Just an Illusion - The B Side

by D. Kelly

“Sounds perfect. Whatever my big ass doesn’t eat, we’ll donate.”

  Within minutes, he’s off again with Mac to pick up the clothes, and I suck up my pride and call Sawyer.

  “Hey, Mel, sick of my brother already?” he quips, but he’s not going to be laughing in a few minutes; he’s going to be pissed.

  “Not quite. Sawyer, I need your help. I really messed up.”

  “What can I do, Mel? Anything you need.” His words crumble my heart.

  “Here’s the thing. Noah and I are getting married tomorrow.” I suck in a breath and wait for his response.

  “The hell you are. Not without me. What were you two thinking?”

  “Noah was respecting my wishes. This doesn’t have anything to do with him.” I hear a door close and Sawyer exhales.

  “Do you hate me so much that you don’t want me at your wedding because of what I said?” he asks softly.

  “I don’t hate you, Sawyer. I was trying to spare you … and myself. I was worried you’d be upset and get drunk and it seemed like a recipe for disaster. I know I hurt you that night and I’m sorry, but Noah needs you and I’m trying to make it right.”

  My words are met with silence, but he eventually speaks. “We really fucked this up, didn’t we? I’m over it, Mel, I promise. You guys are perfect together and you’re having a baby. I don’t want my nephew ever finding out how reckless I acted. But it would shatter me to miss Noah’s wedding.”

  His emotional words tear at my soul, and I start crying. “Can you help me, Sawyer? Can you get everyone together and here by tomorrow? Including Eli. I know you don’t like him, but other than Belle he’s my only family.”

  “You’ve got us now, Mel, don’t you ever forget it. Tell me how this is going to work and I’ll make it happen.”

  For the next few minutes, we go over all the details. I’m supposed to text him a photo of what Noah bought to wear so he can match it as close as possible and be his best man. I’m going to work out a plan with Mac to get everyone in the chapel before Noah and I go down to get married.

  When we hang up, I call Belle.

  “Amelia Greyson, I can’t believe you would be so stupid to think you could do this without me there. I understand why you did it, though, so I forgive you.”

  “Thanks, Belle. So you’ll come?”

  “You couldn’t keep me away now if you tried. I’m not thrilled bringing Cadence into a casino with all the smoke, but we’ll make it a quick overnight trip and spend most of the time in the room. It will be fine.”

  I’m so relieved. When I told Belle about what happened with Sawyer and me, she hugged me and told me to forget about it and reminded me that people make mistakes. I’m reminding myself of that now and am glad I realized it before it turned into a bigger one. “Thanks for having my back in all of this, Belle. I know I’m a mess.”

  “I’ve always got your back, that’s what sisters do. And you’re not a mess, you’re just in fucked up hormone land. It will get better, I promise. I almost feel like new again. But I’m going to let you go and go help Sawyer. I’m sure he’s got a lot on his plate I can probably help with.”

  “Good, and I know it goes without saying, but this needs to be a complete surprise to Noah. Remind Sawyer to make sure no one updates any social media with any clues they might be going to Vegas or anything. As far as Noah knows, it’s just us until he sees all of you in the chapel.”

  “Got it. See you tomorrow!”

  I feel lighter than I’ve felt since New York. Everything is going to work out fine.

  I Do

  The Las Vegas Courthouse is a crazy busy place. If Noah wouldn’t have made alternate arrangements, we would have been seen in seconds. They were extremely accommodating and got us in and out in less than fifteen minutes.

  We spent the rest of the morning and afternoon together in the room. We ate, shopped online for some baby things, made love, ate lunch, had sex in the shower, and then it was suddenly time to get ready.

  Sawyer has been emailing me updates on the off-chance Noah sees my text messages. Everyone is here; they got in this morning around two so they could sneak into the hotel unseen. I don’t know how he managed it, but he did; I owe him big time.

  My hands tremble as I try to fasten the diamond tennis bracelet my parents gave me. Noah’s steady hands calm mine and he clasps it for me. “They’re looking down on you today, you know that, right?”

  “I hope that’s true.”

