

Adrian stared at him for a moment before dropping every bag into his arms.

Marcus stumbled beneath their weight. “Jesus!”

“Enjoy.”

“Adrian, what the hell is in these bags?”

Adrian offered him nothing but silence.

Marcus adjusted the handles, shaking his head as he looked down at the collection he’d just inherited. “God, I’ve made a mistake coming here.”

His teasing expression eventually softened. He looked at his friend properly, taking in the exhaustion on his face and the way his attention kept drifting toward Eleanor.

“But seriously, Adrian. Are you okay?”

Adrian glanced at him, and this time, the smile he gave him was quieter. “Yeah, I’m fine. Sincerely, I’ve never been better.”

For once, Marcus didn’t tease him about it. He simply watched him for another moment, then nodded.

Across the boutique, Sarah held up another gown.

“Eleanor, what do you think?”

Eleanor tilted her head, studying the dress. “It’s beautiful, but…”

Maria sighed. “You’ve said that about every dress we’ve tried.”

“Because none of them feel right, Mum.”

Sarah smiled reassuringly. “Then don’t settle. It’s your wedding. Take all the time you need.”

Eleanor looked around at the dresses surrounding her, her expression thoughtful. “I want to look at it and know it’s mine.”

Her words left the room quiet for a moment. An older woman who had been arranging veils nearby watched her thoughtfully before turning toward a particular gown. “I think you should try that one.”

Everyone followed her gaze. Eleanor walked toward the dress, her fingers brushing lightly over the fabric. Something changed in her expression as she looked at it, and her eyes widened.

“Oh…” She touched the material again, a smile slowly spreading across her face. “I think this is it. This is what I’ve been searching for.”

Her voice trembled slightly, and her eyes grew misty.

Sarah’s smile widened. “Then let’s see you in it.”

A few minutes later, Eleanor stepped out wearing the gown. Silence settled over the boutique. The dress fit her beautifully, as though it had been made specifically for her. The veil fell gently behind her, framing her face without taking anything away from it. For a moment, she stood there looking uncertain, waiting for their reactions.

Then her eyes found Adrian. He was already looking at her. The shopping bags, the complaints, the long afternoon, and every argument about colours and accessories disappeared from his mind. He slowly rose and walked toward her, unable to look away.

“God…”

Eleanor smiled nervously. “Is that a good reaction?”

He stopped in front of her, his expression softening as he took her in.

“You’re stunning.”

His eyes moved over her face, filled with something deeper than admiration. He had known Eleanor for months, had watched her laugh, listened to her talk, and fallen into the comfort of having her beside him. Yet seeing her standing there in her wedding dress made his heart do something entirely new.

“I think I’m falling in love with you again,” he admitted.

Eleanor’s smile softened, and for a moment, she seemed to forget that anyone else was in the room.

Marcus folded his arms behind them. “You both know it’s bad luck for the groom to see the dress before the wedding, right?”

Adrian looked over his shoulder. “Why are you always the sore spot?”

“What did I do?” Marcus protested. “I’m only protecting tradition.”

“Who even made that rule?” Sarah asked.

“Well, whoever they are, they can forgive me, because I have to look at my wife,” Adrian joked.

Everyone laughed, and the tension in the room eased. Adrian turned back toward Eleanor. She reached for his hand, and their fingers intertwined naturally, as though they’d always belonged there.

Suddenly, the wedding didn’t feel like some distant date they were planning around. It was coming. Soon, Eleanor would walk toward him, and he would stand before everyone they loved and promise her forever.

For the first time that afternoon, Adrian didn’t mind waiting.

***********

Saturday arrived beneath clear skies, and the Bennett house was already warm with familiar noise. Sarah stood in the kitchen preparing breakfast while Marcus hovered nearby, waiting for the perfect opportunity to steal a piece of bacon.

He reached for one.

Without turning around, Sarah slapped his hand away. “Don’t.”

Marcus stared at her. “How did you see that?”

