Brie
“Are we in danger?” my mother cautiously questions.
Taken off guard by the odd comment, I stop searching out the window for the store, and retort, “What?”
She tips her head the direction of our driver. In a lower voice, she states, “The bodyguard isn’t going with us just for eye candy reasons.”
Hearing her refer to the man responsible for my safety in this country as attractive scrunches my face.
Call me old fashion, but having my mother claim that about anyone in real life, I.E. not an actor or musician she saw on T.V., is awful. Like the way Kellan feels when his suits don’t match his shoes sort of awful. You know what the bigger problem is? She’s right. He’s really hot. He’s got this whole Jason Momoa smashed into Dwayne Johnson look to him. Very large build. Long dark locks neatly pulled back. Close to the face beard. Bright brown eyes and tattoos in places you can see, which has me wondering about the ones you can’t…You know they’re there…Hey! Don’t scold me! Getting wed doesn’t make me dead. Rest assured, I’m going to be keeping my opinions on wanting to see him momentarily naked to myself.
“Viper,” I proceed carefully, catching him glance at us in the rearview mirror, “is here as a precaution, mom. Because Kellan is a member of a royal family and I am about to become one, it is a requirement we travel with protection.”
“Why?” She pushes again. “Are they worried you’re going to be hurt? Or shot at? Or kidnapped?”
“Who do you think I’m marrying? A mob boss?”
Viper lightly laughs as he pulls up to a stop light. “Mr. Kellan would be a terrible mob boss, Miss Brie.”
Like the worst.
“Suits aside of course.”
His addition makes me and Jovi giggle, though my mother doesn’t look less distraught.
“Mrs. Sanders,” he begins at the same time he accelerates. “Please, let me be the one to reassure you my presence is not meant to frighten you so much as any person who invades Miss Brie’s personal space without her permission. Your daughter has…come to have adoring fans, though she doesn’t believe it, and Mr. Kellan would rather her have me at her disposal in case any of the less safe scenarios come to fruition.”
Fans? No. That’s ridiculous. I’m not…famous. Just because I’m occasionally trending doesn’t make me famous. Or important enough to warrant my own personal body guard in every country despite what my fiancé and future father in law choose to believe.
“I have one in Doctenn as well,” I say, placing a hand on her lap. “Again, just a precaution. I’m fine. I’m safe. We’re safe.”
And not just because Viper, like Swiss, has a nickname intended to reflect his capabilities. Between me and you? I’d much rather have a guy named after a deadly creature than one named after a household tool like the screwdriver or something. At least Viper sounds possibly menacing rather than just pornographic. Are you wondering if my last comment has truth to it? Well that makes two of us.
All of sudden the SUV completely stops. My eyes relocate back out the window to see we’ve arrived in front of the bridal boutique. The uncomfortable feeling I’ve been having all morning returns.
Lack of a substantial breakfast, maybe? Jovi refused to let me eat more than an apple insisting I wouldn’t want to feel bloated during the process. Kellan agreed with her before slipping me a slice of bacon between kisses. See. He’s better trained than he even realizes.
To my surprise, a valet comes to park the car and Viper escorts the three of us inside. In spite of the small appearance on the outside, the interior goes on for what feels like miles. The freshly polished dark hard wood floors and the chrome decor cultivate a chic impression. Along each of the gray painted walls are built in shelving used to display wedding dresses of various styles while in the very back of the store there seems to be units of colorful gowns, I assume for the bridesmaids. In the center are two curved white couches facing one another and a coffee table to separate them.
Do you get the feeling this is going to wipe out my savings?
“Brie!” My sister squeals joyfully during her exit from where I assume the restroom is. She swiftly strolls over to me, wraps her arms around me, and squeezes tightly. “You’re home!”
I give us a moment to relish in my return. “I am.”
“Did you just get in?”
Pulling back, I answer, “Two days ago.”
She doesn’t waste time frowning. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“We were just trying to take a day to rest before everything gets crazy. Between the last of our Christmas shopping and wedding plans, we’re barely getting to say more than good morning and good night.”
No exaggeration. Plus, when you add Kellan trying to finalize all the plans he could for Hannah’s Hope before we left, there were a few days when it was more of an either or scenario. Never thought I would be anxious to have our honeymoon simply so we can have the ability to not only go to bed together but wake up that way too.
Candice offers me the best look of condolences she can muster up. “Well at least you’re home now and we can actually go wedding dress shopping together!”
The thought churns my stomach again.
What if I can’t find a dress? What if we waste the entire day and I end up having to purchase something I like, but don’t love? Most brides get months upon months to shop, get fitted, and prepared. I know this is what I wanted, being married at the end of the month, but I never thought Kellan would scrap the plans we had for the ones I originally pictured. A little more heads up than I got would’ve been nice is all I’m saying.
Forcing the uneasiness back down, I ask, “Why couldn’t we just pick you up this morning?”
She tries to hide the blush coming to her cheeks. “I…I wasn’t home.”
A playful smile crosses my lips. “No? Where were you?”
Candice avoids the question and casually points to Viper. “Why do you have a clone of The Rock?”
Told you.