  “You look beautiful. I’m glad you changed your mind. I didn’t think the clothes mattered, but this feels more special somehow.” He’s melancholy, but he’s putting on a brave face. Wait until we get downstairs—he’s going to be thrilled.

  “You’re looking pretty handsome yourself.”

  He went with a black suit and red tie and looks even more handsome than he did the first night we had sex at The Hard Rock.

  “Where did you go? You kind of zoned out there for a minute.”

  Leaning over, I kiss his perfect lips. “I was thinking about the suit you wore the first night we had sex. Funny, that was our first Vegas trip.”

  He kisses the top of my hand and laces our fingers together. “One of the best nights of my life, and this is going to top it. Are you ready?”

  “I’m ready.”

  Mac is waiting outside the door and greets us with a smile. Mac’s smiles are rare since he’s paid to look intimidating. The hotel gave him alternate directions to the chapel to greatly reduce our chances of being seen. At this point, it doesn’t matter other than Belle will lose the first notification; she’ll still scoop them all with inside photos. But since Noah doesn’t know this, I keep quiet.

  Pausing for a minute outside the chapel, I tug on his hand. “Are you okay?” he asks.

  “I’m fine. I hope you know how much I love you, Noah.” For some reason, I need him to hear that before we go inside. Residual nerves, I suppose.

  “And I love you, Mel, but I’m excited so let’s go inside.”

  Mac follows the plan and ushers us in quickly like someone was trying to follow us in so he could take Noah’s attention away from the people inside until the doors are closed. Once they are, everyone stands with smiling faces.

  “You did this? When? Why?” he asks as he cups my face, kissing me fiercely.

  “That was a good kiss, Uncle Noah!” Saylor calls out, and we laugh.

  “That’s why. Because when I saw how excited you were to share our wedding photo to Facebook, I knew I couldn’t take this away from you … from us. This is a moment to be shared and remembered forever.”

  The happiness on his face is identical to how he looked when he found out he was going to be a dad. “And how?”

  “Sawyer. I called him and let him chew me out a bit. Then I called Belle, and she chewed me out some more. Then they fixed my mess and here we are.”

  “This is the best wedding gift ever,” he says, kissing me again.

  “Alright, enough with that,” Belle calls out. “You’ve got wedding party logistics to work out.”

  I had Belle bring a bouquet for her and flower petals for Saylor and Emme. Diane got them little flower girl dresses and they were supposed to be practicing down here.

  “I’ve got two adorable flower girls and Belle,” I tell him.

  “And you’ve got me,” Eli says, coming up to the two of us.

  “You’re going to be a bridesmaid?”

  “No, Mel. I’m going to walk you down the aisle if you’ll let me. Once upon a time, your dad gave me permission to marry you. I think he’d be okay with me giving you to who you really belong to, don’t you?”

  As my eyes fill with tears, Noah reaches out and pulls Eli into a hug, at which point I choke on a sob.

  “Nope, none of that. Stop it right now. No crying on your wedding day!” Belle calls out as she pulls Cadence out of her car seat and walks over to us. She’s wearing the cutest fancy dress.

 
“Yes, Eli, I’d love that. Thank you.”

  “Sawyer, Jordan, Darren, Wyatt, you know where to stand. We’ve done this once already,” Noah calls out, and they all fall in line.

  A few minutes later, the music is playing, the photographer’s flash is flashing, and the flower girls are making their way down the aisle. The chapel is set up with video so this is all being recorded. It’s perfect. Belle goes next, and it’s just me and Eli left. He squeezes my arm and we’re off. And the funny thing is, after all my hesitation, I’m not the least bit nervous or scared. This is where I’m supposed to be and who I’m supposed to be with. I couldn’t be happier.

  Most of my favorite people are lined up in front of me, and the rest of my favorite people are witnessing this beautiful day. But when Noah’s tear-streaked face meets mine, I lose all conscious thought; he is my only focus.

  He says his vows, and I say mine. Even though I’m aware of them and I mean every single, word more than I’ve meant any other words I’ve ever said, I don’t hear them. I’m in this time lock where it’s only Noah and me and our love.

  If everyone feels like this on their wedding day, why would anyone get divorced?

