Page 90 of It Happened Duo
“In all seriousness, here’s to you, Rex. I’m proud of youand happy for you today, brother, and I think Dad would be, too.”
I wasn’t prepared for the tear that threatened the corners of my eyes.
“Thanks, man.” We hugged it out. No matter what he was going through, we’d always be there for each other.
“Ready?” Richard asked.
“Hell yes. I’m getting married, boys.” I responded with a smile so huge, my face hurt. My cheeks would burn by the end of the night.
“Here, here. As the first among us to do so, lead the way, my man,” Brody stated.
“I cannot even image this. Things are so new yet between me and Merry, marriage doesn’t even register,” Xander said.
“I’ve got a hundred says Xander will be the next to get married, since he’s fallen fast for every girlfriend he’s ever had,” Gage shouted, always the one to get us into trouble with betting on stupid things. Love, though, wasn’t stupid, and I couldn’t wait to see any of these guys fall for someone someday.
“I’ll take that bet,” Xander replied.
“Can he bet for himself? Is that allowed?” Richard asked.
“Hello. Are you all decent?” We heard Miriam’s voice through the door. I walked over and let her in. She looked me up and down and beamed. “Look at you. Breathtaking. Handsome as ever.”
“Mom, come here.” I didn’t care about her hair or kissesin the air. I gave her a genuine hug, even lifting her slightly off her feet.
“Put me down, enough,” she laughed. After righting herself and straightening her gown, she handed me a box. “Here’s a gift from Chelsea.”
I read the note in my bride’s handwriting aloud. “Do Not open in front of others.Hm. What could be in here?”
“Let’s not take chances and find out.” She took the box back. “You can open it in private with Chelsea tonight.”
“No way. I’m opening this now.” I grabbed the box, stepped aside, and ripped the paper and ribbon off, another thing I had little patience for, wrapping paper. Inside, beneath the white tissue paper, was a silver photo frame. A quick peek beneath the layer of tissue and Chelsea was there posing for me in a provocative photo that had blood rushing quick to my groin.
The last thing I needed was a stiff cock at the altar. I closed the lid on it and tucked it into my suitcase. “You’re right. It’s very personal and can wait until later.”
“Now, I have a little something for you, from your father,” Miriam said, her eyes wetting. “A letter he wrote to you after he found out he had cancer. Richard has one, too, and I promised I’d give these to you both on your wedding days.”
I sucked in a deep breath, holding back a tremble in my lip and swallowing the lump in my throat. “Thanks, Mom.”
It was all I could manage, and if I read the letter, I’d be too sad to walk down the aisle. Instead, I put it in my jacket pocket so he’d be with me all night. Any time I needed to, Icould feel the outline of the letter just below my lapel and know he was right there with me.
Someone knocked on the door. Agnes popped her head inside the anteroom of the church where the men and I prepared for the ceremony. “It’s time,” she announced.
“Yes,” I shouted and fist pumped the air. “I’m ready.”
The church was packed with guests, probably four hundred. The guys each shook my hand and walked up the aisle to the front. Richard ushered Mom to her seat, then took his place up front. I nodded to Brooks and Archer at the back of the church, doing their ushering duties. Finally, it was my turn, taking the walk up to the red rose covered arch.
Once again, patience was the word of the day, standing there smiling at the guests and trying not to panic, while Chelsea was a few minutes late. She had me sweating it, but I had nothing to worry about.
The bridal march sounded, and the doors of the church opened. The march of the bridesmaids down the long aisle began as they slowly tread one foot at a time. I wished they moved faster.
Finally, my bride came into view, walking arm in arm with her mother on one side and her brother on the other. But all I could really focus on was her. She glowed from the inside out.
Her bouquet had fifteen red roses, one for each month we’d known each other. Her gown was white, but she told me it had lace and beads as well, and the train draped behind her several yards. I barely noticed these details, only herradiant beauty. She could wear a bikini for all I cared, and I’d marry her without hesitation.
She was about to becomemine.
Finally, the trio reached me, her mom and brother handing her to me. I took her into my arms and I kissed her, to the sounds of gasping from the guests. A tiny moan hit my ears, one she reserved only for me as we parted.
The pastor cleared his throat. “Son, you’re supposed to do thatafterI tell you to kiss your bride.”