“Viper,” I quickly introduce them, “meet my sister Candice. Candice meet my in the states body guard, Viper.”
His stoic expression instantly shifts the moment their hands link. Startled by the sudden change of facial appearance almost as much as the lingering shake, I hide my growing grin behind my hand.
Do you see the connection too?
“Pleasure,” he states softly.
“Definitely…”
My mother finally turns our direction with a displeased look.
From their flirting or something else? She’s been making that face often lately. Wedding stress getting to her?
Her unhappiness stabs itself my direction. “Do you know where they’re going today?”
Completely clueless, I reply, “Who’s going where?”
“Your father and Kellan.”
“I didn’t even know they were spending the day together.”
“Apparently, they’re going to pick out crummy wedding D.J.s, chocolate cake, and vegetable bread.”
My face threatens a smirk.
Really? My exact wording? Ugh. He’s adorable and a pain.
“The last thing your father needs is cake!”
My sister quickly joins the conversation, “Oh God, he can’t have cake!”
Rather than remind them both he will be doing exactly that in two weeks at my wedding, I offer the best comfort I can. “I’m sure everything will be fine. Kellan is aware of dad’s diet restrictions and wouldn’t dare stuff him full of beer and burgers or anything else that could jeopardize his health.”
Kellan was the one who brought him a veggie burger the day he proposed to me…They really have very little to worry about. We all know out of the two of us I’m more likely to sneak my dad steak and potatoes while my husband-to-be is the one who would shove asparagus and grilled chicken with pecan crust at him. No, that’s not what we ate last night. He actually ordered us our favorite pizza before presenting me with a pre-nup and long lecture that included his opposition to the entire thing. I had no problem signing it, however his gratitude for lack of hesitation did keep us up much later than I probably should’ve been with this early ass appointment scheduled.
I watch my mom’s face cycle through concern, fear, worry, and finally settle on acceptance. “You’re right,” she says with a deep sigh. “This is probably a good thing that they’re bonding.”
“I don’t know about good,” I mumble as a woman in a black, one shoulder dress approaches.
She pulls her black hair to one side and offers us a wide grin. “Hello, everyone! I’m Kristal, the owner of Weardeville.” Her dark brown eyes focus on me. “It is a pleasure and a privilege to have you shopping with us to today, Miss Sanders. We will be doing everything possible to make this entire process a magical one.”
Curiosity doesn’t hesitate to make an appearance. “How did you know I’m the one getting married?”
Her bright smile is blinding yet friendly. “While Kellan did send a lovely photo of the two of you for reference, it is my job to be aware of the bride to be in a room. From the way your family has positioned themselves just slightly behind you implies they are all prepared to let the attention center on you. Your sister, I’m assuming is the one standing to your left closest to your body guard by your similar features and your best friend is the one peering slightly over your shoulder hoping not to get in the way of what she’s labeled as a sacred family moment. And your mother, who looks stunning in the CeCe LaCal dress by the way, is the woman to your right.”
Holy shit. She’s like a wedding Jedi!
“Now,” she steps forward and takes my hands into hers, “I’m going to need you to take a deep breath and relax. I can imagine how stressed you’re probably feeling, but the only thing stressing is going to do is hinder your ability to fall in love with something today. So, deep breath in…”
I follow her instruction.
“And out…” The moment I’ve exhaled, she adds, “Wine, champagne, coffee, or water?”
My mouth cracks open in an attempt to argue it’s too early for two of those things when it hits me that life in Doctenn has groomed me to believe otherwise.
Swear as soon as the sun rises in that country it is alright to start consuming alcohol. Like Vegas on a bigger scale.
“Water,” I meekly reply.
She nods at my request and turns her attention to everyone else. “And for the rest of you? What would you like? Please keep in mind, the champagne is complimentary.”
“Champagne it is,” my sister speaks up.
“Make that two,” Jovi quietly agrees.
“Three,” my mother deeply sighs.
Kristal grins wide and gives Viper a smirk. “Coffee?”
He returns the expression. “You know me well.”
An annoyed scoff causes me to glance over my shoulder at my sister.
Does she know she made that noise out loud?
Viper hides his amusement, keeps his eyes planted on the woman, and adds, “Thanks sis.”
“No problem.”
The new information causes me to giggle at the way my sister’s cheeks immediately rubricate.
Hahaha. Happens to the best of us. Remember the lesbian at the gallery I thought was flirting with Kellan? Yeah. He didn’t let me live that down for days.
“Make yourself comfortable on the couches and we’ll begin shortly.”
The four of us relocate to the sitting area while Viper lingers closer to the doorway.
Once we’re all settled, the conversation immediately centers on the reason we’re here. Unfortunately for me, everyone has a different opinion and a valid reason behind their suggestion on what would be most flattering. Knowing I should jump in the middle or at the very least contribute something to the conversation I sadly known nothing about, I listen on intently, trying to stuff down the trepidation in my throat.
Can’t I just get married in my favorite sweatshirt and jeans?
Kristal appears back in the room, this time with a petite blonde at her side, who happens to be carrying a tray of champagne flutes.
