by Gina Whitney
“Not too long, and she’s nursing. Do you want to be godmother to a baby alchy?” he answered while grooming his eyebrows in the mirror. He was a vein fucker. Not that he hid that fact, but his new romance had him on a whole other level.
“I’m the bride, and I want champagne. I’ve pumped enough for two days,” I whined and all I got out of him was an eye roll. “I’ll just text Woody. He’s the resident alcoholic, and would find this sacrilegious on such an occasion.” I laughed while Chance looked indifferent, which we capitalized on.
Woody happily brought a bottle of bubbly up before holding Cindy’s lips hostage for a solid two minutes. Chance timed it on his watch. She was flushed and breathless, leaving Chance and I curious as to where their relationship stood.
Her wobbly legs finally found their way back to the table. “Don’t even ask.” She held up her hand before a single word could’ve been uttered by either of us.
“Oh, so it’s only socially acceptable to ask about my relationship, but not yours?” Chance folded his arms over his chest, giving the kind of attitude to make any female jealous.
“He has a point,” I concurred, taking a piece of bacon. Fucking turkey bacon. Damn you, Chance, I cursed to myself. “Is it too much to ask that I have a piece of bacon from an actual pig? This shit is as fake as Giselle’s boobs!”
“Enough about the bacon…I want to hear about Woody and Princess,” Chance scorned, turning back to Cindy with his hand beneath his chin, giving her his undivided attention. I could only roll my eyes, because I had to admit, I was curious, too.
“Fine. He asked me to move in,” she answered nonchalantly, as if it held no meaning.
“Move in?” Chance spat, his hands slapping the table in front of him. “Who knew you were even a thing? You hated him fifteen seconds ago.”
“Yeah, what he said.” I had some idea they were stroking the old flames. However, I must have missed time somewhere or someone wasn’t sharing. “Seems sudden, but hey, no one would be happier than me if you considered it. I’m a selfish bitch.” I shrugged. Why lie?
“That I can attest to,” Chance agreed with a smile and a squeeze of my shoulders.
“There’s a story there, but now’s not the time. Today is your day. Let’s keep it about you, Abel, and that beautiful baby,” she said with a wave of her hand. Chance agreed. I didn’t, but decided to let it go. She wouldn’t budge once she made up her mind about something. But I had to wonder if Abel knew any dirt.
It was time for a subject change.
“Why argue when there’s a perfectly full bottle of champagne?” I asked, holding up the bottle and wagging my eyebrows.
She held out a glass. “Now that’s my Gia.” I poured three glasses while she doled them out. “Here’s to health, happiness, and more babies…” We toasted. “And for Morgana getting what she deserved.” We clinked harder to that one.
“Here’s to Karma,” Chance added, and I knew who he was alluding to. I nodded, not wanting to mention my mother out loud. It was too beautiful of a day to allow her darkness to shroud it.
The rest of the morning and afternoon swept by with lots of laughs between friends. Hair was tugged, pinned, curled, and sprayed. Nails filed and shellacked to perfection. Our makeup painted on flawlessly. I thanked the girls, and Chance handed out some signed swag along with cash for a job professionally well done.
I chanced a glance in the mirror, checking out my look. And for the first time, my reflection left me breathless. My mother’s words no longer echoed in my head as I stared at myself, feeling incredible. The only words that entered my thoughts were Abel’s…my beauty. He’s always seen this in me. It was I who ignored it. But now I saw. And I couldn’t wait to see his reaction, either.
“You know what time it is?” He held my dress by the hanger. “Time to wear the dress, walk down the aisle, and make that caveman the broodiest alpha alive.”
“Wanna know something? I’m not even nervous…” I said, wondering if this was normal. There was a feeling of peace and calm. No need to use my practiced breaths to slow my heart’s beat. Serenity had washed over me.
It was Cindy’s warm hand on my shoulder that pulled my thoughts back to what was going on in front of me. “I’m not surprised G. Just the way he looks at you alone…is there really a doubt?” She sighed. No, there wasn’t a doubt at all. His eyes held all of his emotions, and they were wild with desire, dangerous with lust, and filled with love. He was my truth, and I loved him more than anything. Today was just about binding each other in the eyes of the law. I was already bound to him long ago.
