The soft beams of sunlight were reborn into a flurry of colors as the sun set through the stained glass window. Cherry pews were dressed with lilac bouquets and milky white lace. A long burgundy carpet stretched from the massive oak doors past the pews, up the steps, to the waiting soon-to-be husband. 

Josh stood behind Will, the position of best man. While the whole room was waiting, Josh found himself wanting to cry more and more. A part of him wanted to run away. A part of him wanted to let all the words spill out. He couldn’t. He wouldn’t. 

Suddenly, the doors creaked open and everyone turned their heads. 

Peggy stood there, the skirt of the dress was tulle and adorned with tiny flowers, her arms covered in lace sleeves. The veil was long enough to touch the floor behind her. She looked like something straight out of a fairytale. Everyone, including Josh, softly gasped at her presence. She stepped out as Pachelbel’s Canon began to play. She looked absolutely--

“Gorgeous,” Will sighed dreamily. Josh wanted to scream. Peggy floated down the aisle, the veil masking her features. 

“I thought Jamie’s dress was prettier,” Ethan whispered into Josh’s ear. Despite whispering, Will managed to catch it and lightly kicked Josh in the shin when he snorted. 

After Peggy settled into her spot, Will reached out and grabbed her hands. A few nods and then the officiant began the classic wedding speech. 

"Dearly beloved,” he began, “we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join Margaret Allen and Wilhelm Stamitz in matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly.” From the corner of his eye, Josh saw Will excitedly shake Peggy’s hands. He sighed to himself. 

“Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace." Absolute silence. Josh bit his lip to keep something from slipping out. He couldn’t. He wouldn’t.

“Then--”

“I…” a soft spoken voice slipped from behind the veil. Josh’s heart spikes. The room fell into a turbulent silence. The officiant turned to look at the bride-to-be. 

“Sorry,” her voice was small, “I had something in my throat.” The veil slowly floated with her head as she tilted her head down.

“Please continue.”

“Alright. Well, let’s move onto vows then, shall we? Wilhelm, I believe you will be going first.” 

“Um. I’m going--yes! Yes, I am going first!” His voice shook as he let go of Peggy to dig around his jacket pocket for his vows. 

“Pegs,” his voice was border-line robotic as he read aloud, “Ever since I met you, you’ve brought nothing but joy in my life. We’ve been together for four years, and every day with you has been absolute bliss. And I promise that every day after today, our love will only grow. In sickness and health, in sorrow and joy. I, Wilhelm, take Margaret to be my lawfully wedded wife. Now and for the rest of our days.” He folded the paper and tucked it back into his pocket. Josh smiled sadly as he watched Peggy’s maid of honor pass her a piece of paper. 

“Will,” she sighed, gripping the paper with all her might, “I…” Her arms dropped to her side and the paper floated to the ground.

“I can’t do this,” her voice trembled as she raised the veil. Everyone gasped in shock. A few drops of tears fell down her face, her eyes red and her makeup ruined. 

“Peggy?”

“I can’t marry you, Will. This isn’t what we really want. This--” she gestured to the space between them, “This isn’t really...it’s…” A sob slipped out of Peggy, unabashedly raw and genuinely full of despair. 

“What do you mean? What’s the matter?” Will tried to reach for her, but she stepped back. 

“Me and you. This. Us. It’s fine. It would be fine,” her eyes shifted to look Will in the eyes, “But that’s not really fair to us, is it? You say we’re happy. But are we happy? Or are we really just settling for complacent?” 

“Peggy, you know I love you--”

“And I love you!” Peggy stepped forward and gripped Will’s hands tightly, “But it’s not really the kind of love that institutes a marriage. Besides…” Josh watched her eyes flick to his face for a brief second before they settled back on Will’s with a smile. 

“I know you’ve had a second person in your heart the whole time. And that’s ok! It’s ok…” another tear dropped out, “And you need to love them with all of your might, one hundred percent, no going back.”

The whole room was silent, waiting for the next move. Will opened his mouth, but was stopped from making a noise when Peggy gave him a chaste kiss.

“I wish you the best, my darling,” she released his hands and turned to the guests. 

“I sincerely apologize for the scene. The reception will not be canceled, so you are welcome to their services. I, however, will not be making an appearance. I also humbly request that none of you contact me for the next few days. Thank you.” Peggy nodded before making a swift exit down the aisle where everyone could only watch the skirt of the dress fly behind her. 

A few moments passed before a handful of guests and bridesmaids followed behind her in silence. 

“Holy shit,” Jamie exclaimed and looked at Will who stood frozen in place. Josh stepped up, griping Will’s shoulder. The whole situation unsettled within himself.

“Will,” he murmured. At first glance, Will’s face was completely blank. His mouth was slack and his eyebrows neutral. But his eyes screamed one very powerful, one incredibly underappreciated emotion.

Gratitude. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~6 Years Ago~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Applause roared from the audience in the seats. Josh stood backstage in tech crew black, gently tapping against a bassoon in place for real applause. From where he stood, he could see the wide grin on Will’s face after straightening up from a bow. 

“Thank you everyone!” Will’s voice carried out to the audience, “Really, it means so much that you came out to see me. There will be a reception in the lounge, please come join us!” The audience applauded yet again as Will strided to the wings. 

“Awesome job as always, Mr.Stamitz,” Josh remarked with a smile as he opened the door for him. 

“You have my thanks, Mr. Kars,” he smiled as he grabbed his bassoon. Suddenly, a sour face dawned upon Will as he inspected the instrument. 

“Are you kidding me,” Will shook his head and looked up at Josh, “You broke my reed.” Panic struck Josh.

“Shit, I did?” He reached out, looking at the perfectly intact cane. Josh rolled his eyes and stared at Will who was giving him a shit-eating grin. 

“Fuck you, dude. Those things are expensive, and I’m broke,” He lightly shoved the prankster. Will guffawed, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Sorry, not sorry.” 

Josh sighed as the two left the green room and entered the hall. 

“What’d you order for the reception anyways?” the two meandered down the hall and up the stairs.

“Y’know, subs, veggie platter, brownies, etc.” Will shrugged.

“Got those peanut butter cookies you eat like everyday?” Josh heaved a bit as he reached the top of the steps. 

“What? Of course not,” Will shot Josh an incredulous look, hopping over the last step. 

“Why not? You love those things, you eat like two boxes a day,” Josh said as he tugged the door open and let Will slip through first. 

“You’re allergic to peanut butter, dude. I was worried about the cross contamination,” Will gave Josh a face that said ‘duh’. 

“It’s just cookies,” Josh scoffed. 

Will pivoted on his heel, his smile sly and his eyes unreadable. He tilted his head and raised his eyebrows. Everything paused. 

“I care about you.” 

And Josh’s heart stopped and his breath hitched and his stomach lurched and everything hit him and suddenly Will was everything and everywhere and every reason why. Josh is stunned into silence. 

A short laugh bursted out of Will. 

“How lame would it be if you died at my reception?” Will rolled his eyes and turned to keep walking. Josh smiled like a dope and trailed behind.

“I wouldn’t really mind dying at your reception.”