by Jenny Wood
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, products, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
This story is also set in a southern state; please keep in mind that accents are different all over the world and I like to use them. It isn’t a typo or a lazy way of typing. It’s how it’s spoken.
Enjoy : )
Prologue: Jody
One of my brothers is getting married today.
Not my real brother, he’d never get married; but my honorary brother, Kingsley.
“Jody, we literally have twenty minutes to get to the church and it is at least a twenty-minute drive; we need to go, now. King will no doubt flip his shit if we are not on time.” My other brother, Kayson tells me as if I’m not standing beside the door, hands in pockets, waiting on them, absolutely ready to be on my way to the church. I’ve got my gray suit on, with a button-up, coral fucking shirt, and a light blue tie- request of my honorary little sister; Kayson and Kingsley’s baby sister, Kady.
“Conner, where are the keys?” Kayson yells down the hallway at his boyfriend who is apparently the cause of us being late.
“They’re in your hand,” Conner says calmly, joining us in the walkway where Kayson is standing, keys in hand.
“We’re going to be late!” Kayson panics. Shoving things in his pocket; phone, wallet, keys, bottle opener. How’d that even get there? I don’t say anything, we’re already walking out the door.
“I can’t believe you talked me into the shower. I already took one, I told you we’d be late.” Kayson grumbles accusingly, starting the truck as we all pile in. It wasn’t anything I was unused to hearing. Kayson, Conner and I lived together in a 5-bedroom ranch house we bought when we moved here to Madison, Georgia, from California almost a year ago now.
“I didn’t make you do anything,” Conner laughed, “I’m pretty sure I told you not to get back in because I knew we’d be late.”
“Well, what did you expect?” Kayson huffed. I rolled my eyes at my love-struck best friend. I couldn’t believe that he and Kingsley both had found serious boyfriends within months of moving here to Madison. It was the smallest little town, less than a thousand residents between county lines. Our whole lives in California, we’d all been habitually single; George Clooney single, never-gonna-give-up-that-bachelor-life, single. Two months in town and BAM, both of them are tied down and within a year, Kingsley is getting the very definition of tied down….today.
I can’t say that I’m not happy for them, I am. There’s no way that you could be in the same room with any of them and not realize how in love they all are. When Kayson almost lost Conner in an apartment fire; I truly worried that he would do something stupid had Conner not made it. Thankfully, he did.
When Kingsley met Morgan, he had a brain tumor and by the looks of him at the time, he’d been in the worst way. I almost fucked things up for them because I honestly didn’t see any other option for Morgan and I knew how badly that would hurt my brother, who I knew from the day he brought him home, that Kingsley was in love with him. Thankfully, Kingsley’s a fighter and he didn’t let Morgan blow him off out of fear. Today, I’m grateful for that; especially because Morgan is now cancer free.
“Jody, you come with me. Baby, you go find Morgan.” Kayson kisses Conner quickly before stepping back and winking at him. “We’ll see you at the altar.” He says seductively. We take off as we hear Conner laugh and yell out to Kayson; “maybe one day!”
“What the hell, guys?” Kingsley glares as we burst into the room without knocking. “I left you at the house an hour ago, you said you were coming.”
“Apparently Kayson needed another shower,” I commented, earning a scowl from Kayson.
“Shut it, we’re here now.” Kayson quipped, going to Kingsley and straightening his already straight tie.
“What are you doing? Don’t touch it.” Kingsley smacks his hands away before also, straightening the already straight tie. These guys are a mess.
“You seem nervous, King,” I say, earning another scowl.
“I’m not.” He tells me, firmly. I can only smile.
“You’re marrying Morgan, today,” I say, wiping the scowl away like I knew it would.
“I know.” He says softly.
“So how bout we do that, huh?” I shrug.
“Where’s Jinx?” Kingsley says, looking around for our other brother Jinx. He’d been MIA a lot lately, having shacked up across town with our receptionist/shop manager and other honorary sister, Layla.