“Don’t you cry…you’ll ruin your makeup and look like shit in pictures,” Chance reprimanded, removing my dress from the hanger while Cindy unzipped the back. I was already in a pair of thigh-highs and bridal shoes. I was fucksure he’d rather me like this, and knew if he saw me standing here now, the wedding would be long delayed.
I stepped into the wedding dress with the help of Cindy. Chance pulled it up, careful not to rip my stockings. Cindy moved to my back and to zip it, securing the bodice.
She stepped aside so Chance could thread the hundreds of pearl buttons as a final touch. “You know you’ll have to scrap the dress once the party is over. Maybe Bella can use it to play dress-up in. No freakin’ way is that man undoing all these buttons. It’ll be in a pile of shredded lace on the floor in a few hours.”
“Yeah, I’m with him. That shit’s getting ripped off. It’s a shame because it’s a beautiful dress.” Cindy winked while appraising me with a sheen of tears in her eyes. “My god, you make a gorgeous bride.”
Chance grabbed a napkin to blot his own damp eyes. I stepped forward to the full length mirror to have a look. The dress was designed by Pronovias of Barcelona. It was a mermaid-styled lace gown and guipure—stretchable French lace made with silk—and decorated with shimmery gemstones. It had a Bateau neckline, which was a fancy way of saying a wide, high neckline, following the collarbone at the front, and plunging to a V in the back, finished with a scalloped boarder and decorated with guipure. It was part of the 2016 collection, and very pricy. However, after seeing it, I knew it was my dress. My veil was a simple, two-tier, mid-length veil with a pearl edge. It was simple and elegant and went perfect with my hair—a chignon held with a vintage blue sapphire comb. The comb was my something old, which I got from Cindy’s mother. Abel took care of my something new and blue with his necklace. My mother-in-law gave me my something borrowed—a pair of diamond earrings with a pearl teardrop that she received as a gift on her wedding day from Abel’s father. It was thoughtful, and I appreciated the love and support everyone had shown us from the beginning of this journey.
I chose a fresh, dewy look for my face and a peachy nude lip. I didn’t want to distract from the dress with an over-made face. I kept it simple. Abel’s preference was natural, too. His one request was not to wear perfume, as he loved my natural scent, and it was one that completely turned him on. “I feel gorgeous.” I turned to view the back of my dress. “I don’t know which side I prefer more. The front or the back.”
“He’s going to freak when he sees you, G. Speaking of which”—she looked over the balcony to the audience below—”looks like a full house.” She turned, and her eyes were glistening.
“Cindy, you look beautiful, and Woody’s going to drop dead on the spot.” I let her pick her dress. She chose a strapless Metallic Jacquard Vera Wang full-length gown with chic side pockets.
“Thanks, babe. Look at the specimen of hotness.” She smiled at Chance, who was blushing. He went elegant and regal in his traditional black Armani tuxedo. All the guys dressed the same, even though they weren’t in the wedding party, but I’m sure they were accessorized with piercings and jewelry. A complete contradiction to the style of the tuxedo. However, I wouldn’t want it any other way. They rocked personal style and individuality like no other.
“She’s right. You can easily be the face of Armani, Chance.” I gathered my dress to hug him. “T
hank you for everything, but most of all, for your friendship. I don’t know what we would do without you.”
He held me for a minute and released me with a kiss. This time, it was Cindy blotting her eyes with a tissue.
“I love you guys,” I confessed, hoping I wouldn’t get too emotional.
“Ready?” Chance asked and offered me his arm, and Cindy handed me my bouquet.
It was the word “ready” that choked me up, because I was beyond ready to start my life. I’d been ready the day I met his looming silhouette in the doorway of his father’s office. Ready after the first time he took me. Ready when he asked me to marry him for the first time, and absolutely ready after the birth of our daughter.
