Group plan

Cade called the meeting for a Tuesday evening, choosing a small, quiet bar across town where he was reasonably confident Arlen wouldn't wander in unexpectedly. Nick arrived first, sliding into the booth with a curious look on his face, followed shortly by Max and Brennon, both of them glancing between Cade and Nick with matching expressions of barely restrained curiosity. "Okay," Brennon said, dropping into the seat beside Max. "You've got that look. The one that means you're about to ask us for something big." "I need your help with something," Cade said, unable to keep a small, nervous smile from tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I want to propose to Arlen." The table went silent for exactly one beat before erupting all at once—Max letting out a delighted whoop loud enough that a few nearby patrons glanced over, Brennon grinning wide, and Nick sitting back in his seat with an expression that mixed genuine happiness with something more solemn, more moved. "Finally," Max said,

Last Updated : 2026-09-16

The proposal

Saturday finally arrived. Cade had sent Arlen out for the afternoon under the pretense of running errands with Max, buying himself the hours he needed to finalize everything with Nick and Brennon's help, the three of them working quickly and quietly to transform the garden into something that took Cade's own breath away once it was finally complete. The path leading from the back door wound gently through freshly arranged lavender beds, the scent rich and unmistakable on the evening air, string lights arching overhead in a soft, glowing canopy that led all the way to the same table where they'd shared their first real dinner together months earlier—dressed now even more elegantly than before, candles flickering steadily in the gathering dusk, the small string quartet Max had arranged tuning quietly nearby, ready to begin the moment Arlen arrived. "You ready?" Nick asked, appearing at Cade's side as the final touches came together, his voice warm with barely contained excitement. "I

Last Updated : 2026-09-16

Fitting and rings

The following weekend, they set aside a full day for wedding-related errands, starting with the ring selection at the same jeweler Cade's mother had recommended during their engagement. "We already have the engagement ring," Arlen pointed out as they walked in, glancing down at his hand where the ring still sat, catching the light beautifully. "We need bands too," Cade said, smiling. "Something simple that we'll actually wear every day." The jeweler, an older woman with a warm, patient manner, brought out several trays for them to consider, and they spent a pleasant hour comparing options, debating finishes and widths with the same easy, comfortable back-and-forth that had defined so much of their relationship since the beginning. "I like this one," Arlen said, holding up a simple, brushed platinum band. "Not too flashy. Something I won't worry about scratching up in the kitchen." "Good thinking," Cade said, laughing. "Given how often you're elbow-deep in flour these days." "He

Last Updated : 2026-09-16

Wedding

The morning of the wedding arrived crisp and clear, early autumn light spilling gold across the garden where, just weeks before, Cade had knelt among the lavender and asked Arlen to marry him. Now that same garden had been transformed further still—white chairs arranged in careful rows facing an arbor wound thick with greenery and pale flowers, the same string lights from that night strung overhead in even greater abundance, ready to glow warmly once the sun finally set. Arlen woke early, too restless with anticipation to sleep much longer, and found Nick already waiting for him in the guest room they'd designated for getting ready, a garment bag hanging carefully on the door and a tray of coffee and pastries set out on the dresser. "Big day," Nick said, grinning as he handed Arlen a cup. "You ready?" "I don't know if 'ready' is the word," Arlen admitted, laughing slightly, nerves and excitement tangled together in his chest. "Terrified, maybe. In a good way." "That's normal," Nic

Last Updated : 2026-09-16

Perfect ending

Morning light filtered soft and gold through the curtains, the house quiet in that particular hush that settled after a long celebration finally wound down. Arlen woke slowly, the unfamiliar weight of the ring on his finger the first thing he registered, cool and solid against his skin, and for a moment he simply lay there, letting the reality of it settle over him again—married, actually married, the word still feeling new and slightly unbelievable even now. Cade stirred beside him a moment later, one arm still draped loosely across Arlen's waist, and murmured something sleepy and content against his shoulder before blinking his eyes open properly. "Morning, husband," Cade said, voice rough with sleep, a slow smile spreading across his face as the word left his mouth. Arlen laughed softly, turning onto his side to face him fully. "Husband," he repeated, testing the word out loud, warmth blooming easily in his chest. "I don't think that's ever going to stop feeling strange to say."

Last Updated : 2026-09-16

All Chapters of A Love Mess: Who loves who?: Chapter 81 - Chapter 85

Group plan

The proposal

Fitting and rings

Wedding

Perfect ending