by Tiana Cole
As she thought aloud about our plans for the following day, I couldn't help but notice that she seemed elated that I was already becoming a part of the family.
“Are you excited about the wedding?” I asked her. She nodded slowly while chewing on her bottom lip—that adorable habit of hers that I always got a kick out of.
“I don't know how I feel about it, really,” she confessed after a moment. “I like the planning and anticipation of it. It's small, so I don't have to be nervous or anything. It's not like we need a real rehearsal. Jeannie and Nick will walk down the aisle as the best people—”
“Best people?” I repeated with a laugh, amused that she'd chosen this phrasing instead of the appropriate 'best man' and 'lady of honor.'
“What?” she chuckled. “Jeannie told me 'lady of honor' sounds too formal. She said she'd much rather be the best bridesmaid.”
“She'd be the only bridesmaid,” I noted and laughed again.
“That's why she's the best,” she shrugged, and I broke into laughter once more. “So then you'll walk down the aisle—” she stopped mid-sentence as a realization hit her and she asked, “Wait, is your mom flying in for the wedding?”
“It was too late notice to get her over here,” I shook my head. “According to her, that is. She can be difficult at times,” I sighed. Jessica looked at me curiously, but nodded her head anyway and moved on.
“Okay, so after you walk down the aisle, JJ can be the ring bearer and my brother will walk me down the aisle. Then we'll get married,” Jessica said with a deep breath. “Oh, and the wedding planner has all the decorations taken care of, thankfully. I spoke with her the other day. All I have to provide is the procession order and the guest list.”
“Do you think you can find a dress within the next couple of weeks?” I asked as Jessica set the reminders in her phone.
“I could, but getting one on such short notice may be expensive,” she replied, trying to sound optimistic but letting a hint of skepticism show through. “That, or I can try to find something cheap off the rack.”
“Jessica,” I sighed as I shook my head, “money is never an issue anymore, remember?”
“Oh, you're right!” she burst, her eyes widening adorably and a small smile spreading across her face. “I forgot my fiancé was loaded.”
“Not loaded, simply a billionaire,” I snorted, and took a page out of her book by sticking my tongue out at her. She giggled and poked me in the side. I flinched away, and her eyes widened again with some discovery.
“Are you ticklish?” she gasped and flashed me a devious smirk.
“Of course not! Men aren't ticklish,” I scoffed as we pulled into the parking garage of my building. Jessica laughed and immediately tried to tickle my side. The vehicle swerved, but I managed to guide it into its designated parking spot. She made another attempt to tickle me, but I captured her wrists and circled my arms around hers so she couldn't move. She squealed, and I let her go so I could chase her upstairs.
* * *
The day of our wedding had come, and even though Jessica was happy with the play we were about to put on, I was actually quite nervous. The ceremony was about to take place, and I couldn't help but notice that immigration had been a little too quiet.
Jessica and I had moved on getting our marriage license soon after she’d agreed to our arrangement. Thankfully it wasn't too hard to secure with my translated birth certificate and passport along with Jessica's information. My legal status was public record, however, and that was causing me a whole heap of anxiety. If I had a year rather than a week until my green card expired, then I wouldn't be so worried because there wouldn't be as much for an immigration officer to be suspicious about.
“Hey, man, you gonna get that tie on any time soon?” Nick tapped on the study door before entering. He was dressed in a light grey tux that he claimed 'accented' my white one. We wore lilac ties with matching pocket squares and vests, and I was pretty sure Jeannie's dress was lilac as well. I wasn’t entirely sure, since I’d only glimpsed her as Nick rushed me inside when we'd arrived at my beach house.
“Yeah, I'm just…thinking,” I replied as I nervously fumbled with my tie.
“Cold feet?” Nick asked with a smirk and tucked his hands into his pocket. “Jess is hot. If you don't marry her, I sure will. I know my mom would love for me to settle down,” he joked. I chuckled at this notion since his parents had come to the wedding and thought of me like family. Since Nick and I were so close, I saw them in the same light.
