Circle of Deception

by Skye, M.

  “Sit down before you ruin your makeup and hair. Everything is under control,” he assured her.

  “How is it? Melissa won’t be able to make it and I miss mom,” she said with her lips in a full pout.

  “Oh god Meg, it’s just your pregnancy hormones. Calm down! Weren’t you the one who told me that all you needed was Alex and Allison? Well they are both here and if you need reassurance, just look at their smiling faces,” he said and touched her shoulder.

  Poor Gio, he was trying his hardest to calm her down, but it wasn’t working. She was sitting there looking simply amazing in her strapless white gown. The top was hand beaded with a mermaid tail that accommodated her pregnancy, while still providing her with an air of elegance.

  Even though she looked beautiful, she was still wearing a look of apprehension. Emily knew it was going to be up to her to save the day. “Calm down sweetie. I know you're nervous, but think about it. In a few minutes, you get to marry your best friend. He loves you more than life itself and you have this beautiful little family.”

  “Do you think it’s going to be okay?” Meg asked questioningly.

  “I know it will. If you get nervous when you get out there, look into his eyes. They will tell you everything you need to know,” she responded and stroked her cheek.

  “You're the best, you both are,” Meg said and looked at both Gio and Emily lovingly.

  They didn’t know it at the time, but Aiden was sitting outside the door trying to gather his courage to speak to Emily about his issues. He knew it probably wasn’t the best time, but he had to get it off his chest in order to get through the day successfully. With sweaty palms, he tried to make out what they were saying.

  He stood there for a few minutes before he got up his nerve to go in. Once he cracked the door, he heard Emily telling Meg the most wonderful things. “I am starting to understand how you feel about family and love. I haven’t told Aiden this, but I’m crazy in love with him. It makes me scared yet happy at the same time.”

  “You really love him?” Meg asked jovially.

  “Yes, I do.”

  “Well, tell him, and the rest will work itself out. It’s not always easy, but I have a feeling he loves you too,” Meg said with a big smile on her face.

  At that point, Aiden couldn’t hold in what he had to say any longer. He burst into the room, startling all three occupants, and took Emily’s hand in his. She was mortified that he could have possibly heard what she said and just sat there in shock. She was still lost in her fears until he smiled at her and brought her thoughts back into a happy place.

  Gio and Meg just sat watching them as they stared at each other with a look of longing. Aiden was the first to break the silence in the room. “I heard what you said and I want you to know something.”

  She was so nervous; her words came out as a stutter. “What would you like for me to know?”

  “That I love you. I can’t think of a moment since we reconnected that I haven’t felt this way,” he said and caressed her cheek.

  Her brain was in complete upheaval by his admission, and all she could bring herself to do was fly into his arms.

  “Oh, Aiden. I love you too!”

  Gio and Meg were sitting there with their mouths open until they heard someone knocking at the door. Meg was just about to stand to answer the door when Gio cut her off and jumped in front of her. “Who is it?” he inquired before swinging the door open.

  “It’s us, open the door,” Maddie yelled and pushed past Gio to let herself, Melia, and the two excited little girls in.

  “Oh hush up. I had to make sure you weren’t Alex trying to sneak a peek at my masterpiece,” he said and stepped back to reveal Meg.

  “You look stunning,” Melia said and touched her cheek gently.

  “You look amazing. Alli bear look at your mommy, doesn’t she look like a princess?” Aiden asked and swung her up into his arms.

  “Yes uncle, she looks pretty, but what are you doing here? Auntie Lele and Maddie said this is the girls only room,” Allison said with a confused look on her face.

  “You're exactly right, this is the girls only room, but I had to talk to your aunt Emily.”

  “But if you're in here, then who is helping daddy?” she asked sounding concerned.

  “You are so sweet to worry about your daddy. Your uncle Matt and your grandpa are in there, but your daddy is ready. He said he woke up more than ready,” he replied and winked at Meg. His smile made her giggle and she hugged his neck tightly. “Well I must be going, can you take things from here?” he asked her playfully while placing her feet on the floor.

  “I sure can,” she replied and saluted him jokingly.

  “Bye sweetie,” he replied aloud to Allison, and mouthed I love you to Emily on the way out. She smiled at him and flopped back down on the couch only to be greeted by questioning stares from Melia and Maddie.

  “Did someone just drop the L word?” Maddie asked knowingly.

  “Yes, you caught me. I am in love with Aiden. Send out the hanging committee,” Emily responded jovially.

  “Wow, this is new. I thought I would never see the day.” Melia had shock written all over her face.

  “Those Hanover boys really did a number on you three,” Maddie said teasingly.

  “You know you want one, too bad they’re all taken,” Emily said and swatted at her.

  “Not all of them,” Gio mumbled and turned away quickly. No one seemed to catch what he said except Meg, and she pulled him over to see exactly what he meant by it.

  “What are you up to?”

  He looked at her and threw his most innocent look her way. “I’m not up to anything,” he winked.

  “Who is it?” she asked anxiously.

  “I have it on good authority that your soon to be cousin-in-law Nathan has a thing for Maddie,” he squealed.