“I’m right here.” He breezes into the room with his bright blue hair and pierced face. He’s our body modifier at the shop and the man has more holes in his face than most people are comfortable with. Still, he’s ours. “I got married yesterday so I was up most of the night.” He says nonchalantly, going to the mirror and checking his hair. It took us all a minute to comprehend what he’d just said; Kayson got there first.
“I’m sorry, do what now?” He asked; all of our attention on Jinx.
“You did what?” Kingsley parroted.
“The fuck?” Is what I say. Jinx stops fussing with his hair and smiles hugely into the mirror, looking back at us.
“We didn’t want to make it a big deal. We just got our marriage license yesterday and said, fuck it. We literally stood in front of some random judge in the hallway, who had no idea he was witnessing us promise each other forever, until afterward. It took five minutes and that’s how we wanted it.” He tells us before looking serious. “I’m sorry we didn’t include you guys. We’ll have a big party after the baby’s born.” He says, putting his smile back on. “You know Layla won’t want a party if she can’t booze it up. Crazy woman.” He shakes his head, sounding put out by that fact, but his smile gives him away.
We all rush him for a “Kennedy Brother’s Congratulations”. It involves side hugs, back slaps and maybe a nut shot or two- Kayson.
“Guys, two minutes until show time. Let’s go.” Merissa; Kady’s mom, who acted as a wedding planner for Morgan and Kingsley, says as she knocks and enters. She smiles wide at Kingsley, winks at him and ushers us out.
“Now, since nobody is walking anyone down the aisle, we’ll all just walk out one by one. King, you first, then Kayson, then Jody, then you, Jinx.” She says, straightening all of our already straight ties, yet again. “Then, Conner will come down, then Cameron, then Layla and lastly, Morgan.” My stomach clenches when I hear his name, just like it does every time I hear his name or see his slim, dainty body. His long, gangly arms and legs, his slim waist and overgrown, side-parted hair, almost covering his left eye, feels like a kick to the gut, every time. He’s almost too fucking pretty. Since Cameron was the night nurse in the hospital after Morgan had his tumor removed, he and Conner and become fast friends with the pretty boy.
“Of course, Kady will bring your rings AND shower the flower petals she demanded that she get to spread out and meet you at the end of the aisle,” Merissa says smiling. I think she was wary when we all showed up on her doorstep begging to get to know Kady, but I know she’s grateful for it now.
“Congratulations, Kingsley.” Merissa stopped and hugged Kingsley before we left. “Your mom would be so proud of you.” She finishes, making Kingsley beam and tear up with pride. He whispered something to himself but I didn’t catch it; it seemed like a personal moment.
“Alright, let’s go get you married!” Kayson announced and that started the show.
Standing up here next to my brothers was a proud moment for me. I don’t think they’d ev
er know how they’d saved my life and the ways they continued to do it. They all meant more to me than I could ever tell them and I was so happy I could give them just a little of what they’d given to me. I’d never seen either of them look so proud. Looking across the aisle, I see Cameron in his baby soft, blue suit with a very light, pink, button-up shirt and black tie, matching Layla in her pink and black dress, stomach heavily pregnant. Morgan was in a white suit with black, literally everything else. They all looked good, but Cameron looked beautiful. The look he wore on his face, was one of pure bliss. I caught him looking at me once, but he’d quickly looked away when I noticed. He almost seemed to be ignoring me on purpose and by the looks of it, it wasn’t easy. I knew the feeling.
It was true, I had a thing for the willowy, semi-feminine, man. I’m pretty sure he had a thing for me too. Unfortunately, he had a boyfriend and had, since the day we’d all met him. Plus, George Clooney, remember? Relationships were not for me; I had enough secrets and baggage for nine people.
Kady walked down the aisle in her dark red and black dress, with her hair up in a complicated yet gorgeous braid on top of her head. She smiled at all of us as she released her petals and hummed along to a song that she’d requested be played as she marched herself down the aisle, loving every second of the attention. The crowd was filled with townspeople who worked near our shop that the guys had made friends with over the past several months, and Conner’s mother Debbie was also here, having become the honorary mother hen to us all.