  We exchange rings; it feels so good to put his ring on. I still haven’t seen my wedding band, but my eyes can’t focus on anything but him. All I see is sparkle; I hope that’s a positive metaphor for our future.

  When the chaplain pronounces us husband and wife, Noah looks up quickly and says, “Close your eyes, Saylor,” before devouring my mouth with his. I feel like I should be embarrassed and we should come up for air, but this kiss is the most powerful magic I’ve ever felt; I don’t want to let it go.

  When Noah finally pries his lips from mine, we’re wearing matching smiles. Everyone is clapping, and he pulls me in for a hug. “I love you so much, Mrs. Weston.”

  Hearing him call me that sends chills through my body—the good kind.

  “I love you so much, Mr. Weston.” I observe the blush creep through his cheeks. He’s just as turned on as I am.

  “If I can have everyone’s attention for a moment,” Sawyer calls out to the room, and all eyes turn to him. “Thank you. I just wanted to tell you the fun doesn’t end here. After Mel called last night, Belle and I decided it wouldn’t be a wedding without a reception. If everyone will head out to the steakhouse, it’s reserved for us for the night.”

  “That is so sweet, but I hope he didn’t order any cakes.”

  Noah laughs at my joke and puts his arm around my waist. Sawyer effectively got everyone moving, so we follow them all out. When we get to the steakhouse, Belle pulls me and Noah aside for a second.

  “We’re in a casino … this is going to be breaking news in two point five seconds. I’m your best friend, but I need to post this first. I wrote it before the wedding and attached a picture. All you need to do is say okay.”

  Slammers!

  It’s your girl Belle here and I’ve got major breaking news! Lift your glasses high and join me in toasting the newlyweds. Noah Weston and Amelia Weston (formerly Greyson) just got married!

  I know hearts are breaking all over the world that it’s all become officially official, but follow Eli Watts’ lead and put on a happy face. That’s right, ladies, you heard me. Mel’s former flame, Eli Watts, was not only in attendance … he gave the bride away. If Eli can be happy for Mel and Noah, so can you.

  The small, intimate ceremony was attended by family and the closest of friends and just narrowly at that. The bride and groom thought they could sneak off and elope but with careful consideration, the bride changed her mind and flew in their nearest and dearest to surprise her groom. The Weston family bond is strong and is now one family member bigger. For your first glimpse at the married couple, check out the steamy wedding kiss photo below.

  Congratulations, Mel and Noah. No one deserves happiness more than the two of you.

  Be sure to follow Noah and Mel’s lead – Live today like there’s no tomorrow.

  Xs and Os

  Belle

  “It’s perfect, Belle. Post it and then forward me that picture so I can post it on my Facebook.”

  “Not so fast, Weston. If you don’t add me as your Facebook friend right this instant, you don’t get the picture. This guy had a Facebook and no one told me?”

  “Don’t look at me, I just got a friend request yesterday.”

  Eli comes up and kisses me on the cheek. “Well, I’ve been in Facebook purgatory for years, but someone finally accepted my friend request yesterday.”

  “Done. Sent a request to you, Belle. Eli, too. What you did for us today was a class act, and I’ll never forget it. Besides, Rory hasn’t taken her eyes off you so far.” Eli looks uncomfortable, and Noah chuckles. “Your secret is safe with me. Mel cushioned that blow months ago.”

  Eli’s eyes dart to mine. “Sorry, but he guessed, and I wasn’t going to lie,” I say with a shrug.

  “Uncle Noah!” Saylor cries out, running into his arms.

  “Hey, ladybug, thank you for coming to my wedding and wearing such a pretty dress. You dropped those flower petals like a pro.”

  She nods excitedly. “I know. We practiced a lot while we were waiting for you. My mommy says that Mel’s my aunt now. Do I get to call you Auntie Mel?”

  “If you want to you can.”

  “Yes. Now I have two aunts and two uncles. Are we going to have cake?”

  Noah laughs. “Oh yeah. Auntie Mel was having a cake craving. We’re going to have lots and lots of cake.”

  “You already ordered cake?” Sawyer asks, coming up and putting his arm around Noah. “Shit, so did I. A big one, too.”