“I am. Don’t let me fall, Chance,” I said as we made our way down the enormous flight of stairs to the first floor. The whole house was decorated in arrangements of white roses with red satin bows. I glanced back at Cindy, who held up the back of my gown.
“Never.” Chance squeezed my hand in a comfortable reassurance.
I nodded and we continued our slow descent. Abel’s mother waited at the bottom of the steps. She dabbed the corner of her eyes with a white handkerchief. Taken aback by the sudden rush of emotions, I gasped at what felt like a weight tugging my heart.
“Breathe, baby-girl,” Chance whispered, trying to soothe me. “You’ve got a long aisle to walk.”
“Thanks for the reminder,” I remarked. I totally forgot about how long the aisle was. The white runner ran from the backdoor to the trellis where we’d say our vows. Fuck, how many feet was that? One breath in. One long breath out.
“G, you’ve got this. Almost there…” Cindy said from behind me.
At the bottom step, Abel’s mother greeted me with a kiss on both cheeks. “You make a beautiful bride, Gia. Now, go…he’s waiting.”
I thanked her and continued my way to the door that led to the yard. My hands were a sweaty mess. “I need a napkin or something. My hands are disgusting.” The thought of Abel holding them was just gross. “Feel them,” I offered them to Chance.
“I’d rather not.” He asked someone from the wait-staff for a wet towel. “Here. Just dab. No need to rub like a dock-worker.”
“Whatever.” I grabbed the towel from him and dabbed my hands as Cindy fluffed the back of my dress. I tossed it back to Chance, hitting him in the chest. “What?” I asked innocently, but he didn’t banter back, he just kept me on task.
I decided to walk down the aisle alone. The choice was simple—I didn’t need anyone to give me away, because I was the one giving myself to the love of my life. The decision was easy, I’d walk alone, straight into the arms of my rocker. And since Abel couldn’t walk me for obvious reasons…I only had myself. And, I was fine with that. I’ve been counting on myself since I could remember. But with him in my life, I didn’t have to go it alone anymore. He would be by my side for the rest of eternity, sharing some of the burden.
Chance leaned in and kissed my cheek. “Here we go. Good luck, baby girl.” His eyes held so much emotion. He drew my veil over my face and Cindy straightened my dress before her own.
“See you soon…and breathe,” she said and then took her first steps, accompanied by violins.
One of the coordinators held up a hand to send me down. “You’re up.” He squeezed my hand and stepped out of the doorway, finding his seat. Holding my bouquet in front of me, I took my first steps down the aisle. Everyone stood at once and turned toward me. The decorations at the end of each row of seats were clusters of white flowers with light blue ribbons. Abel. I hadn’t realized just how much of a role he played in the flower arraignments. Here I though Chance and his mother had it under control. But the broody alpha had his slippery fingers on everything, including me. Step…pause. Step…pause. I repeated the instructions under my breath, trying to focus on my movements and not my heal catching on the runner. The violins drifted off and the sound of his voice met me as I turned the corner to face him. His eyes met mine, never straying. I had to steady myself when I saw his guitar across his broad chest. I broke out into a cold sweat. My hand shook as bad as my knees once his voice met my ears.
It seems like only yesterday
since I first laid eyes on you
You’re the woman that took this shell of a man
and gave me something brand new
Nothing could take the smile off my face or dry the tears that fell freely from my eyes. I was being sung down the aisle by the man I loved. And even though I was surrounded by friends and loved ones, my eyes were only on him. He was all I saw. His voice the only one I heard. His hair was slicked neatly back, the edges skirting the collar of his shirt. He wore an all-black tux, white shirt, but left off the bow-tie. I smiled and caught the mischief in his eyes. He was dressed formally as requested, but still managed to rebel. I bit my lip, not knowing if I should laugh, as I reminded my legs to keep moving.