“Don't you dare have that thought again,” I shook my head while continuing to work on my tie. “Of course I'm marrying her. I just never thought I'd find her, you know?”
“Well you did, you lucky bastard. Now she's here and she's all yours, man,” Nick smiled. “You know, since we met in Greece, I've always considered you a lucky guy…even with that attitude of yours. I guess some people are meant to have it all.”
“People like us,” I corrected, tilting my head at him and returning his smile. “If you stopped messing around, you could be getting married on the beach, too.”
“Yeah, well,” he snorted skeptically. “Hurry up and finish that tie so you can say 'I do' already.”
He squeezed my shoulder before stepping out of the room. I managed to get my tie looking halfway decent, buttoned up my vest, and shrugged on my jacket. I stepped out of the study and glanced out the window to find our wedding guests settling into their seats on the beach. It was a beautiful day, not a cloud in the sky, and the cool breeze battled the warmth of the sun. It was simply perfect, and I took it all in as I mulled over Nick's comments. Perhaps he was right—I really was lucky.
“Are you ready?” Jay startled me from behind with a pat on the back. He was dressed in a light grey suit, but hadn't bothered with a tie since I'd assured him there was no need to worry about such formalities.
“I am,” I inhaled deeply.
“Don't worry,” he reassured me with a smile. “I felt the same way when I was marrying Tasha. Once you see her walking down that aisle, you'll be good to go.”
I appreciated his kind words and nodded a thank you. For the first time, I felt truly horribly for lying, and making Jessica lie, to the people we loved and cared about the most.
“Cool, it looks like Nick and Jeannie are getting ready to walk out there,” Jay observed. “The music's changed. I'll see you in a few,” he grinned as he darted off to find his sister.
I walked through the archway that led into the family room and waited at the French doors until both Nick and Jeannie had made it to either side of the altar. Tasha emerged from behind me with JJ who was all dressed up in his own suit and holding the pillow topped with two rings. She whispered some last minute instructions to him, then quickly made her way to her seat.
“I haves the rings pour you,” he announced, adorably mixing French with English.
“You have the rings for me?” I corrected with a smile, and he nodded. “Very good. You have a very important job,” I said, and he sighed as if he'd been told that a thousand times.
“I got the rings for you and tante Jessie,” he replied, yet again confusing his languages, and I chuckled before offering him my fist to pound.
“You're the man,” I smirked as his tiny fist bumped mine.
“When I'm three I'll be smart like papa,” he boasted, and I couldn’t help but laugh at how cute he was. “Its your turn,” he noted seconds later by nodding towards the altar. I had to thank him before I walked out there since, at less than three-years-old, he was far more composed than me. I took a deep breath and walked how I was supposed to: smiling at people along the aisle as I made my way to the altar to await my bride. The officiating priest was waiting calmly, and he grinned at me almost reassuringly.
“Don't be nervous, son. After the ceremony, you can relax with your friends and family.”
“Thank you,” I returned as Nick leaned in to whisper in my ear.
“Just don't screw up the kiss and
you'll be golden,” he joked. I chuckled, appreciating his levity as it helped quell my screaming anxiety.
A minute later, JJ came walking down the aisle and Tasha began to cry as the wedding photographer hurriedly snapped pictures. Soon after, Jay and Jessica were walking towards me, almost in slow motion, and her beauty took my breath away. Her white, sleeveless dress was short, which was perfect for the beach as it didn't fall past her calves. It was classic and classy, and the sheer fabric moved with the breeze. It complimented her form perfectly, and I felt tears well up in my eyes at the sight of her.
Her wavy hair was pinned and tucked, and she didn't wear much makeup since she never need to anyway. She was naturally gorgeous, and blessed with a fabulous complexion. She looked from her brother to me, and as our eyes locked an excited smile spread across her face that instantly melted my anxiety away.