“Bubbies, you guys look so great!” Kady beamed as she made it to us at the end. She was so excited for this day; she’d been talking about it for weeks. “Jody, you have to smile!” She whispered at me expectantly until I smiled. I have to admit; it was a rarity unless Kady was around; she reminded me of an angel that I used to know. I shook off those thoughts, not today; I scolded myself. Today was a happy day for my family.
While Kady took her place behind Kingsley, the music shut off and the officiant cleared his throat and began.
“Friends and family, we are gathered here today to celebrate the love of two very special people. Thrown together by chance and bound together by love and acceptance, understanding and compassion; these two men have overcome many obstacles in their short time together, making them both realize how short our time on earth really is and opting to not waste a moment of it without one another. Kingsley and Morgan have chosen to recite their own vows and Morgan; you said you wanted to go first?” He asked and Morgan nodded, already emotional.
“I love you.” He says softly, blinking back tears. “Nearly my whole life, I’ve spent alone. Never had anyone to hold me when I was sick or love me until I felt better. I’d never had anyone pause for a minute and make sure I was okay or ask me how my day was and care about the answer. I’d never been held together or put back together after falling apart by anyone but myself and I’d never felt love so completely until I met you.” He smiles at Kingsley, pausing to wipe Kingsley’s cheek with his fingers.
“You’re a kind man; caring and compassionate. You’re sincere and loving; you never, ever go a day without telling me how much you love me. I love that.” He whispers, closing his eyes like he’s recalling a time when Kingsley’s done that. “I’m so lucky that I get to spend my days with you; loving you and getting loved by you. I’m so lucky that my day starts and ends with you, with your arms around me, loving me. You’ve given me a family, a home. You’ve given me safety and stability, respect. You’re patient and understanding and every day I recognize how blessed I am to have you.” He pauses and takes a deep breath. “I promise, for the rest of my life that I’ll try my very best to be all those things for you too. I promise, Kingsley, that I’ll never make you regret loving me. I’ll never go a day without showing you how much I love you; I’ll hold you when you’re sick and love you until you feel better. I’ll always care about your days, loving when they’re good and being there for you when they’re bad. I promise I’ll be faithful and forgiving; I’ll be compassionate and kind and I promise, with my whole heart that I’ll love you every single day for the rest of my life.” He finishes and reaches up for a quick kiss to Kingsley’s lips. Layla is a sobbing mess, Conner is making googly eyes at Kayson and Cameron looks… wistful.
“Kingsley.” The officiant prompted. Kingsley had to clear his throat a few times before he was ready to start, but once he did...
“I love you.” He whispered to Morgan. “I think I have from the moment I saw you. When I got to know you, you were this sweet, understanding and forgiving person; more so than I think I would have been. You had this outlook on life that I envied; you took the good with the bad and didn’t let anything stand in your way. I admired your strength and your willingness to fight, you’re the strongest person I know.” Kingsley brought Morgan’s hands up to kiss them. “You changed my outlook on life and love, you made me want to be a better person. You accepted my stubborn and obnoxiousness.” He said, making everyone laugh. “You show me every day that there’s beauty in life and things to appreciate; you make me stop and see color and you show me not to take anything for granted. You’re also such a kind and compassionate person. You love and forgive with your whole heart, even when you’ve been given a reason not to. I’m so lucky for that.” Kingsley whispers. “I promise you, baby, that every day of my life, I’ll live to make you happy. I’ll always hold you when you’re sick and love you until you feel better. I’ll ask you about your days because I’ll always care about them; about you. I’ll always be faithful to you, Morgan because I don’t see anyone else but you. I promise it’ll always be that way because you’re the other half of me. We’re going to have a long life together; we’re going to have babies and make memories and I promise; I vow, baby, that you’ll never regret loving me. I’ll spend every day of every life, loving you.” He finished. There wasn’t a dry eye among anyone, even myself; though I’d never admit that to anyone.