  A smile formed across the Meg’s face when she thought back on their interaction during the rehearsal. She thought she saw a mild case of flirting and instantly got excited. “This is wonderful. Wait a second, is this why you insisted they walk together?”

  “Of course it is. I always know what you three need before you do,” he replied smugly.

  “She is going to kill you for setting her up,” Meg said and leaned into his arms.

  “She will thank me one day. He is a much better match than that dreadful Sean.”

  While they are in their own little corner, Maddie and Melia were placing the flower head pieces on the girls and helping them into their flower girl dresses. They were made of a Caribbean blue satin material, much like the bridesmaids. The only differences were that the bridesmaids’ dresses were shorter.

  They were just above the knee with a halter collar, while the girl’s dresses had thin straps. Emily’s dress was the only one with the exception of Meg’s that was a different color. Her dress was a shiny silver also made of satin, leaving one shoulder bare.

  Just as everyone was putting on the finishing touches, they heard another knock at the door. Gio quickly resumed his position as guard dog and asked who it was. He was pleasantly surprised when he heard Emilio’s voice on the other side of the door.

  Once inside, Emilio complimented the ladies on their attire, but when he got to Meg, he stopped short. His little girl was all grown up and about to marry the man of her dreams and begin a family. He was speechless, and all he could do was gaze at her lovingly.

  “Dad, say something,” Meg said, interrupting his thoughts.

  “You look beautiful my darling. I just came to see if you girls were ready,” he responded with tears in his eyes.

  “They are ready,” Gio interrupted and pulled Meg over to him.

  “Come on ladies, you're on,” Gio said and pushed Maddie and Melia towards the door with Emily and the children.

  “Wait!” Allison called out before she made it to the hallway.

  “What is it baby?” Meg asked and rushed to her side.

  “You forgot your luck,” sh
e said and handed over the tiny box, and envelope Alex had sent with her.

  When she opened it, she found the promise ring he had given her when they were fourteen, along with the court documents stating that they had full custody. She was so overcome with emotion that she let a tear escape her eyes.

  “Mommy, why are you crying?” Allison asked and reached up to wipe her tear away.

  “Mommy is happy. You and daddy make me so happy.”

  “What about the baby mommy? Does the baby make you happy too?” she asked with concern in her eyes.

  “You all make me happy sweetie,” she said and pushed a loose curl back from her forehead.

  “I’m glad mommy, because daddy said this was the happiest day of his life.”

  “It’s the happiest day of my life too. Now how about you follow Aunt Emily and Cici out there to put a big smile on daddy’s face.

  “Yes mommy,” she said and kissed her cheek.

  The wedding was set up to take place outside in the beautiful beach area. The aisle was lined with blue and silver ribbons and there were flowers everywhere. Gio and Marco had really outdone themselves with the wedding decorations. It was everything Meg described that she wanted. They even had a full-sized picture of Maria at the beginning of the aisle for Meg to see as she walked down.

  Maddie and her escort Nathan were the first to proceed down the aisle to strands of “Ribbon in the Sky” by Stevie Wonder. Just as Gio suspected, they were exchanging flirtatious looks the entire way down. When Maddie saw the picture of Maria, she almost burst into tears, but she held it together for Meg’s sake.

  Melia and Matt were up next. She saw the picture and got sentimental as well, but Matt got an eerie feeling when he looked at it. He wasn’t sure why, but something was off to him about it. After a few seconds of uncertainty, he shrugged it off. He decided the day was about Meg and Alex, and they should be above everything else.

  Aiden had become quite anxious because he knew that Emily was up next. Ever since they had admitted their feelings, he couldn’t stand being away from her. He now finally understood how Alex and Matt must feel. When she made her way down the aisle, he felt the breath leave his body.

  She looked amazing. When he saw her earlier, things had been so crazy that he didn’t take notice of the beautiful gown she was wearing. The silver seemed to make her eyes sparkle even more than they already did. When she saw him gazing at her, she locked eyes with him and never broke their contact until she made it to her destination.

  After she took her place, the ring bearer, Alex’s little cousin Jaiden, made his way down the aisle. He was extremely nervous and walked slowly, looking horrified by all the smiling faces. Aiden was just about to walk over and escort him the rest of the way when Cienna made her way towards them, throwing out her flower petals.

  She wasn’t shy at all, she reveled in the attention that was being showered on her and Allison wasn’t far behind. The two precocious little girls made their way to either side of Jaiden and looped their arms leading him the rest of the way. The scene was so cute that the photographer made sure to get several candid shots. As the charming trio took their places, everyone stood in preparation of Meg. As strands of Brian McKnight’s “Back at One” filled the air, Meg took Emilio’s arm. She couldn’t help it, but when she heard the song, she started to giggle.

  “What’s funny dear?” Emilio asked.

  “I was just thinking about a time when I was angry with Alex and he sang this song for me. He has a terrible singing voice, but the attempt made me smile. I told him I would love this song forever,” she responded with a tear threatening to escape her eye.

  “You know crying because you're happy is okay. This is one of the days you will cherish most until you have your sweet little baby,” Emilio said and patted her stomach.