Regret begins to radiate through me when the assistant offers me one. “Kristal thought you might change your mind.”
I take the drink with a smile of gratitude.
See. She’s gotta be like the Yoda of wedding gowns.
Kristal moves to a point where we can all view her like she’s the new teacher in a classroom full of freshman. Everyone quiets down as the drinks are handed out. Her attention once more lands on me, which causes my stomach to spin. “Before we start looking through selections, do you have a style in mind?”
Candice answers on my behalf, “I think a mermaid dress would be best. She’s curvy and doesn’t exactly have a ton of time to tone up. I think a dress like that would be the most logical option.”
I tip the glass back and swallow my irritation.
A bloated black Arielle on my wedding day. Awesome.
“See, I was thinking, something short,” Jovi says from her spot on the couch opposite of me. “Show a little leg. Add a splash of color. That screams Brie.”
The corner of my mouth attempts to lift.
Did that sound sweet or more like artistically slutty?
“While I want to agree with you Candice, I can’t help but see her is something more classic, like an A-line gown. Simple. Modest,” my mom says cheerfully.
Feeling like I’m stuck taking a multiple choice test with no correct answer, I have another gulp of the bubbly beverage.
I wish it was a beer, but I’ve grown a fondness for this.
Kristal nods and waits until I’ve had my fill before asking, “And you, Brie? Do you…have an opinion?”
Slowly lowering the glass, I give her a pleading look.
The last thing I want is to let any of them down, ya know? I mean, I get it. The day will be about me and Kellan, but it’s so much more than that. It’s the first time any of my mother’s children are getting married. It’s the first time Jo gets to be a bridesmaid. It’s the first time my sister really gets to do the big sister thing and make a fuss over me that counts. How could I live with disappointing any of them?
“How about this?” Kristal begins warmly. “Why don’t we start with the bridesmaid dresses? Do you have a specific requirement in mind?”
I shake my head. “Just that they’re all the same shade of blue. Style, cut, and all that jazz is whatever they’re comfortable with.”
“Fabulous!” She exclaims. “Do you have the shade of blue on hand or know the specific color name?”
Realizing more and more how Kellan truly is completely in charge, I shake my head again. “Unfortunately, no. My fiancé is basically handling all those details.”
“I have it!” Jovi squeaks proudly.
My shock filled eyes fall on her. “What?”
She cautiously states, “I’ve been helping Kellan coordinate with the wedding planner while you two were still in Doctenn…”
A smile slips onto my face without my consent.
Of course he would enlist my best friend.
“And your name is…” Kristal waves a hand for to insert it.
“Jovi.”
“Jovi. How lovely,” she says with a wink. “Jovi, could you show my assistant the color, and then if you two would actually follow her, she will help you navigate your personal choices. I have the measurements of the other bridesmaid, who made sure to inform me she’s open to whatever it is decided since she will look like a sea cow regardless.”
Poor Soph. She’s so unhappy with her appearance it breaks my heart. It’s crazy to me! She really just looks like she’s trying to smuggle something out of the grocery store underneath her shirt. She’s essentially the same size she was pre-pregnancy everywhere else except her slightly expanded stomach.
Kristal snaps her finger and a woman who looks like an exact copy of her comes strolling our direction.
I can’t possibly be that tipsy already…
“This is my twin sister Kristine. While I have a tendency to focus on the bride, she has an amazing knack for focusing on the mother of the bridal party. She will assist you, Mrs. Sanders in your journey to make the statement you wish to convey on your daughter’s special day.”
I give my mother a glimpse, relieved to see excitement.
“If you will kindly follow her, she will be at your service.” Before any questions can be asked, she announces, “I’m going to spend a little one on one time with Brie and once we have a few choices to try on, we’ll congregate back together. However, I want everyone to take their time during this process. There is no rush whatsoever.”
“Do you not have other clients scheduled?” Candice asks exactly what I was thinking.
“Not today,” Kristal replies slowly, eyes wandering back to meet mine. “Kellan rented out the entire shop.”
“Of course he did,” I mumble.
“He wanted you to have all the time and attention you need.” Her smirk stretches. “He also said to ignore the price tags. It has been taken care of.” My mouth hits the ground to demand she disregards that portion of his request when she informs, “King Kenneth has taken care of all the bridal party expenses. He sends his love and best wishes you find something that makes you feel as beautiful as you all are.”
We collectively swoon.
Didn’t see that coming…
“Shall we?” Kristal offers her hand to help me up.
With one final deep breath, I place my glass down, put my grip in hers and allow the painful process to begin.
She leads me far away from the rest of my party to a rack towards the front. Thankful as well as relieved, I do my best to muster up the excitement I should be feeling.
This should be fun! This should be exciting! This shouldn’t feel like I’m picking out the clothes to wear at my own funeral…Why does it? What? Of course I wanna marry Kellan! I just…what if he puts all this work into our special day and it falls short because I couldn’t do my part and get the right dress?
“I know what you’re thinking,” she says in a soft tone. “But I promise you, no matter what you decide to wear, it’s going to be perfect. It might piss people off, it might make people talk, but this day is about you and your husband. No one else.”