  “Looks like some shelter will get cake after all.” I focus on the two brothers in front of me and how happy and handsome they both look tonight.

  Karen taps me on the shoulder. Turning around to face her, I’m a bit worried she’s going to be upset with me, but she takes the opportunity to pull me into a massive hug. “Now that you’re officially my newest daughter, you get a proper Weston hug whether you’re ready for it or not.”

  I’m ready for it this time and hug her the way she deserves. When she releases me, her hands immediately go to my belly. “He’s going to be here soon, our first grandson.”

  While Noah and Sawyer are talking to Owen, Karen pulls me aside. “Thank you for changing your mind and letting us all come.”

  Of course she knows Noah would have never kept them away. “Karen, it wasn’t about you guys. I hope you don’t think that. It’s just today, all I have of my parents is this jewelry I’m wearing. I wasn’t sure if I could handle it.”

  She places her hand on my heart and blinks back her own tears. “Amelia, what you have of your parents is right here. You have their love, and they must have loved you something fierce for you to be the woman you are today. I couldn’t have picked anyone better for Noah, and I’m so proud to have you in our family. I’m sorry they’re gone, but Owen and I will be happy to fill in for them whenever we can.”

  The reality of what else I’ve gained from marrying Noah hits me. Not only did I get a husband, and a new last name, but I got a family full of loving and accepting people. “Thank you. Thank you so much, Karen.” This time I pull her in for a hug—the first of many, I’m sure.

  The night is filled with toast after toast, laughter, tears, and family. Listening to the speeches the guys gave about Noah had us all in stitches, but they are stories told with lots of love. Now it’s Sawyer’s turn, and the butterflies in my belly take flight.

  “Yesterday, when Mel called to tell me what was happening, I lost the ability to breathe. When I heard the words ‘we’re getting married’ it was like my heart stopped beating. I was sad, and angry, and couldn’t understand how my twin brother was getting married and I wasn’t going to be there.

  “Noah and I have always been thicker than thieves. Sure, we’ve had our independent friendships, but my big brother has always been my best
friend. In the last year or so there was this rift between us that seems to have resolved in the last few months. It was a rift neither of us could really put a finger on exactly why it existed. I think it goes back to Noah wanting his life back and us announcing our retirement. That’s where I can say I first felt a change.

  “You see, unlike Noah, I’m unsure what comes next. I’ve got no idea what I want to do or how I’ll get there. It’s scary. But before Noah ever met Mel, he knew what he wanted in life. He’s known since we were kids. Noah is a family man.

  “It’s been eight months since Mel climbed aboard our bus, ten since the night she called me out on my shit.”

  Everyone laughs at his memory, but he continues.

  “In that time, I’ve never seen Noah happier. Ever. Noah has always believed in fate, and some of us have been skeptical, to say the least. But looking at Noah and Mel, there’s nothing I believe more. Fate brought them together for a reason. Maybe it’s because Mel needed a family, or maybe it’s because our family desperately needed Mel.

  “Whatever the reason, Noah has made me a believer. Love, marriage, kids …those have never been my goals in life. Living each moment to the fullest is all I’ve ever done. Noah, you guys make me want it all. I’m so proud of you for catching your dream and making it a reality. In two short months we’re going to meet the next generation of Weston men. We’ve already got the women and they’re a force to be reckoned with. I’d expect nothing less from Noah’s son. Hopefully, someday in the not-too-distant future, my son will be playing with yours. I can’t imagine our kids not growing up together like we did.

  “Mel, welcome to the family. We all love you and are immensely proud to call you a Weston. Congratulations to you both!”

  By the time Sawyer finishes his speech, I’m crying buckets. Everyone is just smiling at me like it’s the most adorable thing they’ve ever seen. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Veronica nudge Belle, who stands up to make a toast of her own.

  “Mel and I have been best friends since we were little girls. We quickly adopted each other as sisters because we didn’t have any siblings and we loved each other something fierce. Over the years, I’ve seen Mel go through a lot of heartache. She’s lost every single family member she ever had, all within a few short years of each other. Mama and I swore we’d never let her feel like she was alone in this world, and we’ve kept our word.