  “Today is special for other reasons as well. Not only do I get to marry the love of my life, but I just found out that Allison is officially all ours.” Emilio grinned at her announcement. She was so much like him it wasn’t funny. He knew she was going to love Allison as much as he had loved her.

  Alex had been watching the end of the aisle intently when he heard the song come on. He felt as if he was about to burst when he finally saw her appear. Even from a distance, she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. As she made her way to him, his breathing became labored. His nerves were finally hitting him and he started to break into a light sweat.

  The closer they got, the more he started to freak out. She was perfect, and he was wondering if he would be able to live up to her dreams of what a husband should be. His nervous thoughts must have been present on his face, because before he knew it, Aiden placed a calming hand on his shoulder accompanied by a look of reassurance.

  When Meg finally reached him, all of his doubts washed away with her brilliant smile. Emilio kissed her cheek gently and placed her hand in Alex’s. Before he took his seat, he whispered in Alex’s ear and made him chuckle. After that, Alex was anxious to make things official. While Reverend Brayer began the ceremony, both Meg and Alex became entrapped in the gazes only meant for each other.

  “To all present I say: We are gathered here, not to witness the beginning of what will be, but rather what already is! We do not create this marriage, because we cannot. We can and do, however, celebrate with Megan and Alexander the wondrous and joyful occurrence that has already taken place in their lives, and the commitment they make today. I’ve known you two as long as you've known each other, and I always knew this day would come. May you always need one another, not to fill an emptiness, but to help each other know your fullness. May you want one another, but not out of lack. May you embrace one another, but not encircle one another. May you succeed in all important ways with each other, and not fail in the little graces. May you have happiness, and may you find it in making one another happy. May you have love, and may you find it in loving one another. Now, both Megan and Alexander have prepared their own vows to one another,” he said and smiled in Alex’s direction signaling for him to begin.

  With a saccharine grin on his face, Alex brought her hand to his lips and kissed it gently. Without thinking, she leaned in to place a light kiss on his lips, earning a light applause from the guests. After exhaling deeply, Alex began his vows.

  “As I stand here today, I give you every part of me. You'll never need to look further than me. I promise to always support, love and cherish you. You give my life meaning. You make me whole, and I’m going to spend the rest of my life showing you that dreams do come true. Mine did the day you said yes,” he said, with such raw emotion present in his eyes.

  When he finished, Meg had tears staining her cheeks, but she began her vows right on cue. “Alex, my love, my best friend, the father of my children, I stand here today offering you forever. You are the only man I have ever loved, and you will be the only. I promise to always encourage you to be your best self because you are perfect for me. When I had doubts, you never gave up, for that I will love you always. Without you I was lost. Thank you for helping me find my way,” she said and reached up to smooth a tear from his face.

  After the vows, there wasn’t a dry eye. Gio, who was sitting next to Emilio, reached over to pass him a handkerchief. Melissa looked over to Emilio from the groom's side and shot him a knowing look. They had both been so ready for the union of their children that their emotions were running wild. After giving both Meg and Alex time to fully recover, Reverend Brayer began the exchange of the rings.

  “You have for each other special rings, symbols that love is the most precious element in your life together. The ring has no beginning and no ending, which symbolizes that the love between you will never cease. You place these rings upon each other’s fingers as a visible sign of your vows this day, which will make you husband and wife.”

  “Who has the rings?”

  Jaiden had the rings tied to his pillow, but when asked, he froze just as he had while walking down the aisle. When Allison left her place next t
o Emily to go and untie the rings and hand them to Alex, Gio almost passed out, while the other guests broke into fits of laughter. “Oh god, it’s beginning to look like a backyard hootenanny,” he exclaimed dramatically.

  “Alexander, take the ring and slide it on Megan’s finger,” he said jovially.

  “I give you this ring, as I give to you all that I am, and accept from you, all that you are,” he responded and slipped it on.

  “Now Megan, you take this ring and place it on Alexander’s finger.”

  “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love for you. Let it be a reminder that I am always by your side and that I will always be a faithful partner to you.” After placing the bands on, they both smiled at each other brightly.

  “And now, by the power vested in me by the State of California, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. Alexander, you may now kiss your bride.” “Get over here Angel Face,” he said and pulled her to him for their first kiss as a married couple. “Family and Friends, I present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Hanover,” Reverend Brayer said and clasped his hands together.

  With that being said, they all erupted in applause for the happy couple. While the guests and wedding party swarmed Meg and Alex, a pair sat on top of a hill watching the wedding from afar.

  “Darling, we have to go. We cannot take the chance of being seen here,” the old lady said insistently.

  “It’s just not fair. We should be there. They are our family,” the younger of the two said.

  “If you are seen, the same thing that happened to your sister could happen to you, and I won’t risk it. We have to go. It was a risk coming here in the first place,” the older lady said and looked back at the wedding scene sadly. “One day my loves, we will meet.” When she turned back to see the pain in her daughter’s eyes, she embraced her and ran her hands through her hair.

  “You have to know that this is necessary until the danger is fully over. I can’t let that Amanda get her hands on you too.”

  “All these years, Ben kept you from knowing your grandchildren, and now that he is in prison you finally can,” the younger woman sobbed.