Peter drove to the church for the second time in as many weeks. It was late June, but it wasn't too hot. With a few scattered clouds and a light breeze, the weather couldn't have been more perfect. Folks were heading into the church by the time he got there. Since most everyone knew everyone in Wrenview, there was no point in having a bride side and groom side; everyone just sat where they could fit.

The church had been full when he was there last Sunday, but somehow they managed to pack even more people in today, and there were enough seats for everyone. The Phillips were seated together in a row, and they waved Peter over and he joined them. The kids were antsy, but they knew better than to act up in church.

Ben and Liam had known Lisa for their whole lives as Ellie's best friend, so the idea of her getting married was a little confusing.

"It's almost like seeing my own daughter get married," Virginia Phillips said to her husband.

"Hank's a good man." Gordon patted her hand.

Peter wanted to laugh when he saw Hank walk up to the altar. He was visibly nervous and sweating. The church was warm, but not that warm. Peter knew Hunter and recognized most of the groomsmen from playing poker, and knew Julia and Jessica in the bridal party.

Ellie walked out after all of them; he supposed because she was the maid of honor. His heart seemed to catch when she walked in the room. It embarrassed him a little, even though only he knew. How did he go from being friendly acquaintances to wanting to see her everywhere he went? Maybe there had been no change. Maybe he had always felt like this.

She wore a flowing yellow bridesmaid's dress with thin straps and a straight neckline that draped in the middle. Her bouquet was a variety of yellows. Her hair was curled slightly, and fell softly around her shoulders. She smiled warmly at her friends and family on either side as she went by. Peter was startled when the pastor asked them to rise for the bride; he'd nearly forgotten why they were there.

After the ceremony, they moved outside for the reception. A dozen or so big round tables were set up under a white tent in the field behind the church. On one of the long sides of the tent, in the center, a long table was set up for the bride and groom and their parents. Ellie was up there with Hank's best man, who Peter had met the other day but couldn't remember his name. The rest of the bridesmaids and groomsmen were at tables down at the front. The Phillips family was seated together on the far right of the tent, and Peter was at a table in the back left. Dr. Wilder, the vet, was seated at his table, as well as the Thompsons, who Peter had bought the ranch from. They were all acquainted, and could make easy small talk about his horses and his plans for the ranch.

The speeches were pleasant but long, as they often are at these sorts of things. Peter in particular didn't know the stories they remembered or the people they brought up. Glancing at the Phillips he saw that the young ones were getting increasingly restless. There were a lot of kids in attendance, and they all just wanted to play in the sun. Mrs. Phillips was silently scolding her kids. She saw Peter watching them.

Peter pointed at Lottie, who was squirming so much she was nearly falling out of her chair. He made a "come here" gesture. Her mom nodded and whispered to her. Lottie hopped off her chair and ran over to Peter. He scooped her up and set her on his lap, indicating with his finger that she should be quiet. The tent was big enough and had enough rustling children that no one really noticed, at least not the people up front. Lottie managed to contain herself for the rest of the speeches, and finally she was released to go play with the other kids.

Dinner passed pleasantly with his friendly table mates, but Peter couldn't help but glance up at Ellie. She was friends with everyone, and could hardly take a bite of her own food for the amount of people she talked to. Lisa, who would usually be the center of attention, was completely focused on Hank, and Ellie seemed to be running interference so they could be in their own little world.

Siblings Hunter and Jessica and the rest of their band took the stage. Peter knew they did music, but they were a full on, legitimate band. Lilac Ford was painted on the drummer's bass drum. Jessica was the lead singer, and Hunter sang some and played guitar. They mostly did covers, but they also had a handful of originals that everyone seemed to know. The pair might be shy in person, but they were totally different on stage. In fact, they looked more comfortable than Peter had ever seen them.

The sun hadn't set yet, so other than Hank and Lisa and the wedding party, it was mostly kids jumping around and older couples dancing. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that Peter was not particularly keen on dancing. But watching Ellie dance with the best man, whatever his name was, did not sit right in his gut.