My sister’s loud laugh echoes throughout the room forcing me to give Kristal a sarcastic look.
“I swear.” Her smirk remains. “Just trust me on this. Once we find something you fall in love with, I’ll play the rest of the crew like a fiddle.” She motions her hand at the selection. “What style preference do you have?”
“I honestly don’t know the difference.”
Kristal gives me a polite nod and proceeds to explain the different cuts while showcasing the latest designs for each. She makes a point to remind me, which of my wedding party wanted which, and I find myself not too excited about any of them. Sensing my hesitation about their choices, Kristal continues, showing off examples of something she refers to as a sheath style. The cut reminds me of some of the evening gowns I’ve worn to charity events and balls. My face frowns further as I decide to stay away from the style to avoid looking like I’m dressed for just another everyday party.
This not an everyday occasion. I plan to do this once. Only. Once.
“Your lack of enthusiasm is telling me one very important thing.”
“That I should get married in jeans and my favorite hoodie?”
She smirks and tilts her head at me. “Did you ever wanna feel like Cinderella when you were little? Maybe not the whole scrub the floors, have talking mice part, but the dress. The big, fluffy, twirl around the room while it literally sparkles, dress.”
Okay…maybe for like a minute…
Kristal instantly notices my change of disposition and her grin becomes that of victory. “Look, I know for most women their wedding day is a day to be a princess. However, I also know in your case you are actually going to be a real princess of a country and that fact probably overshadows the inner desire to fulfill the urge to want to in deed look like one on your wedding day. But here’s the thing. It’s totally okay,” she encourages. “Look like your fairy tale. Become your own fairy tale…”
Become my own fairy tale? Isn’t that exactly what I’ve spent this past year doing? Creating a new kind of once upon a time where princesses can wear sneakers, graduate from college, and give the prince a run for his money rather than just falling all over themselves for him? Kellan and I have always written our own story. Toyed with traditions and commanded we’re comfortable with where we go in life. Kristal’s right. My wedding day shouldn’t be an exception to that. It should be a demonstration of it. I’m ready to find my dream dress and more importantly…I’m ready to start my happily ever after.
Brie
“Mom, you have to stop crying. I know it says waterproof makeup, but it doesn’t expect you to test that theory!” Candice fusses from the black couch in the main area of the bridal suite.
“I can’t….” her words get caught between cries. “I can’t…” My eyes glance her direction through the open doorway where she’s beaming at me. “I just can’t stop…”
All morning it’s been like Sob Fest: The Next Generation. From the moment I woke up, she’s been cycling through fits of tears. Not even sure how one person has that much fluid left in their body to continue to cry at this point. I know it’s the whole watching one of your children get married thing, but I can barely hold myself together. I don’t have the energy to do her too.
“Brie’s almost done here,” Soph announces from her position beside my sister. “Candice why don’t you take your mother to find your father and see if he’s ready? Perhaps check on the groom? If I know Kellan, which I do, there’s a high chance he’ll need to be reminded to wrap up his primping in a timely fashion.”
Candice hums, wiggles her foot into her shimmery silver pump, and stands. “That’s a wonderful idea, Sophia. Why don’t we go do that mom and get you some fresh air?”
My mother swipes away her latest tears. “Are you sure we should leave Brie? She-”
“I’m fine,” I quickly insist as another flash from over my right shoulder goes off. “Blinded…but fine. It’s just my dress left.”
“Don’t you need me to tie it?” her voice cracks.
And use the string like a tissue? No thank you.
“I’ll tie it,” Soph volunteers swiftly. “It’ll let me actually feel useful.” She gently pats her stomach with a smirk. “I haven’t been able to contribute much.”
She has mastered the art of playing the pregnancy card. At rehearsal dinner last night, she ended the argument about who should pay for the meal with a simple comment about having missed my birthday and bachelorette party and being eager to contribute to the festivities since this was the first one she was able to attend. The women around the table cooed and Kristopher immediately picked up the check to appease his possibly upset wife. It was impressive to watch and had she not given me a wink to let me know exactly what she was doing, I would’ve fallen for her woe as me line too. The woman’s a genius. Definitely queen of a country material….unlike me. Who can barely wrap her mind around being a duchess let alone a princess. Oh my God. In less than an hour I’m going to be…I’m going to be…
I place a hand on my rapidly beating heart. The photographer snaps another photo of me, and I feel my face starting to cringe.
The makeup artists commands, “Relax your face.”
Easy for her to say. She’s not about to become a princess of a foreign country. A symbol. An icon for a new generation. Oh….the pressure….
The air in the room suddenly seems to be dissipating. I try to hide my inability to breathe once more, but my chest constricts tighter.
I can’t breathe…
“You tying is a lovely idea, Sophia. We will check on the rest of the family,” my mother speaks up, now completely composed again.
The photographer prepares to take my picture again when Soph suggests, “Why don’t you come in here and take a couple more of her mother and sister, before they leave?”
She doesn’t hesitate to take the instructions given. The delivery of the statement may have appeared as a casually offered idea, but in reality, it was a demand given without room for question.