The officiant had them exchange rings, but it was just for show; Kayson was inking Kingsley’s on after this and King was inking Morgan. This was forever.
“By the power vested in me, by the wonderful, State of Georgia; I now pronounce you, man and husband. You may kiss your husband.” He said and Kingsley wasted no time pulling Morgan into him and sealed their promise. I locked eyes with Cameron and couldn’t look away; surprisingly, he couldn’t either.
Chapter 1: Cameron
I love weddings.
It’s a day of happiness and joy and so much love. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? I truly didn’t expect to be asked to be in the wedding party when my new friend Morgan, all but begged me to be one of his groomsmen. Of course, I’d said yes. I was likely to never have a wedding of my own.
Truth be told, though; I’d always wanted a day like this one, someone to look at me the way Kingsley was looking at my good friend Morgan. You could see his heart in his eyes and he looked like he knew that he was the luckiest man alive. Wouldn’t that be something? To be looked at like that? Sure, I had a boyfriend who said he loved me; those words just usually followed his fists.
I was a walking, talking, flamboyant, cliché.
My parents had finally had enough of my “wayward and sinful” ways and cast me out when I was 15. I suppose it didn’t help that my father had found one of my biggest secrets, hiding in my bottom drawer. Of course, my devout family couldn’t see past my “deviant, sick, behavior” and it had been their last straw. When I didn’t agree to go to conversion therapy camp, it was with the clothes on my back and the thirty-one dollars I had in my book bag from selling a couple video games at school that day. I no longer had a home. Just like that, I was on my own. Luckily, being a teenager on the streets of Louisiana, there was a youth center that helped kids get their GED or high-school diploma; then helped them get a job. I got a job in a small café, saving tips and almost every paycheck I had until I turned 18; then the shelter had to turn me out too. I was ready to go, though. I was ready to start my life, on my
own.
Fortunately, my guidance counselor, Gabe, had helped me apply to colleges and I got accepted to Georgia Nursing. I’d qualified for several grants and student loans. I’d be paying for them most of my life, I’m sure, but hopefully I’d make it worth it. I moved to Atlanta and started school here in Georgia, and for three years, that’s all I done. I worked part time at a nursing home, cleaning up and just keeping people company. It didn’t pay much, but as long as I had rent money and food, I didn’t need much else. I lived in my scrubs, then and now, so I didn’t need many clothes.
Cut to, getting my first job at a hospital in Atlanta. It was loud and hectic and I opted for the surgery unit or pediatrics. I loved kids. I’d had a little brother at home who had just turned two when I’d been kicked out and I missed him so much, every day. He was the only person in my life that didn’t put conditions on his love for me. He just loved his big brother Cammie. My dad hated when he called me that. I didn’t mind, though; it was the look in his eyes when he said it that I cared about.
I bet we wouldn’t recognize each other if we’d passed on the street, now. It’s been almost eight years since he’d seen me last. I wondered if he’d even remembered he had a big brother or if my parents erased every trace of me when I left. I tried not to think about it, it put me in a bad place.
I’d been working for the same hospital for several years; keeping myself, to myself, when a man came in to visit his best friend and his best friends’ wife after they’d delivered their first baby. They were all so incredibly nice and I admit, the man was elegant and professional looking. He flirted helplessly with me and made such a big deal every time I’d come into the room to check on the new mom and her baby. Asher, was relentless in asking me out and I’ll admit, he seemed like everything I’d ever wanted. Most of all, someone to belong to.
I told you, I was a walking, talking, cliché. I’m long and lanky; twink-ish, if you prefer. I was much too skinny with olive skin and too-long, dark hair. I had the long bangs that whisked down over one eye, but the rest was acceptably short. My dad used to tell me that I had a girly body, I guess the way I walked and talked and wore my pants, low on my hips and my shirts, snug and fit, that just made me scream “queer”. He’d screamed that a time or two himself.