“Who doesn’t know you? Stay away from my bacon.”

He grinned. “One more.”

“No.”

He grabbed another anyway.

Sarah finally turned around. “God! You’re driving me crazy.”

Marcus shoved the bacon into his mouth and smiled at her. “I love you too, baby. These taste amazing, by the way.”

“How I ended up with you is what I don’t know.”

He leaned against the counter, looking entirely too pleased with himself. “But you still love me, right?”

“Unfortunately.”

Before Marcus could respond, the front door opened.

“Hello, everyone!”

Kai looked up from the living room floor. His comic book dropped instantly as he scrambled to his feet.

“UNCLE ADRIAN!”

He ran across the room and launched himself into Adrian’s arms. Adrian caught him with a laugh, wrapping his arms around the little boy.

“Easy, buddy. You’re getting heavier every day.”

“You’re here! I thought you weren’t coming.”

Adrian’s smile faded slightly. “Can I ever not come?”

Kai crossed his arms and gave him a suspicious look. “You’re late. I almost asked Dad to call you. Where were you?”

Adrian lifted the paper bags he’d brought along. “I had to stop for snacks.”

Kai’s eyes immediately went to the bags. “You brought cookies?”

“Yes, buddy. Peace offering.”

The little boy considered him for a moment before nodding. “Okay. I forgive you.”

Adrian placed a hand over his chest. “Thank you, sir. I don’t know what I would’ve done without your forgiveness.”

Kai grinned and reached into one of the bags. Marcus walked into the hallway just in time to see him pull out a box. “You spoil that boy too much.”

Adrian shrugged. “Leave him alone. It’s not his fault you have no one to spoil you. Now move. Let me go say hi to that lovely lady in the kitchen.”

Kai carried the cookies toward the dining table while Marcus watched him with narrowed eyes.

“Kai.”

“Yes, Dad?”

“Who bought those?”

Kai glanced down at the box. He knew exactly what his father was doing, but he decided to have a little fun.

“The cookie fairy.”

Marcus snorted. “Oh, really?”

Kai nodded solemnly.

“The cookie fairy wears expensive Italian suits now?”

“Well, he’s successful, Dad.”

Adrian laughed from the kitchen, while Marcus shook his head in defeat.

“Fine. What do you say to the cookie fairy?”

Kai shouted toward the other room, “THANK YOU, UNCLE ADRIAN!”

“You’re welcome, buddy.”

Sarah laughed, and even Marcus couldn’t hide his smile.

**********

Eleanor arrived later that morning with a small peace offering for Kai to make up for being late. As expected, he accepted it immediately, apparently deciding that his aunt could be forgiven for almost anything as long as she came bearing gifts.

By then, breakfast had turned into a long, comfortable gathering. Conversations moved from work to movies and childhood memories before eventually settling on the wedding. Plates were passed around, Marcus continued stealing food from Sarah, and Kai sat happily among the adults, occasionally interrupting their conversations with questions of his own.

Sarah placed another pancake on Kai’s plate before looking at Eleanor. “You know, I still can’t believe you’re getting married.”

Eleanor smiled shyly. “Sometimes neither can I.”

Marcus glanced toward Adrian. “You’ve done well.”

Adrian leaned back in his chair. “I know, right?”

Marcus raised an eyebrow. “I wasn’t talking to you, dummy. I meant Eleanor.”

Adrian laughed. “Gee, thanks.”

Then he turned toward Eleanor, his expression softening. “I should be proud. I somehow convinced the smartest woman I know to marry me.”

Eleanor reached beneath the table and squeezed his hand. Adrian looked down at their joined fingers, and the small gesture gave him everything he needed. He didn’t need a grand declaration or another reminder of how lucky he was. Having her there, choosing him as surely as he had chosen her, was enough.

Marcus noticed the exchange but said nothing. He simply smiled into his coffee, glad that his friend was loved, understood, and finally where he belonged.

