October

I looked at Tom. “What did they look like? Do they look like Rafe?”

He shrugged. “Like a couple of rich assholes. Tom doesn't understand how Rafe came from the same family tree as those douche-canoes out there.”

“And what about Arthur? Is he okay? They're not trying to handle him too much are they? I mean, I know he's their family too. But, shit. I mean, they didn't even come when he was born!” I looked in the full length mirror at the line of my jacket while Tom adjusted my tie.

“Artie is fine. Kent is holding Artie. That young alpha will protect young Artie. Milo just needs to relax and get through the ceremony.”

I nodded. It had been a long time coming, but Rafe and I were finally getting married today. Actually, in a few minutes. I was nervous. Not because I was marrying Rafe, but because his mother and brother had decided to grace us with their presence at the last minute. They'd shown up a few minutes ago, and Tom had immediately come to warn me.

“And Rafe? Rafe knows?” I asked Tom urgently, suddenly worried that the arrival of his family would ruin our wedding day for my alpha.

Tom sighed. “Milo. Stop worrying. Rafe is the one that let the assholes in the door. Rafe seemed fine, Artie is fine, and Milo needs to take a gigantic chill pill.”

I smiled and leaned into my friend for a hug. “Thanks, Tom. Thanks for always being there for me, no matter what. Now, let's go get me married. What do you say?”

Tom turned and held out a stiff elbow. “Tom says that it's about fucking time.”

I was still giggling as Tom and I walked down the stairs and into the ballroom together. Rafe and Ian were waiting at the front of the room. They stood on the right side of the altar area as it faced the gathered guests. They were in front of the gorgeous lilac covered trellis that Rafe had insisted on us having. The rented chairs were sheathed in floor length covers of white damask, and tied off with big silver bows.

Tom and I walked down the silver aisle runner side by side. My eyes never left Rafe's as I headed toward my happily ever after. When we reached the trellis, Tom stepped off to the left as I went forward to join hands with Rafe.

The attendant spoke of love and commitment, which I already felt every time that I looked into my beloved's eyes. This ceremony was just a formality. Our forever had begun a year ago, inside of a tacky club with glittery go-go boys in cages. I heard Artie making noise, and glanced over at the front row where Kent held him carefully on his lap. I smiled. Kent really was a good kid. And my son really was the most adorable thing in the entire universe.

Soon enough, we were exchanging vows. We'd opted to say our own vows, with a little of the traditional alpha/omega vows mixed in. We'd written them separately with neither of us knowing what the other was going to say. I looked at Rafe when the attendant told me it was time.

“Rafe. I never thought that I would find an alpha like you. Even the alphas in my favorite books couldn't hold a candle to the reality that is you. You're the reason that I smile when I wake up in the morning, and why I thank God when I fall asleep at night. You're my mate, my alpha, the father of my child, and now my husband. I love you, Rafe. And I vow to love you, honor you, and stay by your side through bad haircuts, foul moods, and horrible reviews.”

Rafe grinned at me, his eyes wet with unshed tears as he said his vow to me.

“Milo. When I found you, I thought that I was the luckiest man alive. When you forgave me for being an alpha-hole, I knew that I was the luckiest man alive. You're the song in my heart, the light in my darkness, and the beat in my heart. You're my mate, my omega, the father of my child, and now my husband. I love you, Milo. I will always love you, both in this life and the next. I vow to love you, honor you, and stay by your side through haunted houses, dead relatives, and random appearances of red croquet balls.”

The attendant looked at us with a curious smile, and said: “Milo and Rafe, I now pronounce you to be husbands, and mates. Long may you live and love in peace my friends.” Rafe was already pulling me into his arms when the attendant continued: “Rafe, you may now kiss your omega.”

Our friends and family cheered as Rafe pulled me into his arms for a long kiss. When we pulled away and turned to face our guests, the attendant proclaimed loudly: “Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present Mr and Mr Smythe”.

Right as he said that, all the lights in the house began to flicker and the clear sound of jazz music filled the air. Rafe smiled and leaned over to hug me while he whispered in my ear: “I'm pretty sure that's your family giving their approval.”

The strong smell of lilacs filled the air as he spoke. I glanced back at the trellis, but Rafe whispered: “Tell yourself whatever you need to hear to sleep at night, but the flowers on the trellis are silk, baby.”

I gasped as I looked over my husband's shoulder. Over at the edge of the room, I clearly saw my dad, my father, and my dear Nana standing there smiling at me. I blinked my eyes and turned to tell Rafe. But when I looked back, they were gone.

Rafe led me over to take Artie from Kent. He lifted our son up onto his shoulder and we walked down the silver runner together as a family. As we walked through the doorway, I noticed the red croquet ball sitting on the floor at the foot of the stairs.

I pointed it out to Rafe. He looked over at it fondly and then back at me. “Milo? You're my little red ball, baby. Don't ever forget that.” I smiled and leaned into my husband. My very own living red ball.