I barely registered Jay handing her off to me, and had to force myself to focus as the priest prompted us to say our vows and exchange rings. I recited a few lines I'd memorized, and when it came time for us to say 'I do,' I was able to speak the works clearly and purposefully. Thankfully, Jessica was able to do the same.
Moments later, the priest gave the word for me to kiss my bride. Both Jessica and I grinned, and I leaned in to press my lips against hers. I was overcome with emotion, unable to imagine marrying anyone else but her in that moment. Only when we broke the kiss did I become aware of the clapping and cheering that had spread throughout the crowd.
“I love you,” I told her. I knew Jessica was taken aback by my words, but she hid her surprise well.
“I love you, too,” she smiled, and I kissed her again before we walked hand in hand amidst a sea of applause back down the aisle.
“Now it's time to party,” Jessica smirked mischievously when we reached the house.
“Hell yes,” I agreed as I breathed a deep sigh of relief. “All we have to do is head down to the county clerk office tomorrow to get our marriage certificate.”
The priest and small wedding party trickled inside after us, and we headed out to the first-story deck and beach for the reception. Nick was true to form and got stumbling drunk, though he gave a funny toast, and Jeannie made Jessica cry with her heartfelt speech. I wondered if she cried more because this wasn't a 'real' marriage, or because Jeannie's words were so sweet.
Everyone seemed to have a good time, and I knew many of the guests would be taking me up on my offer to sleep over afterwards. My large home certainly had room to accommodate everyone. Jessica and I would leave for our honeymoon come morning, and after our trip I could apply for a new green card and begin the process of finally getting my citizenship.
“So you really did it, Bastian,” Nick clapped his arm around my shoulder and stopped me before I could follow Jessica upstairs. “You fucking got hitched…”
“Hey, did you find a room here yet?” I asked him. He pointed to the couch in the living room and nodded.
“You actually got married,” he slurred. “Soon you'll have a little kid or two. You're set. You're all set.” After a pause he added, “Are you set, though? What about your visa?”
“You don't think I got that taken care of before I even met Jessica, for the firm's sake?” I laughed. “I couldn't risk getting deported when we were building our own law firm.”
“You're right. You always check the fine print,” Nick nodded sloppily. “Well, anyway, go and make love to your wife. I'll try not to throw up on your couch.”
He stumbled into the living room and collapsed onto my white Italian sofa. I chuckled and shook my head before heading up to the master bedroom where Jessica, bless her heart, was already waiting naked for me on the bed.
“I'm a little champagne tipsy,” she said with a giggle as I neared the bed and quirked my eyebrow.
“Are you now? What does that mean for me?” I asked.
“It means anything for my hubby,” Jessica giggled again and hiccupped adorably. I laughed and unbuttoned my shirt while kicking off my shoes.
“How about tonight we cuddle and watch a movie?” I suggested with a yawn. “Then after we sign the papers tomorrow, we'll officially be on our honeymoon.”
Jessica stretched along the sheets and rolled onto her stomach, giving me a perfect view of her curves and her full, round ass.
“Sure, whatever you say,” she murmured, and I had to grind my teeth together to try and ignore the stiffening in my pants. I wanted to wait so we could fully enjoy our honeymoon. If we got carried away, I wasn't sure we'd even make it out of the room to sign our marriage certificate.
“Whatever I say? I think I like being married already,” I said with a chuckle and I heard Jessica's muffled giggle.
“Only when I'm drunk or otherwise impaired,” she replied, and I smiled as I stripped down to get into bed with her. “Can you put the blankets on me? I'm cold,” she asked in a soft voice. I tugged the blankets from underneath her so I could get into bed, then pulled them over us. Jessica curled up against my side, and I grabbed the TV remote from the nightstand. I pointed it at the foot of the bed, and when the TV appeared from the footboard I navigated to Netflix.
“What movie do you want to fall asleep to?” I asked, and Jessica giggled again from under the blanket.