You took a sorry mess babe
taught me what it is to love
gave me a beautiful gift
from the two of us
that was sent from heaven above
We’ve walked a long road baby girl
it’s time we made our stand
I don’t want to wait anymore
I’m closing the door
It’s you and me forevermore…
Little dark spots started to creep into my vision. Dear God, no, I prayed. I closed my eyes briefly, willing every ounce of strength. Was it possible to faint from swooning? I had to focus on my breathing. Keep it together. I scanned the crowd quickly, looking for Cindy, who was a sobbing mess. No help there. So I refocused on my soon-to-be husband’s eyes. The lyrics he sang skirted along my arms, erupting fire across my body. Butterfly wings railed against my stomach. It was the push I needed to continue the last few steps to him.
Now I’ll be your forever and a day
Come what may
I’ll be there to hold you tight
Take away the tears and hold you through the night
I’ll be your lover and your friend
till the end
When I pull you close
and your lips meet mine
the look in your eyes
the desire in your thighs
I feel the heat of love
the flames of desire
My eyes wandered to the way his thick fingers plucked the strings cleverly, drawing out the perfect tune, much like he does to me.
Now I’ll be your forever and a day
come what may
I’ll be there to hold you tight
take away the tears and hold you through the night
I’ll be your lover and friend till the end
I continued the last few steps to him, feeling a warm, calm sensation cover me. I was all right. We were finally here, and nothing could take this moment away from me. He removed the strap from his neck and handed his guitar off to his dad, who passed it to Chance. I smiled at the memory of meeting him for the first time and mouthed the words I love you.
Yes, we finally got it right, I thought as I took his hand.
We chose an old friend of Abel’s father to officiate the ceremony. He wasn’t a minister, but held an official title as such in their kinky world. I guessed he was their version of a minister. “Abel and Gia, have you come here freely to give yourself here in marriage? Will you give yourselves as husband and wife for the rest of your lives?”
“Yes,” we both answered simultaneously.
“Abel, you may recite your vows.”
“I, Abel, take you Gia, to be my lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold, to love and to cherish, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, from this day forward. You are mine. You have taken residence in my heart, the key has been lost. You will stay there forever.” A smile spread across his face, filling me with warmth and comfort.
“Gia…” the officiant prompted.
I cleared my throat, not wanting to chance my words
getting stuck. “I, Gia, promise to be your partner for life. I promise above all else to live in truth with you and to communicate fully and fearlessly. I give to you my submission, my will, and my heart. May it be a sanctuary of warmth and peace. I pledge my love, devotion, faith, and honor as I join my life to yours.”
In that moment, it was only the two of us. No one else was there as I stared into Abel’s eyes, promising to give myself to him completely for the rest of my life. In what I’d imagined would be a nervous and scary moment, I was pleasantly surprised to feel none of those things. Instead, I felt content, happy, calm, and above all else, loved.
“You will now exchange the rings as a symbol of true faith and loyalty for each other. May they remind you of your love when you are apart.”
Abel’s father held out his hand so we could grab the rings.
I held my finger out while Abel recited his pledge. “With this ring, I thee wed, and accept responsibility for you as long as we both shall live.” He slipped the diamond eternity band on my finger and sealed it with a kiss.
I took his hand in mine. “With this ring, I pledge myself to thee. With all my affections of my heart, forsaking all others, yours and only yours, for as long as we both shall live. I’ll carry your heart with me, carefully cradled in my own heart. I’m never without it, and anywhere I go, you go.” I pushed the ring onto his finger and over his knuckle where it would stay forever.
“Abel and Gia have come together as two separate souls into one new life, joining two halves to make one whole. Celebrating two hearts together in one love.” He glanced between us and nodded. “You may kiss your bride.” He smiled at us.
The moment the words were spoken, he captured my mouth with his. Our lips touched and I forgot anything and everything of who and where I was. Forever lost, I melted into his arms…the only thing that mattered was the man I loved. He kissed me with hunger and passion…driving me to the brink of wild abandon. He finally broke the kiss with a chuckle, and I blushed furiously as our guest cheered us on.
It was the perfect ceremony. Abel and I had talked about what we wanted it to consist of once we started making plans, and we both agreed that short, sweet, and to the point was all we cared about. Getting married was the only thing that mattered to us, so we both decided that we didn’t need anything long and drawn out. Plus, the boys seemed to agree. More time for partying, they had said.
