Sara
“This is it. Your big day. The day you become an old lady. I can’t believe you are really going through with this, but you have my support. Mom is still coming to terms with your choice, but it comes from a good place. You know she just worries about you.”
“Thanks, Cole. I just hate that she won’t be there today. She didn’t even show up to help Morgan and Harley with the decorations.” A tear slides down my cheek.
“Hey, don’t cry. You’ll ruin your makeup.” Cole gives me a crooked smile and hands me his bandana.
“Is dad coming?”
My brother shoves his hands in his pockets. “He got mom to sign the papers but I’m sorry. No. But I’m here and I will walk you down the aisle.”
“Thanks, Cole.” More tears fall. I can’t stop them.
“That’s what fart breath brothers are for, right?” He nudges my knee with his. “So, you ready to do this?”
I wipe away my tears, suppressing the urge to laugh at my old name for him. It seems like so long ago we were in California and always fighting over trivial stuff. And now look at us. Cole is married with a new baby and I am getting married and I have a baby too. CT may not be mine by blood but he’s mine in my heart. I helped bring him into the world. I'm all he knows. If my mom can’t be happy for me, then I don’t want her here anyway.
“Before I forget. Morgan and I want to keep CT for the next week. So you and Danny can spend some time together as newlyweds and you can get settled. I’ll drive him down myself Saturday.”
“Are you sure? A week. That’s a big commitment.”
“Don’t worry. You know he will be fine. I already talked it over with Danny, he said it is up to you.”
A week with Danny to myself does sound tempting...too tempting.
“Okay, but I want video calls every morning and again before bedtime. I don't want him thinking I abandoned him.”
“You got it, sis.”
I stand up and look myself over in the mirror one last time. Correcting my makeup where my tears have left streaks.
“You’re a vision,” my other grandpa, Romeo, says from the doorway. “Can you give us minute?” He looks to Cole.
Cole nods. “I’ll be waiting and I’m ready when you are.”
“Thanks, Cole.”
“Seeing you right now really takes me back. You look a lot like your mom, but you shine on your own, kid.”
“Thanks.”
“I have something for you.” He digs into his pants pockets and brings out a blue velvet box. “I bought this for your mom a long time ago. Never even gave it to her, but I thought it’d look right at home around your neck.”
I open the box and see a rosary style chain, holding a large yellowish orange stone.
“It’s beautiful. Would you?” I lift my hair to the side and he secures it around my neck.
“Really brings out your eyes.”
Holding the stone to my chest, I try not to tear up again. “Thank you. I love it.”
“I’m glad you like it. Wish nothing but the best for you today and every day. Danny better be good to you, because if he isn’t I’ll stomp a mudhole in his ass.” He chuckles.
“I’ll keep that in mind and let him know.”
“No need. Already had a chat with him after Grim got through with him.” He grins, stroking his silver goatee.
Poor Danny.
Some small part of me hopes my mom will change her mind. I keep thinking that any minute now she will come through the door and apologize or at least wish me well.
However, she doesn’t, and I don't want to keep Danny waiting.
Danny
I’m waiting anxiously at the altar for Sara. The Black Rebel Riders’ MC sits on one side of the aisle while my club, the Devils Rejects sit on the other. So far things have been civil. There are some members of the Born Sinners scattered throughout the guests as designated peacekeepers. Not that I expect any trouble today. Today is a day of celebration. A day that truly unites our clubs.
Cupid, Boogeyman, and Reaper stand off to my side, serving as my best men. Across from us are Harley, Morgan, and Kenadee. I think she’s Kurt’s daughter. I don’t really know him, just know he’s a member of BRRMC.
Our wedding isn’t exactly traditional. Me and the guys are wearing our cuts and jeans. The bridesmaids are wearing little black dresses that Sara picked out. Our wedding colors are black and white. Simple but elegant. At least that's how Harley and Morgan put it to me.
I see Cole take his place at the end of the aisle. All that is left is for Sara to join him and make her way to me. A few minutes go by and I am afraid something has happened, but then Romeo comes rushing down the aisle to his seat and gives me a chin lift.
Sara didn't want the wedding march to play. She said it was too old fashioned. Instead the song I Choose You by Ryann Darling begins to play.
Sara’s message is loud and clear. She loves me and no matter what she will always choose me.
A knot forms in my throat when I see her take her place at her brother’s side. Her red hair stands out against the simple off-white dress she wears. It hits right above her knees but has a train that extends from the back and skirts the back of her legs.
She’s beautiful and soon she will be all mine.
Our eyes never waiver from one another as she makes the walk to me.
Cole did a real solid thing today by standing up to give her away.
I am sure it hurts and cuts deep that her own parents aren’t here.
Today isn’t about them though. Today is a celebration of our love and my pledge to always to protect Sara.
Till death do us part, we both recite the vows binding us together as one mind, body, and soul.
“You may now kiss the bride,” the preacher announces.
Sara smiles at me with such love and devotion.
Lifting her veil, I claim her sweet mouth. Her lips part, inviting me home.
With her is where I am always meant to be. Nothing will ever come between us.
When we break apart a chorus of hoots and whistles erupts.
We turn to make our exit and Sara freezes. At the back of the church stands her mom and her dad.
“Come on, baby.” I pull her forward as well wishes are spoken from either side of us.
I don’t know if her parents are here to bless our union or not. I frankly don’t give a damn.
As we start to breeze past them her dad holds his arm out stopping us.
“You look beautiful, Sara. Congratulations, sweetheart.”
“Thanks, dad.” Her bottom lip quivers as tears threaten to run down her face.
“I can’t say I’m happy about your choices, but you are no longer a little girl, Sara. You’re a woman now with your own family. Even though I don’t agree, I am still your mom. Don’t forget that I love you.”
“I love you too, mom.”