Then Kai looked between Adrian and Eleanor, his expression growing thoughtful.

“Dad?”

Marcus looked up. “Yeah, buddy?”

“You’re married to Mommy.”

“Uh-huh, I am.”

“And Uncle Adrian is marrying Auntie Eleanor.”

“That’s right. Where is this going?”

Kai nodded slowly before turning toward Adrian. “If you’re getting married…”

He slid down from his chair and walked over to him.

“…can you marry me too?”

The entire table froze.

Adrian blinked. “What?”

Kai looked genuinely confused by everyone’s reaction. “I want to marry you too.”

Marcus pressed his lips together, trying not to laugh. Sarah immediately turned away, while Eleanor covered her mouth in a desperate attempt to keep her laughter in.

Adrian crouched until he was eye to eye with the little boy. “You want to marry me?”

Kai nodded. “You’re my favourite.”

Marcus gasped dramatically. “Wow. I’ve been replaced.”

Kai turned toward him. “No. You’re my favourite dad.”

Marcus placed a hand over his heart. “Good answer.”

Everyone laughed, but Kai remained focused on Adrian.

“So, can I marry you, please?”

Adrian’s smile softened. “I wish I could, buddy.” Kai’s shoulders dropped. “But I can only marry one person.”

“Oh.”

For a moment, genuine disappointment crossed the little boy’s face. Adrian gently ruffled his hair.

“But that doesn’t mean you’re any less important to me.”

“Really?”

Adrian considered his answer before speaking. “Important enough that I want you in my life for a very, very, very long time.”

“Even when I’m old?”

“Especially then.”

“What if I become taller than you?”

Marcus laughed. “Good luck with that.” Adrian was already tall enough, but Marcus liked to joke that he was somehow still growing, even at twenty-seven.

Kai ignored him and looked carefully at Adrian. “Promise?”

Adrian held out his little finger, and Kai wrapped his own around it.

“Pinky promise.”

Kai nodded, satisfied, and climbed back onto his chair. For a few seconds, he appeared to be thinking about something. Then his face brightened.

“I’ll just be your best man, then! I heard Daddy say he’ll stand next to you as a best man, so I want it too.”

Silence fell over the table. Then Eleanor burst out laughing, and Sarah followed. Marcus nearly spilled his coffee.

“That’s my spot, young man.”

Kai looked at him. “You can share. I want to stand next to Uncle Adrian, please, Daddy.”

Adrian laughed. “Why not? We can have two best men.”

Marcus stared at his friend in disbelief. “You’re serious? Can you just say no to him for once? Come on!”

“Stop being a baby. I can have two best men,” Adrian replied, laughing.

Kai beamed. “Do I get a suit?”

“The coolest one we can find.”

“Can it have sunglasses?”

Marcus frowned. “You’re wearing sunglasses with a suit?”

Kai nodded confidently. “So everyone knows I’m important, daddy.”

Adrian laughed so hard he had to wipe his eyes. “We’ll get that done, dear.”

Kai punched the air. “I’m going to be the coolest best man ever!”

The room filled with laughter again.

But Sarah wasn’t laughing anymore. She was watching Eleanor, who was looking at Adrian with a tenderness that needed no explanation. The love in her eyes was quiet and certain, and Sarah knew her friend had found something special.

She reached beneath the table and gently squeezed Eleanor’s hand. Eleanor turned toward her, and Sarah smiled.

“You chose well, my friend. I’m so happy for you.”

Eleanor glanced toward Adrian. He was still laughing with Kai while Marcus pretended to be offended about losing his position as best man.

Her eyes softened. “I know.”

And perhaps that was the most beautiful part of it all. Eleanor hadn’t simply chosen the man she loved. She had chosen a life filled with people who loved her, too.

Sitting there, surrounded by laughter, teasing, warmth, and the people who had somehow become family, Eleanor realised something she would carry with her for the rest of her life.

Home wasn’t always a place. Sometimes, it was the people sitting around your table.