See what I mean. She’s cut out to be a Kenningston. What if I’m not? What if…what if people never take me seriously when I stand on my own away from Kellan in Doctenn? What if they return to snubbing me or wishing to banish me back to my own country? What if I become an embarrassment in history to them? What if I become a black mark they don’t even talk about? Racial joke slightly intended.
“We will apply your lipstick after your dress is on,” the woman says peering at my reflection. “We don’t want to risk it rubbing off.”
I nod my understanding.
“I’ll collect my things once you’re headed to the wedding.”
“Thank you,” I quietly state.
Seconds later the sound of a door shutting echoes throughout the hotel suite and the panic sets back in.
What if Kellan’s changed his mind? What if this isn’t what he truly wants? What if he wants something that’s easier and doesn’t propose any sort of threat to the future of his organizations? I know we’ve gotten to a better place with all of that, but what happens if race becomes the issue all over again? What if by choosing me as his future, it destroys all the other things he wanted for it?
“Jovi,” Soph’s voice interrupts the run-away train of thought. “Do you mind checking on a few of the details with the wedding planner? Just verifying everything is on schedule?”
“Sure!” Jovi says with elation in her voice.
That sound should be in mine…
She leans over so her face momentarily appears in the doorway. “If you need anything while I’m out just text me.” Her hand dangles the device. “Pretty sure I can sneak you a snack if you need it.”
I make a genuine attempt to smile. “I’m good…”
During my bachelorette party she took it upon herself to be the one to insure I ate enough to balance the rapid rate we were downing beer. Rather than have anything too wild or fly off to Vegas, which Kellan and I both swore to Kenneth we wouldn’t do, Kellan paid to have the event room of our first date rented out and decorated to a casino theme. None of the games were for actual cash and most were an alcoholic version of the real ones, but it was still a blast. A few acquaintances from college came along with most of my bridal party. We partied far too late and having a rented suite for us to crash in was definitely a wise idea. As were the greasy tacos she had me stuffing in my mouth at 2 a.m. A week later for my birthday Kellan rented out Balloon Bust for a few of us and then took us to this burger bar place I had never even heard of. You get to watch every step of the process from grilling to them adding the toppings. Then they have this insane fry station where any type of fry you can think of can be ordered and topped with ingredients. After you’ve essentially eaten your weight in food and drank it in an array of expensive beers, they have an ice cream area that works just as on demand as the other two. How I’ve lived in this city all my life and never been to the place is a mind scratcher. I overstuffed myself to the point I swore I’d never eat again. I actually haven’t eaten more than salad since the day after that, which was fine for the first 48 hours but now has begun to feel like I’m being made to suffer out of spite. Don’t worry. I’ll survive….or die of starvation and not have to worry about being a runaway bride. Did you ever see that movie?
“Why don’t you take a break from snapping photos?” Soph sweetly hums. “Perhaps step outside and check the ones you’ve gotten?”
Which should be an ass load. Every moment of this day since I woke up in my old bed at my parent’s house has been thoroughly documented thanks to the photographer hired to follow each of us around like a personal paparazzi. Of course, Kellan is handling the attention better than I am. He’s gleefully posted on IG twice. The first time it was a picture of his coffee with the caption ‘last cup as a bachelor’ and the second was a photo of his hand with the hashtag ‘ready for my ring’. His excitement relieved the immediate restlessness I woke up with it, but as the day has gone on, it has steadily built itself back up.
My best friend disappears along with the makeup artist and photographer leaving me alone with my future sister in law. To my surprise, she stands up, allowing her loose fitted, sleeveless, cobalt blue gown to gracefully fall to her silver flat covered feet, and strolls towards the open doorway.
“You’ve got the jitters,” she announces sweetly.
I attempt to stop rubbing the ache in my chest. “Is it that obvious?”
“Yes.” Soph offers me a bright smile. “But they are normal on your wedding day. It’s a huge step in a new direction. Now, are your nerves about spending the rest of your life with Kellan or are you nervous about your pending status?”
There’s isn’t a part of me that can imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else. I knew that the moment I let him go and assumed we’d never be together again. I look forward to our life together. Him pouting at new art exhibits, me gagging on odd entrees, and both of us arguing over the latest Doctor Who episodes….Those thoughts are the ones that seem to still my nerves for moments. It’s the latter that gets them all riled up again.
Quietly, I confess, “I don’t think I’m going to be a good Princess or…Duchess for that matter. Sure, we’ve made some waves and changes these past few months, but what if they don’t stick? What if the people of your country start to hate me again? Demand for traditions or Kellan to marry someone they approve of? What if by making us official we go through the funding nightmare again or something much worse I can’t even predict?”
Soph tilts her at me in a comforting way. “I’m going to tell you something I’ve never told anyone else.”
I spin myself around in the vanity chair to give her my full attention.
“I almost didn’t marry Kristopher for the same reasons.”
The information lurches my eyebrows into the air. “What!”
