by t. h. snyder
“I’ll leave you ladies to finish up here. Jo, you look radiant. Linc is a lucky son of a bitch,” I remark before leaning in to kiss her on the forehead. “See you beauties in a bit.”
Walking out of the room, I shut the door behind me.
Thinking back over the past few years, this was a day I’m sure some of us didn’t see coming.
One of us getting hitched . . . ha-ha, quite unlikely, but here we are.
Each one of the crew members, we were different men when we initially met. We all had a past, a story that pulled us in another direction, but now . . . now here we are. Life may have thrown us a few curve balls but after all has been said and done, we made it through the worst and came out stronger and closer than any of us could have ever imagined. Individually we have struggled and fought the demons who tried to destroy us, but together we have proven that we are strong enough as a family to survive anything. We’ve learned, we’ve grown, and throughout the years, each of us has found someone to help make our lives whole.
As I make my way back to the where the guys are waiting, I look around as the guests begin to arrive. Today is a day of celebration, a day of joy and a moment in time that we can all cherish in together. There is so much love filling these walls and I couldn’t be happier to be a part of it all. Today an everlasting bond is being united and for the rest of our lives we will continue to build upon the memories we will create together.
The music begins to play as Dault, Steve and I take our places at the front of the church aside Linc. The ladies begin to process through the crowd, smiles beaming across their faces. Ashley comes through first, her pink dashing hair pulled high on top of her head and her eyes glistening as she passes by Steve blowing him a kiss as she takes her spot. Etty follows closely behind with her blue tendrils curled and falling down her back. She stops, stepping onto her tiptoes to kiss Dault on the check before moving to her spot on the altar.
The music changes course, the guests standing onto their feet as Jo makes her way through the crowd. Glancing at Linc, he swallows back his emotions as tears begin to fall from his eyes. As Jo approaches, he pulls her close admiring the beauty that stands before him. The exchange of expression is apparent how much these two love and adore one another. It’s a beautiful sight, one that pulls at my heartstrings.
As the officiant begins, the attention of everyone in the room focuses on the happy couple. The traditional ceremony takes place, each of us listening intently. But it’s not until they share in their individual vows that my sights steer away.
“Linc, you are my one, my only. Throughout the past few years, I have grown mentally and emotionally stronger because of the love you’ve shown me. Life may not always be perfect, but with you by my side, I know it will be remarkable. I promise you in front of everyone we love, that today, tomorrow and forever I will love and cherish you. If you are sick, I will nurse you back to health. When you are strong, I will help you build our future. For the rest of our lives I promise to love you with all that I am. Together we will create a family of love, hope, and understanding. You are the love of my life and I thank you every day for showing me what love really means.”
“Jo, you are the strength that gives me the courage to wake up every day. You have taught me more than I ever imagined was possible. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t miss you the second you’re away from me. I promise you that no matter how much I want to provide, I will remain patient and understanding. I want to build a future with you, a family and a life filled with happiness. In a few months, we will be blessed with one of the most miraculous gifts of all. Our baby will be the start of an amazing life together. You are my happily ever after and I’ll never take for granted what we have.”
I hear the words that they are exchanging, but my heart and soul are elsewhere while my eyes are locked on hers.
A smile pulls from her lips, I can sense that she is feeling the same way I am. She may have come into my life when I least expected, but I will forever be grateful for the roll she plays in my life now. I can’t imagine a day on this earth without her by my side. It may take us a month, a year or maybe even more, but when the time is right, we will be standing up in front of our friends and family when she forever becomes mine.
“Hurry up, guys, I want to go squeeze up my baby . . . let’s go!” Etty shouts excitedly as we all rush out the door of Cursed Magic.
“Woman, slow down. First of all, this is Jo’s baby and it’s not like they are going anywhere anytime soon. Linc, Jo, and Baby M will all be there when we get there,” I respond following her down the sidewalk to Dault’s car.
“I know, I know, but you know how I am. I want to be there. Who knew her water would break and in minutes the baby would come flying out. That is so unlikely. Seriously, Dault, when Baby R graces us with his or her presence, I want it to be that easy.”
“Yes, baby, I’ll do whatever I can to make that dream a reality,” he says pulling her in next to him while kissing the top of her head.
I have to laugh, she is a dreamer but I love her just the same. As we get in the car, the three of us rush through town en route to the hospital. Arriving just as Steve, Ash and Kris walk into the entrance I step in stride with my queen while walking up to the labor and delivery unit.
Stepping off the elevator, we are met by a proud papa. Each of us takes a moment to hug and congratulate Linc, he face beaming with pride.
“When can we go in?” Etty asks bouncing up and down like a little kid.
“Soon, I promise. Jo is feeding the little guy right now and as soon as she’s done. I’ll come back out to grab you guys. I just wanted to be out here when you arrived. I’m so fucking excited,” he says covering his mouth in realization of what he just said. “I guess I need to watch what I say from now on. I’m a dad . . . holy shit”
Rolling my eyes, I laugh at my friend. A lot is going to change around here for all of us, but I’m glad he’s the one to show us the ropes.
“Hey, does the lil’ man have a name? We’ve been calling him Baby M since we got the call,” Ashley asks.
“Yeah, he does, but I’ll wait ‘til you get to meet him to formally introduce you. I’ll be back in a few so sit tight.”
With that he marches off through the double doors with an extra skip in his step. I can’t imagine the pride he feels in this moment going back to see his wife and son.
A few moments pass before Linc comes back out to get us. Etty is front and center waiting to rush into Jo’s room. Not wanting to crowd the new family, I wait until everyone piles in the room before making my entrance.
As soon as I see Jo holding their son, my heart instantly skips a beat. He is the spitting image of his father, poor kid. He has thick dark hair and big brown eyes. He is absolutely perfect in every sense of the word.
“Crew, Jo and I would like you all to meet our son, Lance Mason Minzotto.”
Etty goes crazy with excitement, Ashley starts to cry and Kris steps in to swoop up the little bundle of joy bringing him over to me. Holding him tightly against her chest, she begins to sway back and forth as her eyes meet mine.
Wrapping my arms around her, I whisper, “I love you,” into her ear.
Anticipation fills my heart to know that one day this will be us and I cannot wait for that surreal moment to be a part of our story.
The End
Cursed Soul Playlist
Tired – Stone Sour
The Kill – Thirty Seconds to Mars
Higher – Creed
Hesitate – Stone Sour
Let Me Be Myself – 3 Doors Down
Call Me – Shinedown
Here With Me – The Killers
The Reason – Hoobastank
Second Chance – Shinedown
No Matter What – Papa Roach
Behind Blue Eyes – Limp Bizkit
Tangled Up In You – Staind
The Real You – Three Days Grace
World So Cold – Three Days Grace
&
nbsp; More – Moushumi
Hurt – Danse Russe
About the Author
I’m a fun-loving, down-to-earth kind of chick who loves to laugh, smile, and have a good time. Born in Allentown, Pennsylvania in September 1979, I’m a true East Coast girl who loves the mountains and the beach. In Spring 2012, I became an avid reader and since have read over 300 books ranging across genres, primarily focused on romance and paranormal. Simply put, reading is my escape, a way for me to turn off the outside world and get lost in a new one. I’ve found a true love in reading and writing, and I never imagined I’d be where I am today. When I started writing my first novel in June 2013, I was anxious to see where my journey would take me. Becoming an author has been a dream come true. This is more than just a hobby for me, it’s my passion!!
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