“Breakfast at Tiffany's. I like that movie,” she answered. I found the old Hepburn film, and Jessica was out within minutes with her head resting on my chest. I’d discovered that I liked holding her close and feeling her body against mine, which was something I hadn’t anticipated. I typically wasn't a fan of cuddling, and had rarely done so over the years, but with Jessica…it was different. She fit perfectly against me.
Chapter 10
Bastian
Jessica woke me with soft kisses on my jaw and collar. I opened my eyes, and she smoothed back my hair to kiss me on the cheek before she slid out of bed and stretched. I groaned and rolled over onto my stomach. The morning erection I was sporting was only being made worse.
“Good morning,” she smiled, and I grunted sleepily. “We have to grab two people from downstairs and meet the priest at the courthouse soon,” she reminded me.
She headed to the bathroom to rinse off, and I climbed out of bed with a sigh once I heard the shower running. When we were both dressed and clean, we made our way downstairs to see if there was anyone left in the house who’d be willing to accompany us to the courthouse. Nick was unconscious on the couch, and Jeannie had left with her date when the party was over. Most of the people who had slept over had already left or were getting ready to go.
“Well, that leaves my brother and sister-in-law,” Jessica sighed.
“I'll go see if they're awake,” I nodded, then hurried upstairs to gently knock on their door. Jay opened it while pulling on a t-shirt, and he smiled at me brightly.
“What's up, brother-in-law?”
I returned his smile and pleadingly asked him to witness for Jessica and I at the courthouse, to which he happily agreed. Having overheard the request, Tasha emerged from the bathroom and volunteered herself as well. I thanked them both, and they asked for a few minutes to get themselves and JJ ready. I darted back downstairs to inform Jessica over breakfast, relieved to find some leftovers from the catering company in the fridge.
I debated letting Jay, Tasha, and JJ stay at my home while Jessica and I were on our vacation since the house Jay was working on was also in the Hamptons. Not having to drive from the city every day would certainly be far more convenient for him.
“Okay, let's get you guys actually married,” Tasha greeted as she entered the kitchen from the rear staircase with Jay behind her carrying JJ.
“Yeah, so we can be off to our honeymoon,” Jessica glowed. “Which, by the way, is going to be where again?” she asked slyly.
“You'll see when we get there,” I shook my head.
“I'll find out when we get to the airport,” she rolled her eyes.
“We're taking my private jet. You won't know anything until we get there,”
I assured her with a devilish grin, and caught Jay's impressed expression when I mentioned our mode of travel.
JJ had a late night and was cranky. He didn't want to eat breakfast, and after Jay passed him off to Tasha, the boy stayed curled up in her lap while dozing in and out of sleep. Once we were all ready, I gently padded over to Nick who was still passed out on my couch. I checked to make sure he was still breathing, then took the keys to his Range Rover so we could all ride in one vehicle.
When we met the priest at the courthouse, I fully expected to be intercepted by immigration while the clerk was double-checking our marriage license in his computer. The tall, lanky man wore a dark blue sweater-vest over a yellow button-down shirt with long sleeves. He seemed to be in his forties, and wore a thick pair of glasses.
“Okay, I see your license is still valid, so let me just get a marriage certificate for you all to sign,” he began as he scrolled through the computer at his desk. “You're from Greece, Mr. Kosta?” he asked with polite interest.
“Yes, have you been?” I answered with a forced smile.
“No, but I heard it's beautiful in the winter,” he commented.
“That it is,” I nodded.
“I'll just be right back with that certificate,” he said nicely as he rose from his chair and disappeared from his desk. I let out a small sigh, and Jay looked at me with a curious expression. He opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted when JJ started complaining in Tasha's arms. When the clerk returned with the certificate, Jessica and I eagerly signed it and handed the pen to Jay and Tasha. They happily lent their signatures, and with that the marriage was made official. Jessica and I were now husband and wife.
“Alright, so it'll take about a week or so for you to get an official copy of your certificate in the mail,” the clerk informed us, then went over a few other formalities he recited as if he'd memorized them from a script.