She lifts a hand to calm my outburst. “It was our wedding day. I hadn’t slept in what felt like months. It was this moment, this one right here, except I was already in my gown. Everyone had stepped away to give me a moment before we were to begin. It was the first time I had had a second to breathe. And suddenly as I did, I began to realize this was the rest of my life! This was how it was going to be! From that moment until I die because of who Kristopher was, I would never be alone. I would never have privacy. I would always be confined to rules and regulations and mind boggling traditions. Keep in mind this was when Kenneth was determined to keep all of those things. It had finally set in that if I walked down the aisle, if I said ‘I do’, signed the papers, I would be giving up much more than my last name. I’d be giving up my freedom.”
This story isn’t helping…
“I was about to start plotting the best way to escape when there was a knock at the door…It was Kellan. I reluctantly let him in. He took one look at me, smiled, and said if I was going to run away, he’d more than willingly run a distraction while I took the back exit.”
“Sounds like him.”
“Right?” She snickers. “I laughed, feeling the first relief I had all day. Shortly after, I was furious. I yelled and stomped and chewed him out for even suggesting such a thing. I was marrying his brother, the last thing he should do is ruin that. And then…and then Kellan said something to me that I needed to hear.”
Her pause causes me to lean closer in desperation for more.
“He told me that if I didn’t want to marry Kristopher then he was saving his brother from a lifetime of misery. That if I didn’t believe I loved him enough to endure the future then it would be better for me to leave now than fill him with hope and drag us both to a dark place we would hate. Kellan calmly reminded me life is shorter than most people care to admit to themselves and he would rather his brother be beside himself for a few months than waste his life in a loveless marriage. He told me, I shouldn’t give a shit about the hundreds of people waiting for us to be wed or the country that loves to criticize. The only thing I should be worried about is whether or not for the next fifty or sixty years that’s who I wanted at my side. Because things change. Because environments change. Because moods change. All of those are irrelevant in relation to who it is you want to make the journey with.”
My jaw helplessly creeks open.
“I know…very profound for someone who once refused to sleep with a woman because she insulted the strings on his shoes…”
Seriously?
“But he was right. All that mattered was who I wanted to spend my days with. It shouldn’t matter where we were or where we were going or what we were going to have to do…All that should’ve mattered was that we were together.” Another sweet smirk crosses her face. “So, with that story told…I have something for you.”
Curiosity crooks an eyebrow.
Soph takes a step out of my sight, ruffles around something, and returns with a large silver gift box. She extends it to me with mischief in her eyes. “From your groom.”
“Oh my God was I supposed to buy him a wedding present?”
Ugh. Am I failing at this bride thing or what?
She giggles and shakes her head. “No. He just wanted to make sure to add a little something special to your day.”
I take the object but give her a sarcastic expression. “You mean the day he planned entirely? You mean the wedding of my dreams that all I had to do was pick out a dress, write vows, and show up for? How could it possibly get more special?”
“You’ll see.” An all knowing look graces her face. “I’m going to give you a minute to open it alone and if you decide your fears are stronger than your love for him I’ll help you escape out the emergency exit. But if you decide your love is stronger than anything else, just pop your head out when you’re ready to wiggle into your dress.”
Soph doesn’t linger around for my response.
Once I’m completely alone, I push the makeup on the vanity counter to the side, and remove the envelope attached to it. I quickly pull out the note written on cream colored paper. A smile slips onto my face at the sight of his alarmingly fancy handwriting for a guy.
Does this not look like the first draft of the constitution?
Love,
Happy Wedding Day! By this point in the afternoon you are probably running on fumes and desperate for the bacon appetizers being served in just a couple hours. However, I wanted you to know I understand if you change your mind. I know our life ahead isn’t going to be easy. Hell, it’s going to be absolutely terrifying at times. Frustrating at others. There’s a high probability you’re going to debate if marrying me was the right thing to do. I just hope the answer will be yes. For me…I know it will, because I’ll never forget the days I had to lead a life without you. I never want to repeat it.
Inside this box are two gentle reminders that if you meet me at the end of the aisle like I am imagining, no matter what is waiting for us on the other side of I do…we will always live our life our way.
I love you.
-Kellan
I swallow the tears building and hastily rip off the lid. As soon as my eyes land on the objects inside the tears fall at the same time laughter explodes.
God, how crazy and creepy do I look right now?
Through the mixed response, I carefully remove the diamond tiara to be added to my head, remembering the heated argument. The eventual compromise we always make. The steamy all is forgiven sex. I grin wide as the feelings of dread finally dissolve.
You can’t be a princess without a crown…
After gently placing the fragile accessory to the side, I pull out the pair of cobalt blue Chucks. My smile expands to the brink at the clear message he’s trying to deliver. The message, I desperately needed to hear.
Our fairy tale, right? We should live it out how we see fit…I may never learn who to curtsy for or which fork is the proper choice when eating squid, but I can stand up for what I love. For who I love. I will stand proudly to remind people it’s okay to be different. That it’s okay to love someone different. That you’re given a life and that you should enjoy it. I am ready to be a princess. I am ready to be a duchess. I am ready to say…I do.
Nervously, I watch the large monitor plastered on the outside wall of the gallery. It’s typically used to display information about the exhibit inside, but today it’s rigged to allow me to watch my wedding before it’s my turn to walk down the aisle. I helplessly hum along to the opening notes of the unusual yet perfect wedding song.