Slowly the sun began to set. If you're worried that Peter was sitting in the corner like a sad sack, don't be. He may not be inclined to socialize, but it's not like he hated people. In fact, the people of Wrenview were so friendly, and so eager to meet him, that he hardly had a moment to think about dancing. He met his neighbors on all sides, he met folks from town, and he even saw that guy from Chapter 5, Adam. If you forgot about him, it's okay, so did I. He saw the pastor, who I keep forgetting to name. The pastor asked Peter if he'd be coming to church from now on, and Peter said he'd try. And he would.

At a little past 9 it was properly dark out, although the tent was well lit and had little twinkle lights lining its border.

"You seem to be having a good time." Mrs. Phillips greeted Peter with a smile as he finished up chatting with Jeff, Andrew, and Harry, the middle-aged farmers from Chapter 6. Mr. Phillips was behind her a few steps with Charlotte passed out in his arms.

"I heard from Ellie that you came by to help when we were out of town. We really appreciate it," Mrs. Phillips said.

"It's no problem at all."

"Well, if you don't mind me imposing on you even more, could you give Elinor a ride home tonight? We've got to get the little ones home."

"Of course."

"Oh, and before I forget, the boys have been asking to get riding lessons from you. Do you teach kids?"

"Absolutely! Though we'll have to check if Emerson is big enough for the horses. I've been thinking about getting a pony at some point."

"Great, I'll give you a call. Good night."

The Phillips left, and most families with young children started to trickle out as well. Ellie was dancing to an upbeat song with some friends and Peter made his way through the tables towards her. He was nervous about how to approach her, but she saw him well before he got close. She met him part way, flashing her characteristic easy smile.

"Hey, you! Having fun?" Ellie said.

He nodded. "Wanna dance?" He had probably never said that in his life. She nodded and pulled him to the dance floor, near her friends but clearly separate. The song changed all of a sudden to something much slower, and Peter could swear he saw Jessica wink at him. They were awkward for a moment, but Peter brought his right hand up to Ellie's back, and held out his left hand. Ellie gave him her right hand and rested her left arm on his right. She couldn't quite look him in the eye.

"Have Hank and Lisa left?" Peter asked.

Ellie nodded. "They snuck out a while ago."

They danced in silence after that, but the air didn't feel empty. There wasn't anything that needed to be said. Peter didn't know how Ellie felt; if this were just another dance to her. But now he knew exactly how he felt.

Hunter and Jessica played another slow song after that one. They could have gone on all night and Peter and Ellie wouldn't have noticed. But the rest of the crowd was ready for something more upbeat. Ellie pulled out of Peter's arms, but held onto his hand for as long as she could as they switched songs. They parted and joined Ellie's friends.

The night was long. Eventually the band put up their instruments and joined the revelers. Someone put on a playlist. Peter couldn't dance with Ellie the whole night, as much as he'd like to. He danced a bit with Julia and Jessica and some of the other bridesmaids. But somehow he ended up with Ellie in his arms whenever the music slowed. Like the universe was trying to say something. Each time they separated it was harder and harder for him to pull away.

The dancing died down and the handful of guests that remained sat around a few tables just chatting and laughing. It was definitely the latest Peter had stayed out in a long time. But he was in no rush to leave. It was comfortable, and the people were friendly. Wrenview was the right town to move to, Peter thought.

Ellie stood and asked him if he wanted to leave. They said some goodbyes and went to his truck. Outside of the warm lights in the tent, the world was dark and endless. Ellie sighed as they started driving. "I am exhausted." She closed her eyes and leaned back. Peter drove slow to avoid bumps on the dirt road to her house.

When they pulled up, he realized she had actually fallen asleep. He turned off the truck, but wasn't sure if he should wake her or let her rest. But she woke herself up before he decided.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I can't believe I fell asleep. Were you sitting here long?" Ellie asked sleepily.

"No, we just pulled up."

"Ah, well, thanks for the ride." She got out of the car. Peter made a snap decision. He jumped out of the car, and walked quickly towards Ellie.

"Ellie!" She was already turning when she heard him get out, and he caught her arm gently. He slid his hand down to hers.

"Do you want to go riding tomorrow? I'd like to talk to you about something."

Ellie nodded but said nothing.

"I'll meet you here at ten."

He dropped her hand and went back to the truck. After watching her walk into the house, he went home.