Isn’t it beautiful?! I know it’s difficult, but if you try hard enough you can see where the small reception area has been created to the left side of the room while the ceremony has been segregated to the right. I love how the chairs are gray with big blue bows on them. I love the fact the ceiling has blue, gray, and white heart shaped balloons covering it. I even love the fact he swapped the idea of having the bridesmaids hold bouquets of flowers with having them hold one single blue roses wrapped around a paintbrush. Should it worry me, he’s got a knack for wedding planning? Is this one of those ‘Hi I’m a red flag your fiancé’s gay’ moments and I’m just ignoring it?
“He did a great job,” my father’s voice praises.
I immediately divert my attention away from watching Soph and Kristopher walk down the path to over my bare shoulder. “He really did. From what I can see, everything is perfect.”
“Because you’re here.”
“Dad…”
“Brie…” He mocks with a playful smile. His brown eyes give me an unexpected long, hard stare. I can’t help but notice the shift of expression.
Too slutty? I mean I know the strapless corset top is a bit provocative when you’ve got a chest like I do, but I didn’t think it was that bad. I feel like the light crystal beadwork on it and the ball gown bottom help deliver a more romantic feel than a trashy one.
Cautiously, I ask, “You okay?”
Our eyes meet and he lets out a somber sigh, “I just can’t believe I have to give my little girl away…” Unlike my mother who has willingly continued to cry for the entire world to see, he swallows down his potential sobs and says, “I hope you know how proud I am of you.”
“For getting married?”
“For making the choice to follow your heart.” The correction tugs at my chest. “For being brave enough to endure all you have for the person you love. For not compromising your dreams for his. For always paving your own path.” He bends his arm for me to wrap myself around. “Just remember…Despite how much I love Kellan and how happy I am he is joining our family, I am more than willing to start an international crisis if he hurts you. Understood?”
I giggle and tuck myself in closer to him. “Understood.”
No more words are said as the doors open and Lifehouse’s “You And Me” floods towards us in a louder capacity. The small crowd stands to their feet and I take my first steps down the paint splashed pathway.
No flower girl. No pedals. Just a strip of white rolled out fabric with paint splatted playfully on it. This definitely suits us better…
While I know I should look at our guests, offer them smiles of gratitude for joining us especially on today of all days, I can’t. My eyes lock with Kellan’s and instantly every doubt, every worry, every smidgen of apprehension is dispelled. His bright blue graze leads me effortlessly towards him, towards a future I can’t wait to start.
Before I realize it I’ve reached the end of the aisle and my father is placing my hand into Kellan’s.
I give my dad one last look, mouth ‘I love you’, and turn to face the man I’m madly in love with.
He barely gives me a moment to drink in his stunning blue suit that is the same shade as the bridesmaid dresses before he’s stating, “I can’t believe I get to marry you…”
The desire to respond playfully arrives yet I decide against it.
Truth is…I can’t believe I get to marry him either.
Completely callous to the idea of a crowd watching us, we let our eyes aimlessly roam across one another as if it’s been decades since we’ve seen each other rather than hours. Everything about him looks perfect. His intentionally tussled blonde hair and decision against a tie brighten my already blinding beam. Knowing he’s wearing his hair the way I prefer and his suit the way we both do, fills me with a joy that’s hard to express. I note the other subtle touches of his attire like the gray engraved pocket square, the watch his mother gave him, and the cursive K cufflinks his father presented him with at eighteen. He too has managed to meet the perfect balance of who he is expected to be with who he actually is.
The powerful proclamation slides my bottom lip between my teeth.
Kellan softly groans and instinctively lowers his face towards mine.
“Not yet,” Kris gripes from over his shoulder.
He leans back and grouses, “Have I mentioned I bloody hate traditions?”
I wink. “Me too.”
Swiftly, Kellan wraps a hand around the nape of my neck and tugs our lips together. A combination of giggles and groans surrounds us, but the noises promptly fade away leaving only the sound of my heartbeat to thrum in my ears. The instant my lips part his tongue gingerly brushes against mine, caressing it with the care and concern alike. I push back with confidence. Reassurance. I let my mouth wash away all the insecurities he’s teeming loudly with. Our kiss deepens, strengthens, and eventually mollifies all the voiceless vacillations we’ve been facing.
All of a sudden the harsh clearing of a throat manages to break the trance we slipped into.
Oops…
Kellan abruptly pulls away and breaks out into a smirk coated with guilt and gratitude for being granted the kiss.
“The quicker you allow us to begin the quicker you can return to…kissing your bride,” the older man who has a Doctenn accent states.
We share a slight chuckle and divert our attention to him.
After a chortle of his own, he adds, “If it makes you two feel better, Kenneth responded similarly to seeing Hannah on their wedding day. He…didn’t break tradition, but he had to be reminded several times to mind his…manners.”
Kellan lightly laughs, but I ask, “How do you know that?”
The man offers me a kind smile. “I married them as well.”
My mouth falls open.
Holy shit…This is…This is huge!
“I would’ve married Kristopher and Sophia, however, I was…dealing with a death in my family at the time.” He pushes past the opportunity for sadness to dampen our situation. “It is an honor to marry another set of Kenningstons. Are you two ready to begin?”
Kellan’s hand reaches for mine and I allow our eyes to lock. “Whenever you are, Love…”
There’s no hesitation in my voice. “Now is perfect…”
An unsuspecting blush hits my groom’s cheeks.
That’s new and adorable…
Kellan gives a nod to the minister.
He clears his voice, folds his hands together, and states, “You’ve all gathered here today to witness the marital union of Kellan Kenningston and Brie Sanders. As you’ve already experienced from the choice of entrance song to sharing one last kiss as unwed couple, nothing about this ceremony will be traditional aside from the infamous words ‘I do’.”
There’s a chuckle among the crowd and I helplessly join in.
Gotta say…I’m relieved to hear that.
“But that is what makes this joining so exciting. It’s unique. From how they met, to how he proposed, to the fact the bride is basically in for one evening filled with a combination of surprises. It’s hard to think of a better metaphor for marriage.” My eyes swing to him as his land on us. “Your relationship has been one whirlwind of unexpected. The truth is that’s what happens in a marriage. You have ideas. You have intentions. You have plans. But unpredictable things happen. Mistakes get made. Pain gets caused. Situations suddenly are not so cut and dry like you imagined. Sometimes you go in knowing exactly what should happen next,” his hand motions towards Kellan, “and others you have no choice but to truly trust your significant other will do what’s best for you.” He motions his hand my direction. “Marriage is about trust as much as it is love. It’s about understanding the unforeseen. It’s about growing and changing together, even in the most unideal circumstances.”
“Love,” Merrick speaks up, moving my eyes over Kellan’s shoulder to where he is standing in his blue suit that matches the bridesmaid dresses as well, “recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”
“Maya Angelou,” Jovi adds immediately receiving my attention.
“Love is friendship set on fire,” my sister says next with a wide grin.
“Jeremy Taylor,” Hugh indicates from his position next to Merrick.
I’m only given a brief second before Kristopher and Sophia state in unison, “True love stories never have endings. Richard Bach.”
Suddenly, the sound of a small motor causes me to snap my head to the aisle where a tiny Blue Devil monster truck is zooming our direction. Unable to stop my giggle, I attempt to catch it with my freehand while Kellan lets his laugh go freely.
Unbelievable…
The vehicle stops and I glance around, curious to who has the controller. Merrick makes the truck spin quickly to display the back area, winks, and tucks the remote back in his pocket.
Kellan retrieves his ring and lifts my left hand higher for everyone to see. “Love is getting to wake up next to you every morning. It’s knowing that no matter what the world throws at me or takes from me, that I will be alright because you are by my side.”
My jaw begins to tremble in an effort to cease the urge to cry.
Ugh. I can’t be one of those people!
“Love is knowing that you are more than my best mate. That you are more than just the woman I was blessed to fall in love with. Love is knowing you are not just a piece of my soul, but the entire thing in beautiful brown flesh, with beautiful brown eyes, and a beautiful spirit that I would rather die than have to live without.” Slowly, Kellan begins to slide the thin gold band along my finger. “With this ring, I, Kellan Edward Kenningston, seal my love for you, Brie Adelyn Sanders. I vow to love and trust you, in sorrow and success, in sickness and health, ‘til death parts us.”
Tears fall onto my cheeks against my best efforts. I softly whisper in a choked voice, “You’re not supposed to make me cry.”
Kellan kisses the back of my hand and grins. “I warned you from the beginning I was much more charming in person.”
Don’t agree with him right now…
I giggle and swallow the next batch of tears building up. Rather than slow down the smooth process, I swiftly swipe his ring from the pillow, brush away the evidence of my eyes betrayal that landed on my face and mentally rearrange my vows to better match his.
“Love is getting to paint the world with you every day. It’s knowing that no matter what somber colors may have splashed onto my canvas they can be washed away with a simple laugh from you. Love is knowing that you’re more than my best friend, more than my muse, more than the man I fell head over heels for. You’re the artist of my soul and I would rather die than allow another person to ever grace my canvas.” He swallows a sob of his own. I lift his hand higher. “With this ring, I, Brie Adelyn Sanders, seal my love for you, Kellan Edward Kenningston. I vow to love and trust you, in sorrow and success, in sickness and health, ‘til death parts us.”
As soon as the gold band is settled on his hand, his mouth drops unexpectedly. His blue eyes pierce mine with warmth. “There’s a tie on my ring…”
A playful smirk greets him. “Well, duh. I’m tied to you and your insane wardrobe way for life.”
Kellan’s smile beams brighter and he curtly questions, “Can we get to the part where I kiss her?”
The minister chuckles and rolls his eyes. “On this day, by the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may-”
Our lips are joined and parted before the sentence is finished. Kellan’s mouth dominates mine with passion and devotion, delivering delicious promises rather than dreary doubts. He tugs me closer with both hands stroking the sides of my face. My hands grip onto his jacket with equal ardor as the cheers from our witnesses fade away once more.
This was the perfect ending to this chapter. I can’t wait to see what he has planned for us to start our next one…